The Pinnacle of Grand Touring: A Comprehensive Look at the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 4Matic
As an automotive expert who’s spent a decade dissecting the nuances of luxury vehicles, I can confidently say that the segment of large, premium SUVs is one of the most competitive and dynamic out there. In 2025, where technology, comfort, and performance are no longer just desirable but expected, the Mercedes-Benz GLS continues to set a benchmark. My recent road trip with the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 4Matic wasn’t just a test drive; it was an experience—a six-hour marathon from the urban sprawl of Milwaukee to the historic charm of St. Louis, a journey often characterized by unending cornfields and a test of patience. Yet, behind the wheel of this opulent machine, the monotony simply evaporated.
This isn’t just another luxury SUV; it’s a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s unwavering commitment to grand touring excellence. The GLS 580 4Matic isn’t merely about getting you from point A to point B; it’s about the journey itself, elevating every mile into an occasion. It’s a vehicle that masterfully blends robust power,
unparalleled comfort, and cutting-edge technology, making it a formidable contender in the premium SUV market. But is it the right fit for you and your family in an increasingly complex automotive landscape? Let’s dive in.
A Commanding Presence: Design and First Impressions
Stepping up to the 2025 GLS 580, its sheer presence is undeniable. Mercedes-Benz has refined its aesthetic over the years, and the 2025 model strikes a harmonious balance between imposing stature and elegant sophistication. The updated grille, subtly revised LED lighting signatures, and sculpted lines ensure it stands out without resorting to overt flashiness. It’s an executive vehicle that whispers luxury rather than shouts it. The silver finish on my tester, gleaming under the open sky, lent it an air of understated elegance that perfectly suits its mission.
Inside, the GLS truly comes into its own. The cabin is an absolute sanctuary, designed to cocoon occupants in lavish comfort. My tester featured the exquisite tan leather seats, which are not just visually appealing but also incredibly supple and supportive. Mercedes-Benz has always excelled at interior design, and the 2025 GLS 580 takes it to another level with its thoughtful material choices, meticulous craftsmanship, and ambient lighting that can transform the mood of the cabin at the touch of a button. It’s this commitment to creating an inviting and serene environment that makes long hauls not just bearable, but genuinely enjoyable.
The Heart of the Beast: Power and Performance
Under that subtly domed and ridged hood lies the beating heart of the GLS 580: Mercedes’ acclaimed twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine. Now, in 2025, this powerhouse is even more refined, churning out a formidable 510 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque. What truly elevates this powertrain, however, is the seamless integration of a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, EQ Boost, which can temporarily chip in an additional 21 horsepower and a whopping 184 pound-feet of torque. This isn’t just about headline numbers; it’s about how that power is delivered.
From the moment you press the start button, a deep, resonant growl hints at the capability within. On the highway, where I spent the vast majority of my 950-mile journey, the power delivery is incredibly smooth and remarkably effortless. A glance at the real-time power meter often showed me using only a fraction of the available horses, just enough to maintain cruising speed. But when it was time to dispatch a slow-moving semi or merge onto a fast-flowing interstate, the nine-speed automatic transmission kicked down with satisfying urgency, and the V8 let out a proper bellow as it effortlessly propelled this nearly 5,900-pound luxury family vehicle forward. The sprint from 0-60 mph in a mere 4.7 seconds is impressive for such a large SUV, providing a surprising burst of athleticism when needed. Power is, of course, distributed to all four wheels via Mercedes’ renowned 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, ensuring confident traction in virtually any condition.
Masterful Dynamics: Ride, Handling, and Versatility
The driving experience in the GLS 580 is a masterclass in balance. Standard air springs and adaptive dampers work in concert to deliver a ride quality that is simply sublime. Road imperfections, from expansion joints to minor potholes, are absorbed with remarkable grace, insulating occupants from the harsh realities of the tarmac. In its default Comfort drive mode, the GLS glides, offering a serene, cloud-like experience. However, with its substantial 7.9 inches of ground clearance, this comfortable setting can occasionally lead to a feeling of being a bit top-heavy, with some noticeable body lean and head toss for passengers over undulating surfaces.
As someone who values a more composed ride, especially when chauffeuring friends or family, I quickly discovered the magic of the Individual drive mode. By firming up the suspension to its Sport setting while keeping other parameters in Comfort, the GLS transformed. Body lean was significantly reduced, and the vehicle felt far more buttoned-down and agile without sacrificing much in the way of ride comfort. While you’re not going to carve canyons in this three-ton marvel – it’s still a large SUV, after all – its unibody construction provides a far more refined and controlled experience compared to body-on-frame rivals like the Cadillac Escalade or Lincoln Navigator. It truly feels like a precision instrument, albeit a large one.
Beyond the pavement, the GLS 580 offers a surprising degree of capability. The standard air suspension allows for an increase in ground clearance in Off-road mode, providing a crucial few extra inches to clear obstacles. While the 285/45R22 front and 325/40R22 rear Continental EcoContact6 Q MO tires on my tester are optimized for highway quietness and ride comfort, the GLS does offer impressive off-road technology to assist drivers. The “Off-road Cockpit” screen provides real-time data like individual wheel height, tire pressure, and steering angle, while the innovative “transparent hood” view uses cameras to show what’s directly ahead of and even underneath the vehicle, a feature that feels genuinely futuristic and incredibly useful for navigating tricky terrain or tight parking spots.
And for those with larger toys, the GLS 580 doesn’t disappoint. Its robust unibody structure, combined with that potent V8, allows for an impressive Mercedes-Benz towing capacity of up to 7,716 pounds. That’s more than enough for a substantial boat, a horse trailer, or a medium-sized RV, further cementing its reputation as a supremely versatile executive SUV.
