The soft look of the brutally powerful Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 means one thing: buckle up for a life-enriching experience.
But do the letters and figures you see when you enter the dealership actually mean anything? Yes, they indicate the various classes and specs Mercedes-Benz has to offer.
Top Revs’ focus is on the GLS 580. The “G” here refers to the vehicle’s off-road capabilities, and it’s a rightful designation given the experience we had driving it.
The outside of the vehicle, without fancy lines and arches, belies the GLS 580’s standard features, the most attractive of which is probably the powertrain and what is under the bonnet. The engine is a 4.0L V8 mild hybrid that delivers astronomic figures.
The seven-seater is no pushover, delivering a staggering 396kW with a top speed of 250km/h. Performance is high on the list: even with a weight of 2 640kg, the car is capable of reaching a speed of a 100km/h in under five seconds.
The real torque this machine kicks out is just as impressive as the rest of this all wheel drive vehicle, with an enormous 2250-4500 r/min.
Together with this power delivery, the soft roar through the double exhaust pipes of the V8 under the hood tends to wake up the inner racer’s DNA.
All this power can be transferred via a 9-speed automatic gearbox (9G Tronic ) or via the pedal shifters. Even pushing the rev counter to the limits, gear shifting is smooth and effortless.
Fuel consumption is also on par with the other features, as the factory specifications indicate an average of 13.7l/100km. The GLS can cover 656 km on a full tank of 90 liters under normal driving conditions.
The interior of this mammoth beast is just as impressive, seating up to seven passengers with ease.
The third row, seating two occupants, can be accessed via the rear passenger doors. The seats are electronically adjustable for easy access: if not in use, the seats can be lowered separately to enlarge the luggage compartment.
Lowering the seats electronically can increase the load volume capacity between 355 and 2 400 liters.
The electronically adjustable suspension can be adjusted from the inside, or the adaptive air by means of road surface scanning. All this contributes to a comfortable ride, regardless of the road surface.
The vehicle’s towing capacity compares with conventional 4×4 vehicles and has an unbraced towing capacity of 750kg, while the braked capacity weighs in at 3 500kg.
The GLS 580 also does not fall short when it comes to aesthetics and comfort.
Ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, lumbar support adjustment and electric seat adjustment memory are all on offer.
The well-placed and interior lights add to the ambience.
As expected from any premium vehicle, the 580 is packed with safety features for both driver and passengers.
Nine airbags – curtain, rear and side, front side and a driver knee airbag – cover occupants from potential injuries. The technical assistance ranging from stability control, brake assist and traction control, to electronic brakeforce distribution and an anti-lock brake system, all contributing to a safer ride.
Other features standard on the GLS-580 are a sliding panoramic sunroof, auto dim exterior mirrors for the driver, voice control actions, emergency brake hazard lights and directional turning LED lights. The vehicle also offers navigation features, 360 degree HD cameras, rear high-level brake lights, various driving modes, an electric tail gate boot lid (both standard and hands-free).
Sizeable wheels – 275/45 R21 (front) and 315/40 R21 (rear) – contribute to the 580’s surreal road holding.
Though the GLS Top Revs commandeered was high end, owners can still add additional features, functions or luxuries to their vehicle like heads up display or bigger wheels.
The only advice we can offer? Visit the Mercedes-Benz showroom and experience the hype of the GLS 580 for yourself.
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