The Pinnacle of Grand Touring: A Comprehensive Review of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 4MATIC
As an automotive expert with a decade entrenched in the intricate world of luxury vehicles, I’ve witnessed the evolution of the premium SUV segment from a nascent niche to a dominant force. In 2025, amidst a landscape increasingly defined by electrification and digital integration, the Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 4MATIC stands as a resounding testament to the enduring appeal of traditional luxury, refined power, and unparalleled comfort. This isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a statement, a mobile sanctuary designed for those who demand executive-level indulgence for every journey, from the daily commute to the most ambitious cross-country expedition.
My recent 950-mile road trip, traversing the seemingly endless plains between Milwaukee and St. Louis, served as the ultimate proving ground for this magnificent machine. What might otherwise have been a monotonous six-hour exercise in patience transformed into a masterclass in long-distance comfort, capability, and quiet confidence. The GLS 580 4MATIC didn’t just eat up the miles; it savored them, making every moment an experience to be appreciated.
Unpacking the Powerhouse: Performance and Engineering Excellence
At the heart of the 2025 GLS 580 4MATIC lies a powertrain that masterfully balances raw V8 power with contemporary mild-hybrid sophistication. Underneath its sculptured hood, you’ll find Mercedes-Benz’s renowned twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, a marvel of modern engineering. In this application, it delivers a formidable 510 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque. What truly elevates this setup, however, is the integrated 48-volt mild-hybrid system, EQ Boost. This intelligent addition can seamlessly contribute an extra 21 horsepower and a staggering 184 pound-feet of torque, primarily off the line or during transitional moments, effectively eliminating turbo lag and providing instantaneous thrust. This synergy results in not just impressive numbers but a profoundly smooth and responsive driving experience.
During my highway stretches, a quick glance at the real-time power meter often showed a surprisingly modest draw of around 30 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, a testament to the V8’s effortless cruising ability. Yet, the moment an opportunity arose—say, to dispatch a slow-moving semi-truck—the powertrain responded with an authoritative surge. The nine-speed automatic transmission, a paragon of fluid gear changes, executes swift downshifts without a hint of hesitation, allowing the GLS 580 to rapidly summon its considerable reserves. The accompanying deep, resonant bellow from the V8 as it propels nearly 5,900 pounds of luxury SUV performance forward is pure auditory delight, a reminder of the latent power underfoot. Mercedes-Benz claims a 0-60 mph sprint in a mere 4.7 seconds, an astonishing feat for a vehicle of this size and stature, underscoring its dual nature as both a refined cruiser and a potent performer.
Power is efficiently distributed to all four wheels via Mercedes’ sophisticated 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. This intelligent system continuously monitors road conditions and driver input, adjusting torque distribution to ensure optimal traction and stability in varying environments. The combination of this robust drivetrain, the powerful V8, and the rigid unibody structure contributes to the GLS 580’s impressive heavy-duty towing capacity of up to 7,716 pounds. For those with substantial recreational vehicles, horse trailers, or even smaller yachts, this makes the GLS 580 a highly capable and versatile companion. This kind of capability, seamlessly integrated into a premium family vehicle, is a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz engineering.
A Ride Like No Other: Comfort, Dynamics, and Adaptive Chassis Control
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 4MATIC is designed to isolate its occupants from the harsh realities of the road, and it achieves this with remarkable success. Central to this mission is the standard Airmatic air suspension system, paired with adaptive dampers. This cutting-edge setup continuously adjusts damping forces at each wheel, responding to road conditions and driver input to deliver a consistently plush and serene ride.
However, a vehicle of the GLS’s generous proportions and 7.9 inches of standard ground clearance can, in its default Comfort drive mode, exhibit a degree of body motion—what some might describe as a “wobbly” sensation or “head toss” over larger undulations. While undeniably smooth, this can detract slightly from a fully buttoned-down feel, particularly if you’re trying to be the most composed chauffeur for your passengers. This is where the beauty of Mercedes’ configurable drive modes truly shines. My discovery, invaluable for optimizing passenger comfort, was to engage the Sport handling setting within the Individual drive mode. This subtle adjustment firms up the adaptive air suspension benefits, perceptibly reducing body lean in corners and enhancing the sense of control and stability. The GLS felt significantly more composed, transforming from a serene cruiser into a more dynamically engaged vehicle without sacrificing its fundamental comfort.
