Sitting atop the Mercedes-Benz SUV hierarchy is the spacious and indisputably luxurious GLS-Class. It's all new for 2020 and it has big shoes to fill—we've named the outgoing GLS-Class to our 10Best Trucks and SUVs list for three straight years—but our first impressions of this new big Benz are very good.
Pros Tech-rich cabin, spacious in all three rows, refined powertrains.
Cons Anonymous styling, fussy infotainment system, heavily optioned models carry high price tags
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is a three-row crossover SUV that redefines luxurious family transport.
Pros Sublime demeanor Posh interior Strong turbocharged engines Impressive dynamics AMG, Maybach editions sure to come
Cons Hefty price Hefty curb weight Hefty fuel consumption Occasional cheap touch
New styling in line with other Mercedes SUVs.Powerful mild hybrid powertrains.Standard adjustable air suspension.All-new third GLS generation launched for 2020.
Pros MBUX infotainment is outstanding Tops in comfort and easily seats adults in all three rows Flexible cargo capacity Responsive powertrains feel like driving a smaller SUV
Cons Not as off-road-worthy as some rugged competitors Somewhat vague steering with large wheels and thin tires MBUX has a steep learning curve
The 2020 Cullinan can now be ordered with leather to match its optional Viewing Suite and all-new Sanctuary Seats. These upgraded rear thrones add extra padding and a power-adjustable calf rest on the right rear seat. Although these options sound as if they're from some Feng Shui theater, just remember that Rolls-Royce customers prefer to be pampered on another level.
Pros The epitome of wealth, incomparable interior comfort, quick and quiet operation.
Cons The epitome of too expensive, awkward outward appearance, missing some back-seat features.
It's not just a blacked-out exterior design package. The Black Badge Cullinan offers more style and more substance.
Pros Has every luxury feature you could ever want Smooth, powerful V12 engine Great to drive, better to be driven in Black Badge styling is subtle and chic
Cons Clunky infotainment tech without Apple CarPlay or Android Auto I can't afford one
