2020 GLS - Oh Boy
 

1) Boxy
2) front and read headlamps look small
3) the BMW X7 split tail gate/lift is still the BOMB
4) that beautiful front display still looks like a slapped-on tablet on a cradle

5) still no cup holder bump out in the door storage
6) that obtrusive grab handle, how non-S-Class

my 2013 GL450 replacement WILL NOT be this one, but a used X7 in a few years looks promising :-)

For $20k+ less, I'd take the Navigator over the new Benz or Bimmer in a heartbeat.

@DaveW68 ... I take it your GL550 is the last of your MB SUV experience ...

Not sure. I expect that I'll have this one another 3 years until my warranty runs out. Not sure what the next vehicle will be yet.

I actually like the look of the new gls....but I imagine this schmee character doesn’t help when it comes to convincing others..

ive sat in the x7...and it’s too small and cramped in third row for the functionality our family needs.
The grille is also dreadfully ugly. I’ve seen a couple tooling around in Bethesda...usually black or blue. One was a true picture of a young woman in black w black sunglassses in her black x7.
I can see how it can be appealing, the car.

Interesting that Dave mentions the navigator. We have neighbors that have owned a x166 gl and a f10 bmw 550 for years. THhebhusband traded in his bmw for a brand new navigator about 4-5 months ago. Just last week it disappeared and a new e class wagon appeared in its place. 😅

First of all, I don't give a damn about how many phone charging ports a $100k truck has! :) I really would like to see the captains seat version and those seats are god awful slow to allow access to the 3rd row. Why wasn't this version fully loaded, where are the TV screens and why the cheap 1998 ML plastic on the dash? "Hey Mercedes" come on!?!? I do like the 2nd row seat controls but he doesn't show if the 2nd row reclines all the way back like the fronts.

I'm not all that impressed with the interior but I really like the exterior.

Overall it's a step up from what I have.

There are other "New York Auto Show" videos you can cruise and see a bit more.

The new 2020 GLE gives you good "cues" as to the 2020 GLS interior. YES - space all around is definitely "upgraded" - in the front the GLS dash is much further "forward" and "lower" so front seat "room" is more roomy - 2nd row space is definitely another move up - note the "new" 2nd row bench sits a bit lower - so dropping the bench for flat cargo floor is much easier - and YES you have power 2nd row seat adjustments for either the 2nd row bench or 2nd row "captains" - the 2nd row "captains" config is no extra charge - and YES the 3rd row has better legroom as well.

It's interesting to hear the naysayer's based on NY Auto Show info - because frankly everything shown at the NY Auto Show - and as laid out by the Dealer Order Guide have been plus-plus-plus.

If you like the GLS now - the key point here is the the new/new GLS is all plus/plus/plus - and the very best part - as evidenced by the 2020 GLE - is smoother and quieter - another plus/plus.

You're right, I just watched one that had the captains seats. I really need to experience the GLS in person.

Meh, not impressed. Body lines look too much like a BMW with the exception of the lower front spoiler.

- like Audi, BMW has keep the "traditional" 2-dashboard (the main one behind the steering wheel and the center console)
- why is everyone going to the slimmer Asian Eyes headlamps (I'm asian, so it's ok) ... I like the headlamps a bit more proportioned to the BIG ass center grill ... is this a deal breaker, no, just noting some semetry
- Single guy here with two cats and not looking to get a family so yes I have the GL ... 3rd row seating is plenty even for my 5'4" frame ... not looking for the space of a Navigator
- and the X7 has the 3rd row moonroof ... not a deal breaker for the GLS, but all these little things could bring me back to Bimmer after this GL (wish they would go to the stoke lever for the gear shift behind the steering wheel, so as to make more space in the center arm rest)
- need to explore the Audi Q7 ... hehehe not to mention the Jaguar and Land Rovers ... oy oy oy

Motor trend has more info on the new features and technology (not usb c port #'s) which makes it sound like a much nicer vehicle than we've seen so far on youtube vidoes.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...54bd2ceabd.jpg

@DaveW68 hahahahahaha .... LMAO ... don't get me started on the small dimple lights on the rear cheeks ... hahahaha

Be aware that for the X7 that if you don't get the 5-zone automatic climate control option, there are no vents to the third row.

Please send me the DOG!

If the GLS580 comes with Exclusive Nappa, I’m definitely buying one. Otherwise, I’ll have to wait for the AMG version(s).

FYI https://mercedesblog.com/the-xxl-lux...gls-vs-bmw-x7/

Either that was translated from another language to English or that guy really sucks at writing.

don't mind if i ask if you can illustrate the part of the front dash that is moved forward to give more room.

Cargo area
 

In the GLE at least, the cargo floor is no longer flat - the second row slopes up toward the front in the lowered position.

I’m very interested to see the 63 version once it comes out. I had 2018 S63 loaded , but had to trade it in since I needed an suv and didn’t want another vehicle to go with it. Wife’s car is on lease still. Got the 18 GLS 63. I miss my S class since it was very luxury inside like the GLS should be. I’m hoping the AMG adds more leather to it like the current S class or at least have it as option. That dash is awful, all Plastic. Not sure how they could call it the S class of SUV’s... hoping these or more or less base models and you can add it on. A little hope is, the new GLE 53, seems to be a big step up from the 450, full leather dash, more luxury seats ect. I’ll probably wind up with one, since the bmw is very nice just doesn’t do it for me, the urus is to small and the range is coming up on the end of its cycle. Another thing, is they should offer night vision, magic sky control features that the S offers.

It's weird how the new GLS has been improved so much over the old/current version but has so many unexptected features starting from the stuck on triple sized iPad screen, the controls that remind me of the cheaper GLC, the outside that looks just too "rund geleckt" it looks a little cheap in the standard version and looks like a station wagon on steroids in the AMG version. I doubt that they will change much about the styling but maybe the cockpit will be more pleasing in the MOPF version. The S-Class is one of very few Mercedes' I liked from the day it was released but it's expensive and not very practical.

So couldn't you refer to any multi media screen as an iPad of a different size? The outgoing GLS definitely looks like an iPad but the new design is just an elongated screen.
Not sure what you mean by "rund geleckt" since that translates to "licked around". lol
Anyway the outgoing model is/was nice but im liking everything im reading seeing so far about the new X167. I can't wait to see the AMG.

The screen looks great they way they did it in the S-Class. I understand they wanted it to be accessible since it's a touch screen but it's not done nicely. It's like they were thinking... the Tesla model 3 screen looks horrible, let's do it just a tad better in our SUV.
With rund geleckt I mean that the shape reminds me of a blowfish in particular the doors and fenders, it's just round. It's like they tried to use the design from the GLC on the GLE/GLS and it didn't work out. I don't want anything AMG, I don't think that SUV's
should look like formula one cars with gigantic air intakes and spoilers.

There is more room from chest to-dash - and the dash has been moved "forward" and a bit "lower" to the engine compartment.. and FYI the front seating is a bit "higher"... and 2nd row seating is a bit "lower" and farther "back"...

Once you look and sit in the new GLS... what I am saying will be evident to you regardless of what you can (or cannot) visualize in your mind at the moment....