While the GLS 580 is undeniably a substantial machine, its unibody construction provides a significant advantage over traditional body-on-frame rivals such as the Cadillac Escalade or Lincoln Navigator. This structural integrity contributes to a lighter, stiffer platform, which in turn enhances ride quality, refines handling, and improves overall passenger comfort by minimizing vibrations and structural flex. It may not carve canyons like a dedicated sports sedan – its sheer mass and size preclude that – but for a long-distance driving SUV, its ability to manage its weight and maintain composure through sweeping curves is truly impressive. The steering, while not offering sports-car levels of feedback, is precise and appropriately weighted, making highway cruising effortless and parking maneuvers manageable. The ability to fine-tune aspects like steering response and stability control in Individual mode, though subtle, reinforces the vehicle’s adaptable nature.
A Sanctuary of Sophistication: Interior Design and Ergonomics
Stepping into the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 4MATIC is akin to entering a meticulously crafted executive lounge. The interior design ethos is one of elegant minimalism, juxtaposed with opulent materials and advanced technology. My tester, featuring sumptuous tan leather seats, exemplified the upscale interior craftsmanship that defines Mercedes-Benz’s flagship SUV. Every surface, from the supple leather to the finely finished wood or metallic trim, speaks of quality and attention to detail.
The front seats are masterpieces of ergonomic design. Standard multi-contour seats provide exceptional support, crucial for preventing fatigue on extended drives, and can be customized to fit various body types. The addition of standard massaging functions and adjustable head pillows elevates comfort to an art form, making weary miles simply melt away. While subjective preferences dictate universal appeal – indeed, my grade-school best friend found the massage and head pillows bothersome – for me, these features were indispensable luxuries, embodying the ethos of a premium family vehicle that prioritizes occupant well-being.
The GLS 580 truly shines in its ability to accommodate up to seven passengers in genuine comfort. The second row, configured with captain’s chairs in my test vehicle, offers individual bucket seat comfort, generous legroom, and ample headroom for adults. These seats are heated, and passengers have their own dedicated climate controls via a small, intuitive display with tactile buttons, ensuring personalized comfort. The third row, often an afterthought in many SUVs, is genuinely usable for two adults in the GLS. The bottom cushion sits high enough to provide decent thigh support, and headroom is sufficient even for a six-footer, though legroom can become snug if taller occupants are in all three rows. Thoughtful amenities like multiple charging ports and cup holders in all rows reinforce its suitability as a true best 7-seater luxury SUV.
Cargo versatility is another strong suit. With the third row folded flat (a task effortlessly managed by power controls), the cargo hold swallows three gym bags and two coolers with room to spare. The GLS offers a modest 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, but this expands to a very practical 84.7 cubic feet with the second- and third-row seats folded flat, creating a cavernous, flat load floor. This flexibility makes it adept at handling everything from family vacations to substantial shopping trips.
One minor critique from my passengers, however, revolved around the running boards, which are tucked perhaps too tightly to the body to be truly effective as steps. Additionally, while the passenger-side second-row seat conveniently tilts and slides forward for third-row access, many wished that both second-row seats offered this functionality for greater flexibility.
The Digital Cockpit and Advanced Technology
In 2025, the automotive experience is inseparable from its digital interface, and the GLS 580 delivers a state-of-the-art ecosystem. Dominating the dashboard are two stunning 12.3-inch screens: one serving as the digital cockpit customization instrument cluster and the other as the central infotainment touchscreen.
The infotainment system, powered by Mercedes-Benz’s intuitive MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), is among the industry’s best. I found it exceptionally quick to react to inputs, with crisp graphics and logical menus. Switching between satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and the integrated navigation was seamless. MBUX is more than just a touchscreen; it offers multiple input methods, including natural voice control (“Hey Mercedes”), steering wheel-mounted touch controls, and a haptic trackpad on the center console. While the trackpad is highly functional, its prominent placement does occupy valuable real estate that could otherwise be dedicated to additional storage, a minor ergonomic quibble in an otherwise brilliantly designed cabin.
The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is highly customizable, offering four distinct display themes that can present a wealth of useful information—from navigation maps to driver assistance graphics—in a clear and aesthetically pleasing manner. This level of personalization ensures that drivers can configure the information displayed to their exact preferences, enhancing both convenience and focus. The Mercedes-Benz MBUX experience transcends mere functionality; it’s an interactive partnership between driver and machine.
