2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 4Matic Review: The Pinnacle of Luxury SUV Versatility
The vast American landscape, with its sweeping highways and sometimes monotonous stretches, truly tests the mettle of a luxury vehicle. Consider the quintessential Midwestern road trip: Milwaukee to St. Louis, a six-hour journey that, while necessary, isn’t exactly renowned for its breathtaking scenery. Yet, in the plush embrace of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 4Matic, even cornfields transform into a backdrop for an unparalleled driving experience. This isn’t just an SUV; it’s a meticulously engineered haven designed to devour miles in sublime comfort, powerful grace, and with an undeniable air of sophisticated capability.
As an expert in the luxury automotive sector, having spent over a decade dissecting the nuances of premium vehicles, I can confidently state that the GLS 580 4Matic positions itself as a dominant force in the segment. It’s a compelling blend of opulent comfort, cutting-edge technology, and robust performance, tailored for the discerning driver who demands both practicality and prestige. But with a starting price tag around $115,950
including destination charges—and easily climbing north of $126,000 with desirable options—the question isn’t just what it offers, but whether it justifies its premium position. Spoiler alert: for many, it absolutely does.
Effortless Power Meets Refined Performance
Underneath the GLS 580’s elegantly sculpted hood lies the heart of its remarkable performance: Mercedes’ revered twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine. This powerhouse generates a formidable 510 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque. What truly sets this powertrain apart, however, is the seamlessly integrated 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This innovative technology isn’t merely an eco-conscious add-on; it’s a performance enhancer, capable of contributing an additional 21 horsepower and a substantial 184 pound-feet of torque at crucial moments, particularly during initial acceleration or when demanding extra thrust.
Driving the GLS 580 is an exercise in controlled exhilaration. On the open highway, a glance at the real-time power meter often reveals that only a fraction of its immense capability is being utilized for cruising. Yet, the moment an opportunity arises – perhaps to effortlessly overtake a slow-moving semi or merge confidently into fast-flowing traffic – the nine-speed automatic transmission responds with remarkable alacrity. It kicks down swiftly, prompting the V8 to unleash a deep, guttural bellow that is both intoxicating and reassuring, propelling this nearly 5,900-pound German luxury SUV with astonishing urgency. From a standstill, the GLS 580 can surge from 0-60 mph in a mere 4.7 seconds, a truly impressive feat for a vehicle of its size and stature.
The intelligence of the powertrain extends beyond brute force. Power is distributed to all four wheels through Mercedes’ sophisticated 4Matic all-wheel drive system. This system is more than just a traction aid; it actively optimizes grip and stability across various driving conditions, enhancing both performance and safety. The robust synergy of the potent V8, the sturdy transmission, and the inherently strong unibody structure allows the GLS 580 to boast an impressive towing capacity of up to 7,716 pounds. This capability easily accommodates a sizable boat, a multi-horse trailer, or a substantial utility trailer, making it an invaluable asset for active lifestyles.
A Ride Engineered for Supreme Comfort and Dynamic Control
The foundation of the GLS 580’s exceptional ride quality is its standard air suspension system paired with adaptive dampers. This sophisticated setup continuously monitors road conditions and driver inputs, adjusting each wheel’s damping characteristics in real-time. The result is a ride that gracefully glides over most imperfections, isolating occupants from the harsh realities of the road, contributing significantly to its reputation as a premier road trip comfort SUV.
However, the handling dynamics offer an interesting duality. In the default Comfort drive mode, with its generous 7.9 inches of standard ground clearance, the GLS 580 can exhibit a slight degree of body roll and head toss when encountering uneven surfaces or during more spirited maneuvers. This is often a characteristic trade-off in large premium family vehicles prioritizing plushness. For drivers who prefer a more engaged and controlled feel, switching to the Sport setting within the Individual drive mode transforms the vehicle’s demeanor. Body lean is significantly reduced, the suspension firms up, and the GLS feels remarkably more buttoned-down and responsive. While it’s unrealistic to expect a three-ton SUV to corner like a sports car, the Sport mode undeniably elevates confidence and precision.
One crucial distinction that enhances the GLS 580’s handling and overall refinement is its unibody construction. Unlike traditional body-on-frame competitors such as the Cadillac Escalade or Lincoln Navigator, the GLS benefits from a lighter, stiffer structure. This engineering choice not only contributes to a smoother, quieter ride but also provides superior body control and handling stability, underscoring Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to advanced automotive design.
Venturing Beyond the Pavement: A Touch of Off-Road Capability
While the GLS 580 is primarily designed for opulent highway cruising and urban sophistication, it does possess a surprising “modicum” of off-road capability. This is largely thanks to its adaptable air suspension, which can increase ground clearance by a couple of inches in Off-road mode, allowing it to clear many common trail obstacles.
Mercedes-Benz further enhances this capability with an intuitive Off-road Cockpit screen within the digital cockpit. This dedicated display provides critical real-time information such as individual wheel height, tire pressure and temperature, and even steering angle – data crucial for navigating challenging terrains. Perhaps the most impressive technological marvel is the “transparent hood” view, which utilizes exterior cameras to project an image of what’s directly ahead of and even beneath the vehicle onto the infotainment screen. This ingenious feature eliminates blind spots over crests and allows drivers to precisely place wheels, avoiding potential hazards.
It’s worth noting, however, that the standard tire choice—285/45R22 front and 325/40R22 rear Continental EcoContact6 Q MO tires—are meticulously engineered for optimal ride quality and highway quietness. While capable, they are not dedicated off-road tires, suggesting that while the GLS can venture off the beaten path, it’s best suited for light trails rather than extreme rock crawling. This highlights its balanced design, prioritizing daily drivability and luxury above all.
