The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 4Matic: A Masterclass in Executive Grand Touring
As the automotive landscape continues its rapid evolution, the definition of true luxury and versatility in a full-size SUV becomes increasingly nuanced. For 2025, the Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 4Matic not only meets these demanding expectations but elevates them, carving out its own distinct niche as a vehicle that seamlessly blends opulent comfort with formidable performance and surprising capability. Having navigated countless miles and reviewed a spectrum of premium automobiles over the past decade, it’s clear that the GLS 580 represents a compelling synthesis of Mercedes-Benz’s engineering prowess and design philosophy, offering an executive-level grand touring experience that few can match.
At first glance, the GLS 580 commands attention. Its imposing yet elegant silhouette, distinguished by Mercedes-Benz’s signature design language, hints at the immense power and sophisticated technology residing beneath its sculpted surfaces. This isn’t just a status symbol; it’s a meticulously crafted machine designed to conquer long distances with unparalleled ease, transport families in sublime comfort, and even venture off the beaten path when duty calls. Our extensive evaluation, encompassing diverse driving scenarios from mundane
highway commutes to challenging rural excursions, confirmed its multifaceted nature, establishing it as a benchmark in the competitive luxury SUV performance segment.
Unleashing the V8 Symphony: Power and Refinement
Central to the GLS 580’s compelling proposition is its powertrain, a harmonious fusion of traditional German V8 muscle and cutting-edge mild-hybrid technology. Nestled under the distinctive domed hood is Mercedes-Benz’s renowned twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, a powerplant synonymous with effortless power delivery and an intoxicating exhaust note. In this iteration, it produces a robust 510 horsepower and a colossal 538 pound-feet of torque. What truly sets this engine apart in 2025 is its seamless integration with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, branded as EQ Boost. This intelligent system contributes an additional 21 horsepower and a substantial 184 pound-feet of torque, particularly beneficial during initial acceleration and low-speed maneuvers. The result is an immediate, linear surge of power that belies the vehicle’s substantial 5,875-pound curb weight.
During our extended road testing, the real-world application of this automotive engineering marvel became strikingly apparent. Whether merging onto a bustling interstate, executing a swift overtake on a two-lane highway, or simply accelerating from a standstill, the GLS 580 responds with an urgency that is both thrilling and reassuring. Mercedes-Benz quotes a 0-60 mph sprint in a mere 4.7 seconds, a figure that places this large SUV firmly in sports car territory. More than just raw numbers, it’s the character of the power delivery that impresses; smooth, refined, and always on tap, accompanied by a deep, resonant growl from the V8 when pushed. The nine-speed automatic transmission, a masterclass in fluidity, shifts gears imperceptibly in normal driving conditions, yet snaps off rapid downshifts with remarkable precision when the driver demands maximum acceleration. This dynamic interplay between engine and transmission is crucial for delivering the kind of premium driving experience expected from a vehicle of this caliber.
Power is confidently routed to all four wheels via Mercedes-Benz’s sophisticated 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. This intelligent AWD system not only enhances traction and stability in adverse weather conditions but also contributes significantly to the GLS 580’s impressive towing capabilities. With a maximum towing capacity of 7,716 pounds, the GLS 580 is more than capable of hauling a substantial boat, a multi-horse trailer, or a large recreational vehicle, making it an ideal choice for owners with active, luxurious lifestyles. This robust capability further underscores its versatility, extending beyond mere passenger transport to true utility.
A Symphony of Suspension: Ride, Refinement, and Handling Dynamics
The driving experience in a full-size luxury SUV is intrinsically linked to its suspension system. The 2025 GLS 580 comes standard with an adaptive air suspension system, often referred to as Airmatic, complemented by adaptive dampers. This sophisticated setup is the cornerstone of its dual personality: providing a serenely smooth ride for long-distance cruising while offering surprisingly composed handling when the road turns winding.
In its default “Comfort” drive mode, the GLS 580 floats over imperfections, absorbing bumps and undulations with an almost uncanny ability. This setting is engineered for ultimate passenger comfort, isolating occupants from the harsh realities of the road. However, as with many large, high-riding vehicles, there can be a slight sensation of floatiness and body roll in Comfort mode, particularly during spirited cornering or sudden maneuvers. While perfectly acceptable for its primary mission of eating up monotonous miles, a discerning driver seeking a more connected feel might desire greater control.
This is where the customizable “Individual” drive mode, with its “Sport” suspension setting, truly shines. Engaging Sport mode transforms the GLS 580’s SUV handling dynamics. The air springs firm up, reducing body lean significantly, and the adaptive dampers become more responsive, providing a tauter, more controlled ride. The feeling of being “top-heavy” diminishes, replaced by a sense of composure and stability that is remarkable for a vehicle of this size. While it’s certainly not a canyon carver, the GLS 580 in Sport mode manages its mass admirably, offering a level of confidence that inspires quicker progress without sacrificing the underlying comfort. The steering, while never overtly communicative, gains a welcome weight in Sport, further contributing to a more engaging drive. This ability to instantly switch between plush cruiser and buttoned-down performer is a significant advantage of the air suspension benefits offered by the GLS platform. Unlike many body-on-frame competitors, the GLS 580’s unibody construction provides a lighter, more rigid structure, contributing to superior ride quality and enhanced control.
An Oasis of Opulence: The Interior and Its Technological Heart
Step inside the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 4Matic, and you are immediately enveloped in an environment designed for ultimate comfort and advanced connectivity. The cabin is an exquisite blend of premium materials, impeccable craftsmanship, and cutting-edge technology, defining the executive SUV experience. From the supple tan leather seats to the meticulously finished wood or metal trim, every surface exudes quality. The attention to detail, a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz, is evident in the precise stitching, the satisfying tactile feel of controls, and the subtle ambient lighting that transforms the interior ambiance.
