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
Minor changes to trim-level content and optional features for 2021.
Pros Exceptional interior materials and build quality Excellent ride quality Plenty of safety and infotainment tech features Surprisingly agile handling
Cons Offers less cargo space than most competitors Cramped third-row seat Infotainment system is distracting to use
The 2021 Audi Q7 fuses a high-class cabin and abundant tech features with a coddling ride, engaging handling, and energetic engines, but it falls short on cargo and third-row space. The Q7 does not have an overall score or ranking because it has not been scored for predicted reliability.
Pros Powerful engines Well-balanced ride and handling Lots of high-tech features Opulent cabin
Cons Subpar cargo space Tight third row
The 2021 Audi Q7 three-row SUV features more standard safety and convenience features, an excellent infotainment system, and a soft, luxurious ride.
Pros Sophisticated interior More standard safety tech Improved touchscreens Standard virtual cockpit SQ7 performance model
Cons New engine is less efficient V-6 is about $6,000 more, depending on trim Third row for children only Third-row access should be easier
