My wife's PHEV Chrysler Pacifica is coming off lease next September and we are starting to think about replacements. We both really like the GLS, but my wife does not want to go back to a non-plugin vehicle. The MB PHEVs are very compelling because they have really great EV range (as much as 60 miles) but we need 3 rows. Has anybody heard if the refresh GLS supposedly coming out this fall as a 2027 model will get a PHEV option? Ideally the 6 cyl powertrain from the S580e vs the 4 cyl in the GLE450e...

Its odd IMO that the GLS and X7 dont have a PHEV option when the GLE and X5 do...

 

We are in the same exact situation. We really love the GLS and want to keep it for a while (months, year, 2 years...), but for the next ride, we know that we really want a PHEV. Most of the GLS daily trips are within the 40-50 mile range usually driven by my wife, so a PHEV would eliminate the need for gas and allow us to enjoy EV propulsion 100% of the time except for road trips.

The X5 PHEV is the only option we considered, but it's too small, and we had one before. It's not great for road trips, and we had to rent a larger SUV when the entire family or guests join us.

I'm thinking we'll start looking for the next SUV within a year. I'm 99% confident that the next GLS facelift won't offer a PHEV variant. PHEV models require dedicated battery space, which needs to be considered in the chassis design from the start, including space for electric motors, batteries, auxiliary systems, and even different AC/heating systems.

Unfortunately, I'm also 100% sure that the next X7 generation won't offer a PHEV variant either, there are some rumers confirming this on forums. but I am already 100% sure about it as I know someone very high up in BMW in Germany who confirmed it to me. There will be a full EV X7, but that won't work for our longer state-to-state trips. I am ready to give Mbenz or BMW ALL THE MONEY they want if they release a PHEV X7 or GLS, but that won't happen from what I know anytime soon.

It's disappointing; there aren't many options, and we're not going to get any van or smaller SUV after the GLS. The Lucid Gravity is on our list because of its excellent EV mileage and access to Tesla Superchargers. Otherwise, another GLS with the inline-6 is also at the top of our list, and a Rivian with a larger battery pack is also an option. There are 2-3 other SUVs on the list but am not sure about them still.

 

I will also add, even if BMW released an X7 PHEV, I wouldn't be thrilled. I'd rather put my money on a GLS PHEV. Our 5-series PHEV was flawless, but folks with the new X5 PHEV have reported a ton of issues, and are still reporting them. We actually seriously considered a new X5 PHEV for in-town trips just 3-4 months ago to replace our bonus Honda Accord hybrid, which we don't use often. We canceled the plan last minute after everything I learned and read online about the X5 PHEV (even my service advisor suggested us the same). MBenz PHEVs in the S-class variants (even the W222s years ago) seem to be extremely reliable. I've never read any threads about issues, whereas the X5 PHEV and the new 5-series PHEV are full of terrible experiences and glitches for some reason.

Back to MBenz, the other issue is that MBenz has a tendency to make PHEVs exclusive to the European market. I think the chances are almost non-existent that there will be a 3rd-row German SUV offering before 2030.

 

Yeah, the Pacifica has 35 miles of EV range and its just not quite enough, 55-60 miles like the MB PHEVs get would really be perfect. IMO that makes for the perfect family car, all EV around town and on the road no worries about charging. What gives me hope is that the GLS is essentially just a stretched GLE, and the GLE has the PHEV. The third row seats would require a different battery pack though...

Agreed, on the GLS vs the X7, the X5 doesnt have the range of the MB PHEVs and the smaller size is very apparent in a road trip vehicle.

I am super impressed with MBs PHEVs. In the S580e I didn't love the feel of the I6, but I LOVED it in EV mode. Just for that cost and the purpose of the vehicle I wanted to love the powertrain on a long trip when I'm using gas also. In the GLS thats less of a concern for me. One of my agents has a GLC350e and its seriously impressive. I have had GLC300s as loaners and like them, but the 350e is another level with the 60 miles of EV range and the rear air suspension paired with the extra weight. Honestly, it kind of makes me wonder if something like that makes a lot more sense for me than cars at the S Class level since I don't drive as much as I used to. Its hard to justify the cost of the S Class when I drive it for 25 minutes a day total.

Other thing we are considering like you is going full EV in a Rivian or a Lucid Gravity, but I honestly would still prefer gas for trips. At that cost also I'd rather have something like the GLS. The leases on the Gravity are AWFUL...like $2k a month awful. Rivian leases are much better, similar to what a GLS450 would be. I would consider going CPO GLS like you did and buying it but my wife really wants at least a PHEV...

