The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 isn’t a brand-new model, but rather a facelifted offering that gives the flagship luxury SUV a more refined appearance and a little extra oomph.
Grilles are where the German automaker always puts a lot of effort when introducing a refreshed or redesigned vehicle, and the same is true here.
The outgoing twin-blade example is retired instead of a four-louvre unit finished in Silver Shadow, a treatment normally reserved for Maybach products.
The rest of the front fascia is much sportier as well, with body color air intake bezels and gloss black trim. At the rear, three LED blocks inside the taillamps complement the signature daytime running lights. Deep Twilight Blue Metallic and cool MANUFAKTUR Alpine Grey are new paint options.
At 5,215 millimeters long and 2,030 millimeters wide, the boxy shape is perfect for fitting up to seven passengers (six if captain’s chairs are fitted) and/or recreational gear. On a spring trip into the mountains, the cavernous cargo area was nearly able to accommodate two snowboards oriented vertically.
Refreshingly, the interior is rather subdued. Gorgeous open-pore wood lines the dashboard and door cards, the ambient lighting isn’t too over-the-top, and most of the controls are handled via the infotainment display. An updated steering wheel incorporates touch controls on the twin horizontal spokes, and the supportive multi-contour front seats boast eight different programs, such as the spa-inspired “hot stone” and “active workout” to mitigate fatigue on the back and legs.
The air vent slats are also given the Silver Shadow treatment to match the grille. The equipped $7,000 Premium Rear includes heated, ventilated, and massaging second row seats and entertainment screens behind the forward uber-cushioned headrests. Two 100-watt USB ports at the back ensure mobile devices stay charged up.
Under the hood is still the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, which engineers have massaged to now produce 510 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque—an improvement of 27 and 22, respectively. Delivery is buttery smooth, but as you’re actually maneuvering the SUV around town, its girth is definitely felt. AIRMATIC air suspension is standard and automatically chooses the correct damping level depending on the driving environment to offer maximum comfort and performance.
Equipping the $1,300 Acoustic Comfort Package makes the ride even more enjoyable. The windshield and windows are laminated with a special membrane that helps to block out unwanted noise and absorb heat from the sun. In addition, other sound-deadening measures are applied elsewhere in the cabin to keep the experience as serene as possible. The ENERGIZING AIR CONTROL advanced filtration system utilizes sensors to constantly monitor and optimize occupant air quality.
Most buyers probably aren’t taking the GLS off-roading, but there are features like Transparent Hood that use onboard cameras to visualize the steering angle of the wheels, potential obstacles underneath the vehicle, and more. An available Off-Road Engineering package installs underbody protection and provides higher ground clearance.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 is built at the company’s Tuscaloosa factory in Alabama with a base MSRP of $142,500.
Highlights (Base)
MSRP: $142,500
Motor: 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8
Horsepower: 510 @ 5,500 rpm
Torque (lb-ft): 538 @ 2,000 rpm
Gearbox: Nine-speed automatic
Layout: Front engine, all-wheel drive
Fuel economy: 15.4 L/100 km mixed city/highway (Observed)
