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 GV80 is a brand-new entrant into the mid-size luxury SUV marketplace. It will go on sale in summer 2020 as a 2021 model.
Pros Lovely interior ambience, standard high-tech features, agile handling.
Cons Cramped third-row passenger space, no diesel engine for the U.S., heavily weighted steering feel.
The gorgeous 2021 Genesis GV80 could pass for a six-figure SUV.
Pros Handsome exterior Sumptuous interior Supremely quiet Roomy rear seats Attention to detail
Cons Console dial confusion Insecure active lane control Infotainment dial Touchscreen distance
The Genesis GV80 is finally on local roads, and it's hard not to be impressed by the new luxury flagship. It's a segment that Genesis needs to succeed in, too.
Pros Choice of engines and match with eight-speed are excellent Execution of the design and the cabin is first-rate Styling provides a real point of difference
Cons Lane-departure system is a little too enthusiastic on country roads Two-spoke steering wheel takes some getting used to Third row is still tight despite the GV80's size
