“The Pinnacle of Luxury and Power in the SUV World”
2025/2024 have been a particularly exciting year for the full size SUV. You have the likes of Ford and Lincoln releasing all new versions of the Navigator and Expedition. Cadillac released the new Escalade (2024) as did Land Rover with the Range Rover. The BMW X7 received a refresh not to long ago (2022) but is due to have significant redesign for 2026. You also have the likes of Lexus with the LX which was revamped also in 2022, Infinity with the all new QX80. What this all means for the BIG SUV buying public is more and more choices with the latest tech and design manufactures have to offer. Mercedes refreshed the GLS in 2024.
There’s something about a full-size luxury SUV that commands attention; its impressive stature, its commanding presence, and the way it positions you on the road. The 2025 Mercedes GLS 580 exemplifies what a full size luxury SUV should be. What is that? – you may ask. Well, its to deliver its passengers in a level of comfort, power and refinement that you don’t find in lesser SUV’s or cars. It is meant to make the driver feel like there is always enough power when demanded but not scream at you in the process. It’s meant to exude a presence and elegance when standing still but not say “look at me, look at what I am”.
The progressive updates since 2022 have made the GLS exactly this. The grill is commanding but not loud. It is soft at its corners but wide lower intakes and ducts give it an aggressive feel. The GLS feels well proportioned from hood to body with a gentle sloping roof line that increase ever so slightly as you come to the rear of the SUV. This allows the GLS to look and feel more compact than it actually is.
Powertrain & Performance
At its core, the GLS 580 boasts an advanced hybrid powertrain that truly showcases Mercedes’ push towards electrification. It features a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine combined with an integrated EQ Boost mild hybrid system, delivering 510 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque. You can opt for the full strength AMG GLS 63, however, you don’t really need to. As I stated, a luxury SUV is meant to be demure and quiet, not loud and obnoxious.
Power is channeled through a silky smooth 9-speed automatic, ensuring swift, seamless shifts, while the power is delivered to all four corners via Mercedes 4Matic All-Wheel Drive system. The system actively monitors grip and adjusts torque distribution in real-time, whether you’re on the highway, wet or slippery conditions or tackling off-road terrain.
Driving Dynamics & Handling
Despite its size and luxury aspirations, the GLS 580 handles with surprising agility. Mercedes has upgraded its Active Body Control (ABC) adaptive suspension, which uses hydraulic and electronic systems to tamp down body roll and improve stability, making the ride both composed and plush. The optional Air Body Control suspension can adapt ride height and damping settings on the fly, giving you a smooth glide over rough pavement or a stiffer, sportier feel when driving enthusiastically. On almost all surfaces body is undisturbed unless the GLS hits a road imperfection in just the right way and then you feel an unusual body shake/shudder.
The steering has been recalibrated for more natural feedback, and with AMG’s steering assist and multiple drive modes, (Comfort, Sport, Off-road, and Individual), you can tailor the drive to your mood. The tank-like stability, combined with what feels like an endless amount of thrust from the turbocharged V8, makes even this large SUV feel surprisingly nimble to drive.
Interior & Tech
Step into the GLS 580, and it’s like entering a five-star lounge—luxury, comfort, and tech seamlessly intertwined. Upholstered in Nappa leather with quilted stitching, the cabin features open-pore wood accents and ambient lighting that shifts with your chosen mood. The optional Executive Rear Seat Package transforms the rear into a second lounge, with heated, ventilated, and massaging seats, fold-out tables, and a refrigerated compartment. The third row can also be optioned with heated seats, in case the littluns need to be kept warm.
The heart of the cabin is the MBUX system, a sweeping curved display spanning the left and center of the GLS, that fuses the instrument cluster and infotainment system into a stunning, intuitive interface. Using voice commands, touch, or gesture control, you can navigate seamlessly through navigation, climate controls, and entertainment options. The Burmester 3D surround sound system elevates audio quality to a concert hall level, filling the cabin with rich, immersive sound. The GLS also allows for most basic controls of the HVAC and radio to be operated by manual controls. It is a seamless blending of the old and new allowing for a very enjoyable user experience. Rear occupants have the option of three screens to control HVAC and multimedia inputs.
Connectivity features—including wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a robust Wi-Fi hotspot—keep everyone connected, making every journey both relaxing and entertaining. Safety remains a top priority, with advanced driver assistance systems, including Active Distance Assist, lane-keeping, parking assist, and an innovative 360-degree camera system, that makes off-roading a stress free experience, if you choose to take the less beaten path.
Price & Final Thoughts
Starting just above $140,000 CAD, the Mercedes GLS 580 offers an unmatched combination of power, elegance, and forward-looking technology. It’s a vehicle designed for those who want the ultimate in size, luxury, and performance, without compromise. When optioned like our test model the asking price creeps up to nearly $161,000 CAD.
The 2025 GLS 580 isn’t just about getting from point A to B; it’s about making every mile memorable, blending the pinnacle of automotive innovation with the legendary Mercedes-Benz luxury. For those who settle for nothing less—and expect their vehicle to do everything—this SUV is the apex of modern motoring.