Mastering the Miles with Intelligent Assistance
The GLS 580 4MATIC is equipped with a comprehensive suite of next-gen driver assistance systems designed to enhance safety and reduce driver fatigue. The adaptive cruise control system maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead with remarkable smoothness, while the lane-keeping assist system diligently works to keep the vehicle centered within its lane. These systems, working in concert, provide a significant degree of semi-autonomous driving capability, particularly on highways.
However, during my journey, I often found myself wishing for a truly hands-free driver-assist system akin to GM’s Super Cruise. While the GLS’s systems are highly capable, they still require the driver to keep their hands on the wheel, detected by sensors. Mercedes-Benz does offer its Level 3 Drive Pilot system, an even more advanced, conditionally automated system, but it is currently limited to specific S-Class and EQS models and operates only in a handful of Western states under highly defined conditions. While the technology is undoubtedly progressing, its widespread adoption in a vehicle like the GLS 580 will depend on evolving regulatory frameworks and further development. Nevertheless, the advanced safety systems present in the GLS 580 significantly contribute to a more relaxed and secure driving experience, serving as a vigilant co-pilot on every journey. Features like blind-spot monitoring, evasive steering assist, and cross-traffic alerts are all seamlessly integrated, offering peace of mind.
Another innovative feature, particularly useful for its off-road aspirations, is the “Off-road Cockpit” screen. This dedicated display provides crucial information such as individual wheel height, tire pressure and temperature, and steering angle. Furthermore, the transparent hood view uses cameras to project what’s directly ahead and even beneath the vehicle onto the central screen, making navigating tricky terrain significantly easier and safer.
The Off-Road Promise (with a Realistic Caveat)
While predominantly a road-biased luxury SUV, the GLS 580 4MATIC possesses a respectable degree of off-road capability, primarily thanks to its standard air suspension. In Off-road mode, the suspension can raise the vehicle’s ground clearance by a couple of inches, helping it clear many obstacles encountered on light trails. The 4MATIC all-wheel drive benefits also extend to challenging surfaces, ensuring maximum grip.
However, it’s important to set realistic expectations. My tester was fitted with 285/45R22 front and 325/40R22 rear Continental EcoContact6 Q MO tires. While these large-diameter, highway-oriented tires are excellent for delivering a quiet ride and optimal handling on asphalt, they are not designed for serious off-road traction. For true adventurous excursions, a more aggressive tire setup would be necessary. That said, for navigating unpaved roads, snowy conditions, or tackling the occasional challenging campsite approach, the GLS 580 is more than capable, solidifying its position as a highly versatile executive SUV features vehicle.
The Cost of Grandeur: Fuel Economy and Value Proposition
The trade-off for the GLS 580’s powerful V8 engine, substantial size, and luxurious amenities is its fuel economy. The EPA rates it at 14 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 16 mpg combined. My real-world experience over 950 miles actually slightly exceeded the highway estimate, averaging 19.4 mpg, which is commendable for a vehicle of this class. While it won’t win any awards for efficiency, these figures are quite competitive within the segment of high-performance, full-size V8 luxury SUVs. For those prioritizing V8 luxury SUV power and opulence, the fuel bill is a secondary consideration.
Of course, such a comprehensive blend of power, luxury, and technology comes at a price. The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 4MATIC starts at $115,950, including a $1,150 destination charge. My well-optioned road-trip tester came in at $126,610. This price tag positions the GLS 580 firmly in the upper echelon of the flagship SUV comparison market, competing with vehicles like the BMW X7 M60i, Audi SQ7, and Range Rover. While substantial, the value proposition lies in its unparalleled refinement, cutting-edge technology, vast passenger and cargo space, and the prestige of the Mercedes-Benz brand. It’s an investment in an experience, a commitment to a lifestyle defined by effortless luxury and capability.
The Verdict: A Masterpiece of Modern Luxury
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 4MATIC isn’t just a large SUV; it’s a meticulously engineered grand touring machine. It masterfully combines potent performance with an exceptionally refined ride, a sumptuously appointed interior, and a wealth of advanced technology. It is a vehicle that doesn’t just transport; it transforms the journey, making even the most mundane routes feel like a privileged experience.
For families seeking a premium family vehicle that offers uncompromising luxury, ample space, robust towing capability, and a confident driving dynamic for any road, the GLS 580 4MATIC stands as one of the very best choices on the market today. Despite a few minor ergonomic preferences and the inherent thirst of its powerful V8, its strengths far outweigh any minor quibbles. It continues to set the benchmark for what a full-size luxury SUV performance should be in 2025—a true pinnacle of automotive excellence.
