Most buyers will be well-served by the GLS 450. It delivers solid performance along with its luxurious cabin, plus it leaves room for customization with numerous options packages.
PROS Spacious third-row seat can accommodate adults Ample acceleration with any powertrain choice Quiet cabin with luxurious trim Available off-road package gives it true capability in the dirt
CONS Many desirable features don't come standard Large price jump from GLS 450 to GLS 550
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS takes an old-school tack to modern-SUV design, and it works.
Pros Lots of room Lots of flexibility Big luxury SUV panache Lots of safety technology on tap AMG–no, really
Cons Dated switchgear COMAND is cumbersome Diesel’s been deleted
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class ranked #2 in Luxury Large SUVs. Currently the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has a score of 8.9 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 38 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Powerful engines Fuel-efficient V6 Handsome, spacious cabin Smooth ride
Cons Fewer standard features than some rivals
Stunning speed and carpool-duty comfort in one pricey package. Once you’ve driven a BMW X5 M, you just might have a hard time convincing yourself that any other SUV will suffice. Could the dry cleaning be dropped off, the kids picked up, and the five-inch puddle from the broken water main be forded in a regular X5 or a Mercedes-Benz GLE-class? Surely.
Pros Absurdly quick, credibly seats five, luxurious interior comes standard.
Cons Comparatively small cargo hold, too many drive modes, lack of active safety tech.
The 2018 BMW X5 M handles everyday SUV duty with comfort, style and refinement. It's also ridiculously fast and cuts winding roads like a knife. How fast? It dashes from zero to 60 mph in 4 seconds flat, a shade faster than BMW's iconic M4 sport coupe. Now wondering whether you need an SUV that makes more than 500 horsepower or reaches a top speed of 160 mph misses the point. It's best to just marvel at a machine that can take you for both a sedate run to Costco, or to county jail for excessive speed, with such ease.
PROS Outlandish acceleration and handling for an SUV Interior materials are impeccable Front seats are comfortable and supportive
CONS No option for a third-row seat Sporty suspension may feel too firm for some drivers, passengers Gas pedal sometimes responds slowly in low-speed driving
A backup camera is now standard, as are trapezoidal tailpipes for the 35i and 35d models.The high-performance X5 M is powered by a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 engine that makes 567 hp and 553 pounds-feet of torque. The engine works with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and power is routed to all four wheels. BMW says the X5 M can hit 60 mph in just 4 seconds. As expected of a performance offshoot, the X5 M has unique bumpers, aggressive side sills and highly bolstered sport seats.
Pros Seat comfort Handling Cabin materials Diesel's estimated fuel economy iDrive control system
Cons Leather upholstery not standard Awkward liftgate and tailgate combo