thats one of my biggest complaints. At least the current S class it is. At least something on top of the screens. Some sort of casing in leather. I would also like the bottom of the door to be Leather like the s class, and range rovers.

 

I love the screen on my E43, best looking instrument screen in the market bar none. My biggest regret when I bought our GLS 550 was that it wasn't available, but I couldn't wait 2 years either. The new interior is by far the best thing in this new model. Its elegant and cutting edge. I got to use mbux on another model and I was very impressed, it takes the previous gen that was used on the 2 screen Eclass, adds a touch screen and an even more logical and simple operating system. Very good job. Performancewise the 580 seems to be identical to the present model. It will be interesting to see how the E suspension changes the handling equation. The 550 can be a little torpid on comfort and a little harsh in sport mode, maybe the E suspension can bridge that dichotomy. As to price, I dropped 110k on a 2018 fully equipped 550. Im guessing the addition of the e suspension will make the 580 close to 120.

 

I love my 2015 GL450, but I can't say I am excited about the new model. My kids have enjoyed the dual-screen, dual-DVD system in my present car, so no option for rear entertainment is a problem. The interior choices are bland--the beige and brown leather choices come with gray accents. The exterior paint choices are mostly carryover. From the video, the power rear seats seem really slow. The "base" GLS450, which will likely be an $80,000 to $100,000 vehicle, has gray plastic fender flares. Overall the new model is 3.5 inches longer, an inch wider and a bit lower--giving it more of the proportion of a minivan than an SUV. The electronics seem fantastic and it may drive like a dream, but right now I am closer to going with a Honda Pilot or Lincoln Aviator than a new GLS, which makes me very sad.

 

I certainly won't argue that the screen is beautiful, top notch, best in the world, etc.. However more tech does not equate to luxury. Especially if you compromise on the quality of finishers with lighter weight and cheaper feeling plastics, hollow and thinner wood grain, and MB Tex in the dash made to look like stitched leather. It's great to have a vivid and colorful large screen but that does not make a better car or truck. I really could care less about reading a restaurant review from my dashboard. I get that tech enhances the driving experience through convenience and making things easier but at the cost of true luxury? No thank you. Sticking an oversized tablet in front of air vents when they can so easily integrate it and give it a finished look makes no sense.

 

Definitely agree with you on the proportions there. Wish they can make a true full size SUV with taller stance and better road presence instead of the minivan profile as you stated. Although I can sorta understand why they want to make it lower to give it better handling and aerodynamic characteristics. If Infiniti updates the QX80 interior but keeping the same proportions I would have gone that route.

 

Agree - and especially when 2/3 of those vents (right side and part of left) are fake. Simple is better. On the GLE, at least, you can get a real leather dash cover.

 

AMG 23's are an option, wow.

 

I was just at the dealership to service my GL350 and told yes it will have it but its just to get it rolling not any real electric situation.

 

The best part about this new model to me is that there is an aisle between 2nd row seats when you select the captains chair 6 seat option that aside. I don't see the point of moving out of my GL for it. I'd get nothing on the trade. I may just add a Navigator instead then there aren't any space issues period.

 

Time to swap to an X7 huh?

 

See my post #347 above.

 

Does anyone know if the 2020 GLS580 (with standard AMG appearance package) will have the Chrome Diamond block grille. The GLS580 at the NY auto show did not have it and the US preliminary order guide shows the same grill on the base GLS450 and the GLS580. Both AMG and non-AMG are showing the identical 2 horizontal bar grilles. The 2020 GLE has the Chrome Diamond block grille with the AMG appearance package so I expected the GLS to have it available too.

 

From Road & Track:
The recently debuted Mercedes-Benz GLS SUV is an important car for AMG, even though it doesn't (yet) wear an AMG badge. The GLS580 marries an AMG-designed 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 with a 48-volt electric motor on the crankshaft, creating a mild-hybrid system. We spoke with AMG boss Tobias Moers at the 2019 New York International Auto Show, and he told us this electrified V-8 drivetrain previews the future for AMG.

"The development was done by us, including the 48-volt system. We're going to use that as well," Moers said. "Initially, we kicked it off for the 63 engines for the GLE and GLS, and now we've brought it to [the GLS 580]. It's part of the future. At the beginning of 2021, there will be no car launched without an electrified powertrain. We're heading fast in that direction ... I think the share of electrified powertrains is going to be higher in the performance segments than in other segments in 2025. It's the key to bringing that segment to the future."

Mercedes-AMG's first hybrid powertrains arrived last year in the new 53-series cars. Those models pair a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt-driven Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) and what the brand calls an Electric Auxiliary Compressor, which you can think of as an electric supercharger. The GLS 580 pairs a V-8 with the ISG, though it does without the electric compressor.

In the 53-series cars, the ISG and electric compressor help mitigate turbo lag, and Moers says AMG is working on additional ways to improve response in turbocharged engines.

Of course, AMG is also working on a crazy hybrid system for the One hypercar, which will use an electric turbocharger, a crankshaft-mounted electric motor and an electric motor driving each front wheel, all enhancing the output of its Formula 1-derived 1.6-liter V-6. The AMG GT Four-Door had an electric motor driving the front axle when it debuted as a concept back in 2017, and Moers said this setup will be offered on the production car in the coming years. He also noted that the hybrid V-8 plus electric front axle could become the drivetrain of choice for future 65-series AMG models, replacing the soon-departing 6.0-liter V-12. The 420-hp turbo four-cylinder in AMG's upcoming 45-series cars won'thave any hybrid elements.

It's challenging to add electrified elements to performance-car drivetrains, mainly because of the weight gain that comes with added batteries. AMG's strategy so far, as seen in the 53-series cars, has been to add electrified elements that boost power without including a battery pack (and thus, without the ability to drive in EV-only mode). Based on our recent experience in an E53, the system works well. We're curious to see what the next-generation of 63-series cars look like.

 

It's odd the GLE gets the single-bar studded grille and the GLS does not (I think it's much more attractive), but you'd think if it were available there would be some photos of it.

 

Is anyone now wanting to go look at a BMW X7 even more now after seeing this? Not impressed with the design.

 

Did you see it in person yet? I was not impressed either until I saw both 580 and 450 at the NYAS yesterday. The 580 is the way to go for sure but the 450 is no sleeper either. That black trim around the wheel wells on the 450 is a step backward. It definitely softens the look.

 

2020 GLS Ordering Guide here: https://1drv.ms/b/s!Ai_mPJ0MNN2Z4RuiBguuzg4-X5pG

 

I doubt it. The GLS 580 has the twin lamella grille like the current 550 does. Typically they don't have the diamond pattern.

 

Chrome Diamond block grille will not be part of any 2020 GLS.

 

What's the point of a launch when the 580 is not even in the order system?
MB is going down the drain with fake launches and delayed availability of options.
What happened to the GLS63?

 

This is how every launch is done by every auto manufacturer. Is this your first new car purchase?

 

Yes first new car purchase this year. Otherwise I am approaching 10 new cars in last 7 years and no this not how this is done.

Last time the GL was introduced it was a way better launch than this. Both my S sedan and S coupe had way better launches. Most options were available both for the initial launch and for the facelift.

This new fake launch is different than previous years.

 

It’s very common for manufacturers to soft launch especially new redesigns. Refreshes can go either way. If you don’t want to wait there is plenty to choose from. I prefer not buying first year model so it’s never a big deal.

 

The GLE launch has been very frustrating for many who ordered when the order banks opened in November. Some are still waiting for their GLE's to be built and arrive. Hopefully the GLS launch goes smoother.

 

Well, can't see as to how it could go much worse!