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 2019 BMW X6 pioneered the sloped-roof SUV segment and maintains high quality and performance, but it’s showing its age.
Pros Head-turning looks Strong powertrains Interior build quality Luxurious options
Cons Tight rear seat Measly cargo space Too expensive Not as fun as it could be
For 2019, the X6 receives several new standard features and revised option packages. Every model now features standard Apple CarPlay and these driver assists: automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and speed-limit information. The six-cylinder versions can now be had with the Convenience package, which adds four-zone automatic climate control, a one-year SiriusXM satellite radio subscription, and passive entry. Likewise, this package is now included with the M Sport package on six-cylinder models. The Premium package is updated to include self-parking assist, a head-up display, wireless charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot; the Executive package adds soft-close doors, rear manually operated side window shades, adaptive headlights that turn with the steering wheel, and automatic high-beams.
Pros Spectacular powertrains, fantastic infotainment system, well-to-do interior.
Cons styling, compromised practicality, cost of options adds up fast.
More advanced driver safety aids are now standard.Apple CarPlay is now standard (subscription-based).The 2019 BMW X6 may be called a "coupe" by its makers' marketing wizards, but it's really a five-passenger midsize SUV with the boxy bit at the back chopped off.
PROS Engines provide strong acceleration Comfortable and quiet ride Quality interior with comfortable front seats
CONS Sloping roofline cuts down cargo space Hard to see out the back Limited rear headroom
