2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS GLS 450

MANAGERS NOTES - 3RD ROW, AWD, APPLE CARPLAY, DRIVER ATTENTION/DROWSINESS MONITOR, BACK UP CAMERA AND 360 DEGREE VIEW, HEATED LEATHER SEATS, MULTICONTOUR SEARS, SUNROOF, POWER LIFTGATE, V6 ENGINE. ** PREMIUM PACKAGE ** ** LIGHTING PACKAGE ** ** AS PRICED COMES WITH 3 MONTH UNLIMITED MILE SERVICE CONTRACT ** ** CAN BE PURCHASED $0 DOWN ON APPROVED CREDIT ** What’s new The GLS officially makes its debut for 2017. Highlights include modified exterior styling, a newly standard nine-speed automatic transmission (except on the AMG GLS 63) and a touchpad-operated infotainment system with a larger screen and available Apple CarPlay. Also, all engines except the GLS 450's turbocharged V6 get a bit more horsepower this year. Vehicle overview The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class SUV has a new name, and we're here to tell you why. The S-Class, you see, has been Mercedes' flagship sedan for decades; it's a luxury icon in its own right. Mercedes wanted its top-of-the-line family crossover to tap into that heritage, so last year's GL-Class has become this year's GLS-Class. The idea is that it's the S-Class of SUVs, and we have to admit that this well-mannered beast makes a pretty compelling case. Freshened front-end styling helps differentiate the 2017 GLS-Class from its GL-Class forebear. The GL-Class was already at the top of its game, but the 2017 GLS still manages to take things up a notch. Mild styling changes front and rear mask more significant upgrades under the skin, including a superb new nine-speed automatic transmission (on all models except the AMG) and an upgraded infotainment system with a larger central display and a touchpad. The GLS is great to drive, too, with remarkable agility for such a behemoth and powerful acceleration in every trim. Direct competition for the 2017 GLS-Class is surprisingly thin. No large crossover or SUV can match the all-around talents of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. Standard safety features on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS include automatic crosswind stabilization, trailer stability assist, front side airbags, a driver knee airbag, full-length side curtain airbags, a forward collision mitigation system with automatic braking and a driver attention/drowsiness monitor. For additional peace of mind, Mbrace Secure is available and includes automatic collision notification, stolen-vehicle location and more. The Premium 1 package adds a blind-spot monitor and lane keeping assist, while the Driver Assistance package contributes adaptive cruise control, an upgraded collision mitigation system with pedestrian recognition, speed limit assist and "active" blind spot and lane keeping assist systems that can automatically guide the car back into its lane if the driver fails to heed their warnings. Driving Compared to the GL-Class, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class benefits from suspension refinements that provide a more controlled, confident feel in corners. Nonetheless, it retains the quiet interior and absorbent ride over bumps for which the GL was known. Braking performance was a strong suit for the GL, and we expect it to remain one for the GLS, which stops with the drama-free ease of a much smaller vehicle. Compared to other large three-row crossover SUVs, the 2017 GLS-Class is a joy to drive. Interior The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class will look pretty familiar inside if you've spent time in the latest GL. There's a smattering of updates, however, including a redesigned instrument panel and a new three-spoke steering wheel. Most notably, the infotainment system gets an improved 8-inch display screen (an inch larger than last year) and a touchpad that works in tandem with the default console-mounted control knob. This system continues to be one of our favorites due to its user-friendly menu structure and quick responses. This is an exceptionally nice interior by segment standards. Of course, the GLS' calling card is its roomy adult-size accommoda