Mercedes-Benz GLS 400d 2019 first drive

This big beast is the third-generation version of the Mercedes Mercedes-Benz GLS, née GL. 

Mercedes likes to think of it as the Mercedes S-Class of its SUV range, and in terms of the sheer size of the thing, it would seem Stuttgart hasn’t skimped on the brief. At 5.21 metres, it may not be quite as long as, well, a real S-Class, but it’s easily the largest SUV to wear the three-pointed star, full-on Mercedes-Benz G-Class (a comparatively tiny 4.6m) included.

Earlier this year, we drove the new Mercedes-Benz GLS for the first time in Utah, where its fairly ginormous footprint was, understandably, not much of a problem. Now, though, the flagship SUV has touched down in the UK, and its chances of blending in to its surroundings have been significantly reduced. Still, with the Range Rover, Audi Q7 and (to a lesser extent) BMW X7 now a fairly common sight on our cramped roads, the GLS won’t exactly be alone in its endeavours. 

This particular GLS is the 400d, which, in the grand scheme of obnoxiously large SUVs, at least uses a reasonably sensible engine. It’s a 2.9-litre six-cylinder diesel, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission to deliver its 326bhp and 516lb ft to the road via all four wheels. Slightly less sensible options will arrive next year in the form of a six-cylinder petrol and an AMG GLS 63. No doubt the latter will cost roughly the same to run as a stately home.

Unlike the GLS 580 we drove in the States, UK versions of the GLS miss out on Mercedes’ trick E-Active body control system, opting instead for standard adaptive air suspension. Prices start at £75,040 for the AMG Line Premium model and move up £91,540 for the AMG Line Premium Plus Executive.

Truthfully, from a ride perspective, the GLS is a wee bit of a letdown. Well, when you pitch a car as the S-Class of SUVs, you’re potentially setting yourself up a fall.

On uneven, rough country roads, the GLS struggles to keep itself from jiggling and wobbling about. Perhaps this is down to the need for stiffer anti-roll bars to help keep its frankly massive 2.5-tonne body in check, but the heightened level of headtoss is nonetheless a source of frustration.

It makes a bit of a point of thumping over ruts and bumps, too. In any case, the X7 doesn't falter quite so much in this respect, although that might come down to the fact it comes on 21in alloy wheels, as opposed to the standard 22in set of the GLS.