Fuel Economy: A Realistic Look at V8 Power
Given its substantial size and powerful V8 engine, fuel economy is a pragmatic consideration for potential owners. The 2025 GLS 580 4Matic is EPA-rated at 14 mpg in the city, 19 mpg on the highway, and 16 mpg combined. During my extensive 950-mile road trip, I managed to slightly exceed the highway rating, averaging a respectable 19.4 mpg.
While these figures might not win any awards for efficiency, they are quite commendable for a large, seven-passenger luxury vehicle interior powered by a twin-turbo V8. It reflects the engine’s advanced design and the mild-hybrid system’s contribution to optimizing consumption. For those prioritizing uncompromising power and space in a high-end SUV, this level of fuel efficiency for a large SUV is often an acceptable trade-off.
An Interior Sanctuary of Innovation and Comfort
Step inside the 2025 GLS 580 4Matic, and you’re immediately enveloped in an atmosphere of lavish comfort and sophisticated technology. The cabin is an exquisite blend of premium materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and intuitive design. The tan leather seats in my tester were not just visually stunning but incredibly supportive. The multi-contour front seats, complete with standard head pillows and invigorating massaging functions, transform long drives into rejuvenating experiences. While these features are universally praised by many, it’s fascinating to observe individual preferences; a longtime friend found them overly indulgent, proving that luxury, like taste, is highly personal.
At the heart of the digital command center lies the 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, powered by Mercedes’ latest MBUX software. This system is undeniably one of the industry’s finest – it’s lightning-fast, incredibly intuitive, and beautifully rendered. Switching between satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, or the native navigation is seamless. Control isn’t limited to touch; the system can also be operated via steering wheel-mounted controls or a haptic trackpad on the center console. While the trackpad offers an alternative, its placement does consume valuable real estate that could otherwise be utilized for additional storage, a minor ergonomic quibble in an otherwise impeccably designed cabin.
Complementing the central display is a equally impressive 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. This high-resolution screen offers a plethora of useful information, customizable through four distinct display themes, allowing drivers to tailor the presentation of critical data to their preferences.
Advanced Driver Assistance: Nearing Autonomy
In the realm of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), the GLS 580 is equipped with a comprehensive suite designed to enhance safety and reduce driver fatigue. The adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist systems work harmoniously, maintaining a set distance from the vehicle ahead and diligently keeping the GLS centered within its lane.
However, a personal desire for even greater ease on those lengthy highway stretches lingered. While capable, the GLS systems still require the driver to maintain hands on the wheel, a departure from the true hands-free driving offered by systems like GM’s Super Cruise. Mercedes-Benz does offer its cutting-edge Level 3 Drive Pilot system, capable of conditional automated driving, but its availability is currently limited to specific Western states and primarily on S-Class and EQS models. As technology progresses, it’s anticipated that such truly hands-free capabilities will become more widely integrated across the Mercedes-Benz lineup, further elevating the executive SUV features.
Generous Space for All Seven, and Their Gear
One of the GLS 580’s most compelling attributes is its ability to genuinely accommodate up to seven adult passengers in remarkable comfort, along with a significant amount of cargo. During my journey, carrying five passengers and their luggage, the vehicle proved its versatility. With the third row power-folded flat, the cargo hold easily swallowed three gym bags and two coolers, demonstrating its practical prowess.
The cargo dimensions speak for themselves: a modest but usable 17.4 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to a cavernous 84.7 cubic feet with both the second- and third-row seats folded flat. This transforms the GLS from a passenger hauler into a serious cargo carrier with the touch of a button.
Passenger comfort extends throughout the cabin. The second-row captain’s chairs are an absolute highlight, offering individual bucket-seat comfort, ample legroom, and generous headroom for adult occupants. These seats are also heated, and passengers have independent control over their two climate zones via a small, intuitive display screen with tactile hard buttons, a thoughtful touch that enhances the luxury vehicle interior experience.
Even the third row defies expectations. It comfortably accommodates two adults, offering its own climate zone. The bottom cushion sits high enough to provide decent thigh support, and headroom is sufficient even for a six-footer. While legroom can become a bit tight if all three rows are occupied by tall individuals, it’s undeniably one of the most adult-friendly third rows in the segment.
My passengers, while generally effusive in their praise, did offer a couple of constructive critiques. Most agreed that the running boards, while aesthetically integrated, were tucked too tightly to the body to be truly useful for ingress/egress. Furthermore, they wished both second-row seats could tilt and slide forward to facilitate easier access to the third row, rather than just the passenger side. And, as previously noted, the unique individual preferences regarding massaging seats and head pillows simply reinforce the adage that there’s no accounting for taste!
The Verdict: A Masterclass in Luxury and Utility
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 4Matic is more than just a large SUV; it’s a meticulously crafted testament to what happens when uncompromised luxury meets formidable capability. It’s an ultimate luxury SUV that excels at eating up monotonous miles, transforming grueling journeys into serene, comfortable experiences. Its powerful V8, sophisticated all-wheel drive, adaptive air suspension, and a cabin overflowing with high-end automotive technology and sumptuous comfort solidify its position at the apex of the luxury family vehicle segment.
For the discerning consumer who demands the very best—a vehicle that can effortlessly tow a boat on the weekend, navigate city streets in executive style, and transport a family of seven across states in unparalleled comfort—the GLS 580 4Matic delivers. It’s an investment, certainly, but one that pays dividends in every mile, every journey, and every moment spent within its refined sanctuary. In a market crowded with contenders, the GLS 580 doesn’t just compete; it sets a benchmark, reminding us that true luxury is about capability, comfort, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