 

Good thought about the GLS being a stretched GLE, but most of the extra space is already used for legroom and areas that wouldn't be suitable for a battery, plus the 3rd row seats are standard. I don't see MB doing it, but I would be happy if they did. That's why you couldn't order the X5 (and maybe the GLE) with the 3rd row when it was available, as a PHEV SUV. With the current GLS chassis, I think if they try to add PHEV batteries, they will have to remove the 3rd row seat, which will make it a useless large SUV.

If I ever bought another S-class, it would have been the PHEV 100%. Maybe not be as enjoyable as the V8, but I'd be in EV mode anyway 95% of the time with that car. In fact, even for my 2nd W222, I tried sooooooo hard to find a loaded S560e until I gave up on finding one in stock, and I can't wait 9-12 months to order it to my liking.

I did CPO GLS because it led to 35-40% savings on day 1 in exchange of course to some miles on it, but for a car that is basically a "beater" already and was going to become a VERY high-mileage car soon. I'll likely do the same again when we replace it. Rivian and Gravity aren't meant for lease or brand-new, if I do, I might grab one with less than 10K miles from C&B or BAT for a fraction of it's MSRP. Am find buying new for my daily, but not the family hauler that goes to car washes, schools, trips, food during trips, etc.

Full EV SUV for highway trips is surely a concern, but I think Gravity will be totally fine. If my own daily sedan was ICE, I'd probably rank Gravity and Rivian as #1 on my list instead of the GLS. I just need at least on option that can go 500-600 highway miles non-stop including winter months, yet comfy for road-trips.

 

I've actually never bought a used car...I would consider it for the GLS too but the lack of a PHEV is going to be a dealbreaker for my wife now that she is used to the PHEV. I was looking around at some 2024 GLS450s and $70k looks doable for one with 15k miles or so, thats a pretty significant savings. Her car does get beat on with the kids and the dog. I worry about buying an EV even used because of the downside resale risk...

Have you seen the Gravity in person? They are really nice. The packaging inside is also excellent, minivan like actually. The exterior is okay, I prefer the beefier SUV look of the Rivian. I also prefer the more traditional dash and steering wheel. I had a tri motor Rivian I drove around for a day and it was great. Rivian with the MaxPack or a Gravity Grand Touring has plenty of range for travel too

Leasing is attractive because I can write both cars off for business

 

You need the VW ID Buzz!! That thing is an absolute family riot on wheels, cool as all get-up, with a soul! Friend of mine is an executive with VW here in DC (VAG North American HQ). He gets "company car" allocations for Audi and VW every few months. The ID Buzz is the only one he actually purchased for his wife and kids. They love the snot out of that thing! She brought it over to the house a few weeks ago, picked up my wife for a girls night out - all of the wives absolutely loved it! Only time I've actually heard her say she loved a car. If we didn't have the need for a long-haul highway cruiser, I have a feeling that would be in our garage and the GLS would be sitting on the lot, which is very surprising to me considering my wife is 100% anti-minivan and we're winding down our kid/shuttle phase of life (one going to college next fall, other in HS). But she loves it, said it's one of the "coolest" cars she has ever seen and loved the simplicity of the interior. I have a feeling if we got one, we'd have a few more pets in this family to fill it up. We have the perfect guest parking spot in our driveway to have the charger installed, screams for it actually (we'll probably have one installed in general when it comes time to sell this house). I won't allow one to be installed inside the garage. Outside only and far enough away from the house in case of a fire.

Don't get me wrong, we like our GLS, it's excellent for the I-95 derby, but it's soulless and not a fun vehicle to drive. It's ponderous for suburban errand living, although the 450 engine is superb and plenty of power for the car (perhaps the best 6 cylinder setup I've ever experienced). It's not bad. It's, just, a "thing". Vanilla. Hard to explain. We're also growing tired of some of the MB needless expenses that others don't suffer from, like $800 every 25k miles for rear tires, some rattles now showing up, etc. That said, it's superb for long cruises with the family, no doubt about it, but if it weren't for that need in our family, it would likely be gone now for something with a bit more character and fun. Perhaps once our son goes off to school (and takes his car with him), we'll lease the ID Buzz and park the GLS for highway cruises only. Electric is the only type of vehicle that I'll lease instead of just purchasing outright.

 

PS: Neighbor has the PHEV BMW X5, had it for about 18 months now. Runs 60 miles a day commutes, almost entirely on electric. In fact, the gas started to go bad in the tank recently because she's always on electric. Not 3-row, but an example of a PHEV with the range you like. They sure do love their BMW's over there, that's for sure. Her first (always an Audi Q7), he's on his 5th with an electric M5.

 

She loves the ID Buzz, but there isn't enough range for travel, and I ain't driving it lol.

