Mercedes GLS

With more and more people driving around in high-riding 4x4s, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to look down one’s nose at the general public from the back of large luxury saloons. The Mercedes  GLS solves this first-world problem – it’s gigantic in every way, and its maker is calling it the Mercedes S-Class of SUVs. Prepare your noses.

But just how gigantic is it? Well, the GLS is longer than it’s ever been, and more importantly, longer than a BMW X7 or full-size Range Rover. You also won’t mistake it for either of those, because it has a Mercedes badge the size of a dinner plate on its chrome grille between LED headlights and above large air intakes. At the side are huge alloy wheel options up to 23-inches, box wheelarches and illuminated running boards, while at the back, you’ll find a roof spoiler at the top, LED rear lights and some gaping exhaust openings.

Like Mercedes’ smaller GLE, the GLS has a more visually engaging design inside than a BMW X7, Audi Q7 or Range Rover . For starters, it has a huge one-piece screen for the instruments and infotainment flanked by two massive air vents. Below that sit four further squared vents set into wood or metal trim. It’s not all good news, though – some of the car’s switches feel too flimsy for a car at this price level and there are some cheaper-feeling plastics at the bottom of the dashboard and doors.

Still, Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system is one of the best on sale. It’s also one of the coolest-looking infotainment systems around, with two huge screens merge together to form one wide wraparound display through which you control everything from the climate control to the built-in sat-nav. Bluetooth, DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are all thrown in too. But, despite its flashy looks, Merc’s MBUX still isn’t quite as easy to follow menu-wise as an X7’s iDrive.

AMG Line

The Mercedes GLS  AMG Line comes with 22-inch alloy wheels, adaptive air suspension, sporty AMG bumpers, LED headlights, a panoramic glass roof and metal-effect running boards. Inside, you get seven electrically adjustable seats, 64-colour ambient lighting, a Nappa-leather sports steering wheel and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring on the dual-screen dashboard display. You also get Mercedes' latest voice-controlled MBUX infotainment system as standard, alongside wireless phone charging, a Burmester stereo, cruise control and plenty of driver assistance systems including lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking.