2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS580
In a world where luxury SUVs have become the norm rather than the exception, the Mercedes-Benz GLS580 continues to position itself as "the S-Class of SUVs." That might sound like marketing hyperbole, but after spending some time with the 2025 model, it's a statement that feels, well, mostly justified.
Slotting near the top of Mercedes-Benz's SUV lineup, the GLS580 4MATIC offers three-row seating, V8 power, and an unapologetic focus on technology, comfort, and grandeur. It's the kind of SUV you might cross-shop against a BMW X7 xDrive60i, a Range Rover, or even the Cadillac Escalade, though the GLS leans more toward quiet sophistication than brash ostentation.
What's New for 2025?
If you're looking for sweeping changes, you won't find them here. The 2025 GLS580 largely carries over the updates that were introduced with the 2024 facelift. Mercedes has subtly expanded the palette with new exterior colours and added an optional "Signature" Nappa leather interior package. And that's about it.
Perhaps that's because the significant changes made last year still feel fresh. The 2024 refresh brought a larger grille with more pronounced slats, updated LED lighting signatures at both ends, and a slightly more aggressive front bumper. Inside, updates to the MBUX infotainment system added more features, faster response times, and an improved voice assistant.
Exterior Styling
The GLS580 remains a stately figure on Canadian roads. Even though styling hasn't changed for 2025, the 2024 revisions have kept it looking relevant against newer competition.
The front grille is now larger and more upright, featuring four bold horizontal bars that give the SUV a broader stance. New LED headlight designs add a touch of futuristic sharpness, especially at night, when the intricate light signatures catch the eye. Around back, the taillights have been reworked too, with a crisper look that subtly modernizes the silhouette without screaming for attention.
Of particular note is Mercedes-Benz's Digital Light technology, available on the GLS580. These advanced LED matrix headlamps can actively adapt to oncoming traffic, road conditions, and even project lane markings in certain conditions. In real-world use, especially during rainy Vancouver nights, the headlights provided outstanding illumination without dazzling other drivers. It's a small but meaningful luxury.
My test vehicle arrived in an elegant Polar White finish, a colour that seems to suit the GLS580's understated luxury ethos perfectly. Interestingly, while white can sometimes exaggerate the size of large SUVs, here it only seemed to emphasize the GLS's clean lines and proportional balance.
That said, it's not a vehicle you park discreetly. It carries presence whether you intend it or not. In a Vancouver parking garage, more than a few glances followed me as I navigated into a tight spot. And yes, at nearly 5.2 meters long, parking can require a bit of patience. Thankfully, the standard surround-view cameras make it a lot easier than you'd expect.
Cabin Technology and Interior
Where the GLS580 really earns its "TechDriven" stripes is inside the cabin. Frankly, it's hard not to feel a little spoiled.
Front and center is the latest generation of MBUX, displayed on a wide 12.3-inch touchscreen that blends almost seamlessly with the digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and wireless device charging is also available.
Despite the increased reliance on the touchscreen interface, Mercedes-Benz has decided to retain the centre console-mounted touchpad in the 2025 GLS580. While some may appreciate the redundancy (or the lack of fingerprints on the touchscreen), allowing both touchscreen and touchpad control, others might find it a bit unnecessary in a world increasingly dominated by direct screen inputs.
Personally, I found myself using the touchscreen far more often simply because it feels quicker and more intuitive. The touchpad is still handy for scrolling through long lists or making adjustments when you don't want to smudge the screen, but I wouldn't be surprised if future models eventually phase it out entirely as it has already been on other Mercedes vehicles.
The voice assistant ("Hey Mercedes") has become noticeably smarter and less rigid. It recognized natural phrasing better than in previous versions, even picking up my half-mumbled request to "find the nearest charging station," an unintended test that it passed with flying colours.
Comfort tech abounds. Heated and ventilated seats are standard, of course, but my tester's optional massaging seats deserve a special shoutout. During a long rainy drive back from the office in heavy rush hour traffic, I found myself activating the "Hot Relaxing Back" massage program and genuinely debating if I ever wanted to get out of the car.
Adding to the comfort quotient are heated armrests, both on the centre console and on the doors, a small detail that makes big difference during chilly Canadian days.
In the second row, passengers are treated to their own climate control zones, USB-C ports, and available tablet-style control screens if you check the right boxes on the options list. Third-row access remains reasonably easy, and adults will find decent headroom, although, predictably, knee space is better suited for kids or short trips.
Third-row passengers often get the short end of the stick in SUVs, but in the GLS, even they are treated to optional heated seats. With three intensity settings and automatic shutoff for peace of mind, it brings unexpected comfort to those in the back. At $500, it’s not an essential upgrade for everyone, but it’s a thoughtful touch for families using all three rows regularly.