"Soulless and not fun to drive" remember we're replacing a Chrysler Pacifica minivan after 4 minivans in a row! Anything is more fun to drive haha

I can't believe your kids are going to college and in HS. Wow!

We gotta have 3 rows, unfortunately. We went and looked at the Rivian and the Lucid Gravity last night (just as the mall). The Rivian is considerably smaller than the GLS inside, that would be a challenge. Gravity is huge inside but its a little quirky and minivanish for me, and like I said the leases are terrible. I want to be $1,200 a month or less...Lucid Gravity $110k MSRP is more like $1,900.

 

@nc211 are you sure it does 60 miles? I think it is closer to 30 miles in reality with 39 miles of official range by BMW. Car and Driver tested the car too and it averaged low 30s. 25-30 kWh batters in heavy cars like the GLS and X7 wouldn't exceed 20 miles of range. Adding larger batteries then become a problem as there isn't enough space and cost will increase yet with an ICE drivetrain on top of it. that's probably why BMW (and likely Mbenz) decided to not work on a PHEV version for the GLS/X7 anytime soon. It's just not doable for cars of this size despite being exactly what I prefer to buy if it exists.

 

Yeah everything I have seen shows the range is in the 30s for the X5 similar to my Pacifica.

PHEV is definitely doable for cars of this size...Pacifica is the same size as a GLS, so is the Lexus TX. I would even be happy with a PHEV GLS with the same EV range I have now if they needed to use a smaller battery

 

Yep, sorry thinking of my commute, which is 60. Her office is ½ the distance, so roughly 30 miles. They were telling me about how the dealership advised them to not forget to use the gasoline aspect of the car to keep things lubricated in the engine. It's good to turn it on every now and then, which would make sense (although doubtful really needed for a brand spankin' new car).

I'm hopeful our GLS doesn't try to rob me blind before the Scout can come out in 2027 (supposedly). That SUV with the gasoline generator looks awesome to us! We originally wanted to replace our aging Toyota Highlander (BoogerBucket) with a new Jeep Grand Wagoner when they announced its return.....but then we saw it (along with the price)....and the GLS was the winner hands down. Now if the Scout actually delivers as advertised and isn't a royal pile of crap, that could most likely be our next car. VW owned, has some Rivan influence in it too I believe.

 

Our Pacifica will actually run the engine if it hasn't been run in a while, it comes on the screen and tells you that its in fuel circulation mode lol.

35 miles of EV range is fine, just some days we have to use gas around town if its been a long day, especially in the winter. My wife is also working some now so it gets driven more. We've had it since September of 2023 (so 26 months) and it has like 22k miles on it. 55 miles of EV range we would never use gas around town. I may put in a Level 2 charger which means when my wife is home in the middle of the day it would charge all the way back up. It charges in about 7 hours on a regular outlet, 2 on a level 2.

Honestly? I might just buy it out and keep it a couple years until there are more compelling options. The thought of owning a Chrysler PHEV out of warranty though is not compelling...

 

I actually liked the Jeep Grand Wagoneer! With the refresh/changes they did recently, I even think it's a better family highway cruiser than the GLS for long trips. I can only imagine how comfy and spacious it'd be with 1st class ride quality on the interstate. The GLS still rides better in-town though.

 

Grand Wagoneers are nice, the refresh made it much better looking. But like a Tahoe or Escalade it’s much bigger and harder to live with day to day than a GLS.

 

I think they look like Tahoe knock-offs. School buses. The proportions are just goofy. I do like the interior however, but $100k+ for a Jeep is a non-starter from here to hell and back for me. Agree with SW as well, would not want to live with that in daily life with DC traffic.

I'd keep the Pacifica too, in my opinion. Especially if you guys like it, which is all that matters! I think they're very nice, and nothing can compare to a minivan for making family life easier! We used to have the old Chrysler Town & Country minivan (two of them) when I was growing up. The best!!

Not in same category of prestige, but I do like the Atlas (no PHEV) and I like that Mazda CX90 (PHEV). Mazda has a deep red color that is impressive to say the least.

 

We like it fine, its not something that rolls my socks up and down lol. Its hard for me to have a car in my garage that doesn't excite me on some level.

The refresh GW is much better looking:



$100k ain't what it used to be unfortunately lol

I rent Tahoes and such when we go to Disney, and they're great on the open road but just too big to drive around every day and park etc.

I love the Escalade IQ for instance, but they are just so huge its silly...bigger than the gas Escalade!



Have thought about the Cadillac Vistiq but no frunk...

 

It's an "Eye of the Beholder" thing. Some people also bought the Ford Flex.