The front seats are nothing short of exceptional. Multi-contour, heated, ventilated, and equipped with standard massage functions, they are designed to mitigate fatigue on the longest journeys. The adjustable head pillows add an extra layer of plush comfort, cradling the head and neck. These features, while perhaps not universally adored (as some passengers occasionally demonstrated), are invaluable for drivers embarking on multi-hour road trips, ensuring alertness and relaxation.
At the heart of the digital cockpit are two stunning 12.3-inch screens: one for the digital instrument cluster and another for the MBUX infotainment system. The MBUX system remains one of the industry’s finest, offering intuitive navigation, lightning-fast responsiveness, and a multitude of control options. Drivers can interact with it via the touchscreen, steering wheel controls, or the haptic trackpad on the center console. While the trackpad’s placement can sometimes feel like it consumes valuable storage real estate, the system’s overall functionality and graphical fidelity are exemplary. Seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensures that drivers can easily access their preferred smartphone applications, enhancing convenience and connectivity. The digital instrument cluster itself is highly customizable, allowing drivers to display a wealth of information—from traditional gauges to full-screen navigation maps—across four distinct display themes. This level of personalization contributes significantly to the high-end automotive technology experience.
While the GLS 580 provides a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, it’s worth noting that it currently requires drivers to maintain hands on the steering wheel. Mercedes-Benz’s pioneering Level 3 Drive Pilot system, which offers conditionally automated driving, is available in some S-Class and EQS models but is restricted to specific Western states and limited conditions for 2025. While the existing ADAS works effectively to maintain lane position and distance, the absence of a truly hands-free highway driving mode in the GLS 580 might be a consideration for tech-forward buyers comparing it to certain competitors.
Versatility Redefined: Space, Practicality, and Off-Road Prowess
Beyond its luxurious appointments and powerful performance, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 4Matic truly excels in its sheer versatility and practicality, making it a formidable contender for families and adventurers alike. As a three-row luxury SUV, it is engineered to accommodate up to seven passengers in genuine comfort.
The second row, especially when configured with the optional captain’s chairs, offers exceptional comfort and generous legroom, ensuring adult passengers can relax even on extended journeys. These seats are heated, and passengers have independent climate control zones via a dedicated display screen and hard buttons, underscoring the vehicle’s commitment to passenger well-being. Accessibility to the third row, however, presents a minor design oversight; only the passenger-side second-row seat tilts and slides forward, requiring a bit more maneuvering for those needing to access the rear from the driver’s side.
Remarkably, the third row of the GLS 580 is genuinely adult-friendly. The bottom cushion is elevated sufficiently to provide adequate thigh support, and headroom is surprisingly generous, even for individuals up to six feet tall. While legroom can become somewhat constrained if taller individuals occupy all three rows simultaneously, it remains one of the most accommodating third rows in its class, complete with its own climate zone. This attention to detail in passenger comfort across all three rows is a key differentiator for premium family vehicles.
Cargo capacity is another area where the GLS 580 shines. While a modest 17.4 cubic feet of space is available behind the third row—enough for a few gym bags or grocery runs—the true utility emerges when the second and third rows are folded flat. Power controls effortlessly transform the cabin, expanding the cargo hold to a cavernous 84.7 cubic feet. This expansive and flat load floor easily swallows luggage for extended trips, sports equipment, or even larger items for home projects. The power-folding seats are a thoughtful convenience that simplifies cargo management.
Moreover, the GLS 580 doesn’t shy away from light off-road adventures. Thanks largely to its standard air suspension, the vehicle can increase its ground clearance by a couple of inches in “Off-road” mode, providing enough clearance to navigate many trail obstacles. Mercedes-Benz further aids off-road excursions with an “Off-road Cockpit” screen, displaying vital information such as individual wheel height, tire pressure and temperature, and steering angle. Revolutionary “transparent hood” views, utilizing external cameras, allow drivers to virtually see what’s directly in front of and even beneath the vehicle, making obstacle avoidance far easier. While the standard 285/45R22 front and 325/40R22 rear Continental EcoContact6 Q MO tires prioritize ride quality and highway quietness over aggressive off-road traction, the underlying engineering provides a credible amount of off-road luxury vehicles capability for those who venture beyond paved roads.
Efficiency, Value, and the Final Verdict
Considering its size, V8 engine, and prodigious power output, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 4Matic delivers respectable fuel economy figures. The EPA rates it at 14 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. In real-world testing over nearly a thousand miles, our average was a commendable 19.4 mpg, suggesting that careful driving on long highway stretches can yield better-than-advertised results. For a vehicle offering this level of performance and luxury, these figures are quite competitive within the segment of V8 engine SUVs.
Of course, such a comprehensive package of luxury, performance, and technology comes at a premium. Starting at $115,950, including a destination charge, and easily climbing past $125,000 with a few judiciously chosen options, the GLS 580 is a significant investment. However, when weighed against its capabilities—its ability to serve as a plush family hauler, a potent long-distance cruiser, a capable tow vehicle, and even a mild off-roader—its value proposition becomes clear. It represents a commitment to unparalleled comfort, robust engineering, and an aspirational brand experience.
In conclusion, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 4Matic stands as a crowning achievement in the realm of premium full-size SUVs. It’s a vehicle that doesn’t demand compromise but rather offers a harmonious blend of seemingly disparate attributes. For the discerning buyer seeking an executive-level SUV that can effortlessly transition from urban sophistication to rugged capability, from serene highway cruising to spirited acceleration, and from intimate family journeys to grand touring adventures, the GLS 580 remains one of the best luxury SUVs 2025 has to offer. Its blend of power, prestige, and practicality solidifies its position as a true masterclass in executive grand touring.
