GLS 580 on Safari: Taking the Long Way Home in the S-Class of Sport Utes
Sometimes the shortest route is far from the best, and Mercedes-Benz’s imposing GLS 580 is shining proof of that.
It’s been a while since we last took the drive from the City of Gold home. So we planned the thousand-mile trip a little differently this time around. There’s no way we could even consider a cannonball-like high speed run like we used to in the ’80s. Times have changed — everything is different now. Never mind, it’s not clever to take the main road at this time of the year. When they say it’s hell out there, that route pretty much defines the phrase.
What Better for the Long Road than a GLS 580?
I’d also never seen some of the attractions along the alternative route, so we said what the hell, let’s take the long road home. Best of all, we’d lined the S-Class of SUVs up for the trip. In fact there could be little better than the latest, new for 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 4M for our journey.
Armed with the lap of luxury we plotted our trip — down South Africa’s N12 alternative route and on to the R62, rather than the mad N1. Both car and route proved an inspired choice. So we topped the Benz’ 26-gallon tank up Monday morning and set off southwest through the Goldfields to Potcheftsroom and Klerksdorp — mining towns that have provided the world with much of its gold.
Traffic was relatively thick, which allowed a little time to ensconce ourselves in the nuances and pedigree of our ride. They say that the big Merc SUV combines modern luxury with the character of an off-roader. That it blends design and capability with classic Mercedes luxury and elegance. They’re quite correct. GLS 580’s business class cabin is the synthesis of the modern, luxurious aesthetic. I’d happily concede that it benchmarks modern SUV practicality, tech and ability.
It’s Called the S-Class of SUVs for Very Good Reason
Mercedes-Benz has been building premium Sport Utility Vehicles since it invented the genre with M-Class in ‘97. Since then, SUVs have become a key pillar in the Mercedes brand. Benz introduced the original full-size seven-seater GL in 2006. That car was facelifted and re-badged GLS in line with Merc’s new naming convention in 2015. When it placed significant emphasis on luxury in its second generation large SUV.
Completely renewed for 2021, Mercedes calls the GLS ‘the S-Class of SUVs’ for very good reason. This GLS 580 now tops the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup. It sits above the GLA, GLB, GLC and GLE (nee M-Class), and alongside the G-Class and Maybach GLS in the range. Merc’s largest and most luxurious SUV is now more spacious, more comfortable and more luxurious than ever. Its powerful and imposing off-road looks deliver the expected agile handling and quite incredible off-road capability.