2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class Review

The GLS 450 comes with a turbocharged V6 engine (362 horsepower, 369 pound-feet), 19-inch wheels, a self-leveling air suspension, power-folding and auto-dimming side mirrors, roof rails, a power liftgate, and Mbrace Connect remote vehicle access (via smartphone app; includes remote start).

Interior highlights include simulated leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat, driver-seat memory functions, a power-adjustable steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 7-inch central display, Bluetooth, a 115-volt household-style power outlet, and a sound system that features dual USB ports.

An available Premium package adds keyless entry and ignition, a power front passenger seat with memory settings, lighted doorsills and multicolor ambient lighting, a navigation system, voice controls, a larger 8-inch central display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and satellite radio. Lane keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring are also included.

The Lighting package bundles adaptive LED headlights and automatic high beams. You can get additional safety features from the Parking Assist package that includes parking sensors, an automated parallel parking system and a surround-view camera system. Also available are three-zone automatic climate control, ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, a 13-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and multicontour front seats with a massaging feature.

The GLS 550 starts with all of the above as standard, but it uses a turbocharged V8 engine (449 hp, 516 lb-ft). It also adds 21-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, sporty exterior styling cues, soft-close doors and upgraded interior trim.

Optional items on both the GLS 450 and the GLS 550 include a panoramic sunroof, heated second-row seats, diamond-quilted leather upholstery, and the Driver Assistance package (adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and front and rear collision mitigation). Also available is an Off-Road package that includes an upgraded multimode terrain selector, a dual-range transfer case and front underbody protection; on the GLS 450, it also adds the GLS 550's standard adaptive dampers. For 2019, a Grand Edition package pads on upgraded leather seating surfaces and, for the GLS 450, a few features that are otherwise optional.

The high-performance AMG GLS 63 starts with most of the above and is equipped with an even more powerful turbocharged V8 (577 hp, 561 lb-ft), exclusive 21-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, adaptive stabilizer bars (the Active Curve System in Mercedes-speak), AMG-specific styling elements inside and out, enhanced bolstering for the front seats, upgraded leather upholstery, and a flat-bottom sport steering wheel.

Other GLS options include a trailer hitch, a heated steering wheel, power-sliding second-row seats for improved third-row access, rear side-window sunshades, a rear entertainment system, a Wi-Fi hotspot and a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.