One minor quibble: despite the huge size of the GLS580, cargo space behind the third row isn't enormous. It's serviceable for a grocery run or a few carry-on bags, but a family road trip will likely require folding at least one row flat. On the plus side, electrically fold down the third row and you get a cavernous hold good for the kitchen sink and then some!
MBUX Dashcam Functionality
Mercedes-Benz offers an optional dashcam feature through the MBUX "App" section, but in real-world use, it's not as polished as you might hope. The system utilizes the same front-facing camera used for the Traffic Light Assistant and Augmented Reality navigation overlays. However, it requires you to manually activate "Loop Recording" on the touchscreen every time you start the vehicle. Forget to tap the setting? No recordings.
You also need to supply your own USB flash drive, plugged into one of the centre console's USB-C ports, for video storage. Surprisingly, the system only records forward-facing footage and does not cover side or rear angles. There's no option for parking surveillance either — meaning if someone bumps your GLS while parked, the dashcam won't capture it.
The video quality itself is excellent, but with all the limitations, I personally opted to install an aftermarket dashcam setup instead. For now, I'd recommend buyers do the same until Mercedes refines this feature further.
Under the Hood
The GLS580 is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, what Mercedes calls "EQ Boost."
Power output stands at 510 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque. The mild-hybrid system adds a quick 21-horsepower burst when needed and helps smooth out the automatic stop/start functionality.
On paper, those numbers suggest brisk acceleration, and on the road, the GLS580 feels satisfyingly quick for something weighing north of 2,600 kilograms. Mercedes claims a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of around 4.7 seconds, which, considering the vehicle's bulk, borders on the absurd.
More importantly for Canadian buyers, the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system is standard and seamlessly distributes torque between the axles. Combined with the optional AIRMATIC air suspension, the GLS580 soaks up potholes and uneven road surfaces with typical Teutonic grace.
The AIRMATIC system is also height adjustable. It's a convenience factor that's hard to ignore. You can lower the vehicle for easier entry and exit, or raise it to tackle deeper snow or uneven trails. However, unlike the system in Range Rovers, the GLS does not allow you to lock the vehicle at its lowest access height for extended drives, such as fitting into lower parking garages. I'd really like to see Mercedes-Benz adopt that feature in future models.
Fuel economy, however, remains firmly in "luxury V8" territory. Expect somewhere around 14.0 L/100km in mixed driving, with a bias toward worse figures in city stop-and-go traffic. That said, in Eco mode, the fuel consumption can be surprisingly good. Thanks to EQ Boost, the GLS can coast with the engine off for impressively long stretches, even at highway speeds. The air conditioning and all major systems stay active, and transitions are so smooth that most occupants won't even notice when the engine shuts off and restarts.
How Does It Drive?
Driving the GLS580 is a bit like piloting a very quiet, very plush yacht through city streets. Even during a heavy Vancouver rainstorm, the cabin remained serenely quiet, with only the occasional muted swish of tires on wet asphalt.
Steering is light but accurate, perfect for day-to-day commuting, although the sheer size of the vehicle can make tighter urban areas feel a little claustrophobic. Out on the highway, the GLS580 settles into an effortless lope. Long-distance cruising might be where it shines brightest.
Selectable drive modes including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Off-Road tailor the throttle, steering, and suspension settings. I found myself toggling between Comfort and Sport most often. Comfort provides a classic floaty Mercedes ride, while Sport noticeably firms things up without ever feeling harsh.
Body roll is well-controlled for such a large SUV, but there's no hiding the GLS's mass in quick transitions. It feels athletic for its size, but a Range Rover or BMW X7 might edge it out slightly if pure corner-carving ability is your priority.
One thing missing, though, is rear-axle steering. Unlike some competitors, including the Range Rover, the GLS580 does not offer four-wheel steering even as an option. It's a feature that could have helped with maneuverability in tighter parking garages or urban streets. Given the sheer size of the GLS, rear steering would have been a welcome addition to shrink the turning circle and enhance low-speed agility. I found myself wishing for it more than once during a busy afternoon downtown.
Towing Capability and Practicality
The GLS580 isn't just about luxury. It also happens to be a highly capable towing machine, making it a good choice for Canadian buyers who might need to haul boats, trailers, or even small RVs. Thanks to its long 3,135 mm (123.4-inch) wheelbase and robust frame, it feels more stable at speed when towing compared to a smaller SUV like the Mercedes GLE.
Towing capacity for the 2025 GLS580 is rated at 7,700 pounds (approximately 3,493 kilograms) when properly equipped. A Class IV trailer hitch is included, along with trailer stability assist. I couldn’t find an integrated trailer brake controller, unlike what you’d find in the Cadillac Escalade or Lincoln Navigator though.
