I have somewhat of an issue with the SUV. Aside from the fact that the entire world is deadset on abandoning the sedan and opting for a raised 5-door offering. For those that actually use the off-road ability more than once a year, I'll give them a pass. For the rest though, I hear your arguments, wanting an improved view of the road, easier ingress and egress. But don't fool yourself into thinking that you get more space. If space was your concern, you'd buy an estate or an MPV - but you don't.
Modern SUVs are designed to have road manners, be capable off-road, offer additional space and provide improved comfort and then they're built to none of those things well. Despite our advances in technology, some of these attributes are still unable to co-exist in a single offering.
Related: Top 3 things you need to know about the Mercedes-Benz GLS
The Mercedes-Benz GLS 400d that I had on test was further proof of this, but one gets the impression that the engineers at Mercedes knew that they were fighting an uphill battle and only concentrated on what they could blend together successfully.
Styling
The new Mercedes-Benz GLS is the third version of this full-size luxury SUV from the firm, styled to better fit in with the current brand design language.
The front end now gets the same sort of air dams that you will find on other Mercedes-Benz SUV models with a large grille opening and four purposeful-looking spars radiating from the large badge in the centre. There are no serious off-road pretensions here so you won't find faux skid plates and bare plastic fender guards. Mercedes knows where you will see the GLS, and they don't particularly envision the bush.
As a whole, the styling is kept simple and subtle. It's well proportioned and handsome with minimal creases in the bodywork which really does make the GLS look as big as it feels.
Interior & Space
Size is one of the drawcards of the GLS range. The new model is larger than the predecessor, it's 77 mm longer, 22 mm wider and has a wheelbase that has grown by 60 mm. This all translates into more interior space and there certainly is no shortage of that.
The three-row arrangement features electrically operated seats and the high roofline allows for the third row to be utilized by actual humans. They will feel the pinch on an extended drive but by and large, they will sit comfortably. Fold the third row of seats down and you will get an impressive 2 400-litre of storage space in the rear.
Up front there's is more than enough space for even the burliest individuals. The horizontal design of the dashboard, along with horizontal slat air vents (as opposed to the circular ones found in the sedan and hatch ranges) lend themselves to the rugged, robust feel that Mercedes-Benz was going for. The centre tunnel grab handles come in handy for those, like me, who are a little shorter in the leg, allowing one to grab a hold and pull themselves in.
Comfort & Convenience
It's hard to ignore the conjoined 12.3-inch displays on the dashboard that feature the MBUX infotainment and connectivity system. This system is standard fare on the GLS and features Mercedes-Benz' Linguatronic 'natural speaking' assistant that is activated with a simple "Hey Mercedes" command. This will allow you to adjust parameters, control audio, fine-tune the HVAC system and a host of other functions. Naturally, you're still able to control it from the centre console as well as the controls on the multi-function steering wheel.
The air suspension system allows you to raise or lower the GLS to your preferred height, depending on the road and speed conditions. It also allows for easier access to the rear, where you will also find electronic controls to fold the third row of seats flat.
It's here, in the comfort department where the GLS shines. No rubber band tyres or jarring suspension systems in a bid to get it to go around corners. Just a plush, supple ride that irons out even the most haphazard road surface. It's quiet and comfortable and it's clear to see where Mercedes-Benz spent its R&D money.
Performance
The 400d is the entry-level model for South Africa and is powered by a 3.0-litre, straight-six turbodiesel engine that produces 243 kW and 700 Nm torque. It sends power through a 9-speed 9G-Tronic gearbox and on to all four wheels through the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.
The GLS is not a car for spirited driving though and the diesel engine, despite its torque figures, has its work cut out for it in the two-and-a-half tonne behemoth. It's not lazy, but the weight can be felt, particularly under braking where careful planning is required to avoid read-ending the car in front of you.
Mercedes-Benz claims that this arrangement is good for a 0 - 100 km/h sprint of 6.3-seconds and a top speed of 238 km/h. In reality, it feels nowhere near as strong as this but that's fine, Mercedes has forgone the performance in the name of comfort, and I can live with that.
If you insist on additional performance, you will have to spring for the V8 GLS 580 with 376 kW on tap, assisted by a mild-hybrid system.
Fuel Economy
Once again, the weight comes into play here and while Mercedes-Benz will insist that you can get 7.9 l/100km from the 400d, real-world figures will hover around the mid to high 10s. The large 90-litre fuel tank will, however, ensure that you have a range of nearly 900 km.
Safety
While the GLS offers an exceptionally high level of standard safety, certain driver aides are optional extras. You will pay more for the Distronic adaptive cruise control and the Driving Assistance Package that includes Active Speed Limits Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Evasive Steering Assist and a host of other assistance systems.
The Driving Assistance Package Plus will bump these feature up and include Pre-Safe Impulse for additional protection in the event of a side collision.
Price
Even as the baby in the range, the base price of the GLS 400d is R1 854 840 before options. The AMG-Line version of the GLS 400d stops the count at R1 928 140 before options.
A 2-year/Unlimited km warranty is included in the price as is a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Competitors
While some would say that the Audi Q7 keeps company with the GLS range, it's better suited to compare the GLS to the likes of the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport and even the BMW X7.
Verdict
While not the type of vehicle I could picture myself in, the GLS 400d has a place on the roads and in the drives of those that require seating for 7, are looking for a comfortable drive and are not too concerned with cornering or straight-line speed. This then is one of the SUVs that makes the most sense, even if you do have to part with a substantial amount of money in order to enjoy what it has to offer.
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