The Digital Oasis: Infotainment and Driver Assistance
In 2025, a luxury vehicle isn’t just about leather and horsepower; it’s about the seamless integration of advanced automotive technology. The GLS 580 truly shines here. Dominating the dashboard are two brilliant 12.3-inch screens: one for the digital instrument cluster and another for the central infotainment touchscreen. The MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) software running on the infotainment screen is, without exaggeration, one of the best in the industry. It’s incredibly quick to react, intuitive to navigate, and offers crystal-clear graphics. Switching between satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, or the native navigation system is a breeze. While I primarily used the touchscreen, controls are also accessible via steering wheel buttons or the trackpad on the center console – though I must admit, that trackpad does occupy valuable real estate that could otherwise be dedicated to storage. The digital instrument cluster, meanwhile, is highly customizable, offering four distinct display themes and a plethora of useful information at a glance.
Now, a point of slight contention for me, an ardent admirer of cutting-edge ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems): while the GLS 580 offers an incredibly capable suite of features, it still requires hands-on operation. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist systems work flawlessly, keeping the vehicle centered in its lane and maintaining a safe distance, but they demand constant hand contact with the wheel. As someone who has experienced hands-free driving in other premium vehicles, I found myself wishing for something akin to GM’s Super Cruise for truly relaxing highway stretches. Mercedes-Benz does offer its Level 3 Drive Pilot system, but as of 2025, it’s primarily available in the S-Class and EQS and is geographically limited to certain Western states. While impressive, it highlights an area where the GLS could still evolve to offer even greater convenience for those long, monotonous drives.
Space, Comfort, and the Passenger Experience
This is where the GLS 580 truly earns its stripes as the ultimate 7-seater luxury car. My road trip wasn’t just a solo endeavor; I had up to five passengers at various points, and the GLS accommodated everyone with remarkable ease. The front multi-contour seats are phenomenal, offering exceptional support, especially on extended drives. The standard head pillows are a touch of genius, adding an extra layer of plushness, and the integrated massaging seats? Pure bliss for me. (Though, amusingly, my childhood best friend found both features rather bothersome – proving there’s no accounting for personal taste!)
The second row, especially with the captain’s chairs, is akin to a first-class airline experience. Passengers enjoy individual bucket-seat comfort, ample legroom and headroom, and their own climate zones controlled via a dedicated small display screen with tactile hard buttons. These seats are also heated, a welcome touch on cooler mornings.
Even the third row, often an afterthought in many SUVs, is genuinely usable for adults. The bottom cushion sits high enough to provide decent thigh support, and a six-footer can find sufficient headroom. Legroom can get a bit snug if taller individuals occupy all three rows simultaneously, but for most families, it’s more than adequate for younger adults or children. With the third row folded flat via convenient power controls, the cargo hold swallows an impressive amount of gear. While a modest 17.4 cubic feet behind the third row is fine for a quick grocery run, folding down the second and third rows unlocks a cavernous 84.7 cubic feet, perfect for three gym bags, two coolers, and all the paraphernalia a family road trip demands.
My passengers did voice a few minor gripes: the running boards, while present, are tucked a little too tightly to the body to be truly useful for ingress/egress. And while the passenger-side second-row seat conveniently tilts and slides forward for third-row access, they wished both second-row seats offered this functionality for broader flexibility. These are small quibbles in an otherwise exceptionally well-designed cabin.
Living with the GLS: Fuel Economy and Value Proposition
Let’s address the elephant in the room for any large V8 luxury SUV: fuel economy. The 2025 GLS 580 4Matic is EPA-rated at 14 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. While these numbers won’t win any eco-awards, they are respectable for a vehicle of this size, weight, and power output. Surprisingly, I managed to slightly outperform the highway estimate, averaging 19.4 mpg over my 950-mile journey, a testament to the efficiency of the mild-hybrid system and the smooth-shifting nine-speed transmission at cruising speeds. Of course, when you’re investing in a vehicle that starts at $115,950 (including destination) and quickly climbs to $126,610 with a few key options, fuel costs are likely not your primary concern.
The value proposition of the GLS 580 goes beyond mere numbers. It’s about the intangible aspects of ownership: the peace of mind that comes with Mercedes-Benz reliability, the prestige of the three-pointed star, and the sheer joy of experiencing such a refined and capable machine every day. It’s an investment in comfort, safety, and a driving experience that genuinely stands apart. For those seeking the ultimate high-end performance SUV that marries luxury with genuine versatility, the GLS 580 is a compelling choice.
The Verdict: Your Grand Tourer Awaits
After countless miles and deep contemplation, my impression of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 4Matic is overwhelmingly positive. It is, unequivocally, an SUV built for the long haul, designed to eat up monotonous miles and transform them into memorable journeys. It offers a commanding blend of V8 power, advanced mild-hybrid efficiency, a remarkably smooth and adaptable ride, and a cabin that prioritizes every occupant’s comfort.
Yes, it comes with a premium price tag, and yes, I wish it had a fully hands-free driving assistant like some rivals, but these are minor points when weighed against its vast strengths. The GLS 580 is a truly magnificent vehicle, a testament to what a Mercedes-Benz driving experience can be in 2025. It’s for the discerning buyer who demands not just luxury, but genuine capability; not just space, but true comfort for seven; and not just a vehicle, but a sanctuary on wheels. If your travels often involve long distances, multiple passengers, and a desire for an uncompromised blend of luxury and performance, then the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 4Matic should be at the very top of your list. It’s more than just a car; it’s a statement, and an experience.