The 4.0L biturbo V8, paired with the 9-speed automatic transmission, provides effortless towing performance. Plenty of low-end torque helps get heavy loads moving without drama, while the abundance of gear ratios keeps the engine in its sweet spot.
Also worth mentioning is the role of the AIRMATIC air suspension. It automatically levels the vehicle when a trailer is attached, preventing the "tail-down" sag you often see in SUVs without air suspension. That means safer, more confident towing, especially when traveling longer distances or over uneven roads.
Additional TechDriven-approved features that elevated the experience
Acoustic and Thermal Comfort Package
One of the subtler options fitted to my tester was the Acoustic and Thermal Comfort Package. Laminated side windows and a specially treated windshield help block both sound and heat. The rear window is also infrared-absorbing. These upgrades, combined with additional insulation in the cabin, made a noticeable difference in reducing wind noise and keeping the interior cooler under direct sunlight. Priced at $1,300, it isn't a must-have for everyone, but those who value a quieter, more relaxed environment might find it worthwhile.
Burmester 3D High-End Surround Sound System
My GLS580 came equipped with the Burmester 3D High-End Surround Sound system, an option aimed squarely at serious music listeners. The system boasts a 1,610-watt amplifier, 29 speakers, and some clever tuning options like VIP seat targeting. Sound quality was impressively natural across genres, whether listening to classical or low-end-heavy tracks. At $7,050, it’s undeniably expensive, and not everyone will feel the need for it, but for audiophiles, it can transform long drives into private concerts.
Cabin-Control Tablet
A standout feature in the GLS580's rear cabin is the removable MBUX rear tablet, designed to enhance passenger comfort and control. This Android-based device allows second-row occupants to adjust various settings, including seat massage functions, window sunshades, and overhead lighting. Its user-friendly interface ensures that passengers can tailor their environment without needing to interact with the main infotainment system.
This tablet is part of the Executive Rear Seat Package, which offers a suite of luxury features aimed at rear-seat passengers.
Climate-Controlled Cupholders
It sounds like a novelty, but after living with the climate-controlled cupholders, I get the appeal. Whether keeping coffee hot or water chilled, the ability to adjust the cupholder temperature at the press of a button was more useful than I expected. At $250, it’s a small indulgence, but one that fits the TechDriven focus of the GLS580 rather well.
Pinnacle Package
All of these individual features, along with the dashcam system, MBUX Interior Assistant, Mercedes Star Pattern logo projectors, and extended cabin trim, came bundled into the Pinnacle Package, priced at $2,300. Bundling these items offers some cost savings versus adding them piecemeal. That said, the package will appeal most to those who prioritize creature comforts and tech over pure necessity.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS580 isn't trying to be all things to all people. Instead, it leans confidently into what it does best: offering supreme comfort, top-tier technology, and a palpable sense of occasion every time you climb inside. After spending time with this big rig, it's clear this SUV is built around comfort, presence, and an impressive dose of technology. With options like the Acoustic and Thermal Comfort Package, Burmester 3D High-End Surround Sound System, heated third-row seats, and even climate-controlled cupholders, Mercedes-Benz has doubled down on details that make everyday driving genuinely more enjoyable.
The Pinnacle Package bundled several useful tech and comfort features into a good-value offering, although some buyers might find a few options, like the dashcam system, less polished than they would hope.
The GLS580 remains a quiet, confident, and capable way to move people in luxury. Its V8 performance feels effortless, the AIRMATIC suspension maintains comfort even when towing, and thoughtful touches like heated armrests and an MBUX system that's still evolving help the GLS stay relevant against fierce competition.
It isn't perfect. Fuel economy is realistic for a large V8-powered SUV, and rear-axle steering would have made urban driving easier. Still, for Canadian buyers prioritizing comfort, technology, and all-weather ability in a full-size three-row SUV, the GLS580 makes a strong case for itself.
For Canadian buyers seeking a luxurious three-row SUV that prioritizes serene travel, winter capability, and cutting-edge tech without resorting to brashness, the GLS580 remains a compelling choice.
Just be ready to spend some time ticking option boxes—and maybe an extra few minutes squeezing into tight parking spots. It's not cheap. It doesn't sip fuel. And it certainly isn't small. But perhaps that's exactly the point.
TechDriven’s 5 Key Takeaways:
Supreme ride comfort with AIRMATIC adjustable air suspension.
Cutting-edge tech: MBUX infotainment, Digital Light LED headlights.
Spacious, luxurious interior with heated armrests and massaging seats.
Strong V8 performance balanced by EQ Boost efficiency innovations.
Ideal for Canadian winters with standard 4MATIC AWD and raiseable suspension.
