Mercedes-Benz continues to be top dog in the realm of ultra-luxury SUVs, and the GLS 580 is a prime example of that. Combining the opulence of the S-Class with the sheer muscle of the G-class, the GLS 580 strikes a balance between performance and style. Let’s take a look at some of the features of the new GLS 580 and how it stacks up against the 450 trim option.
What Is the Difference Between a GLS 450 and 580?
The 2024 GLS is offered in two trim levels: 450 and 580. Let’s compare the specs to help you decide which one is right for you.
Size Differences Between GLS 450 and GLS 580
The exterior dimensions are nearly the same. Both the GLS 450 and 580 have a 123.4in wheelbase, an overall height of 71.8 inches, overall width of 79.9 inches, and an overall length of 205.2 inches.
The only difference is that the GLS 450 is slightly lighter and has a narrower track width in the front and back. It weighs 5489 lbs compared to the 580’s 5820; the rear track is 1.8 inches narrower at 66.6 inches, and the front track is 1.4 inches narrower.
The interior dimensions of the GLS 450 are exactly the same as the 580: room for seven passengers, 40.3 inches of legroom in the front row, 41.9 inches in the second, and a cargo capacity of between 17.4 and 84.7 cubic feet.
Is The GLS 580 a V8?
Yes, the GLS 580 utilizes a 4.0 L V8 biturbo engine with mild hybrid drive. In fact, the use of the V8 is one of the key differences between the GLS 450 and GLS 580. The 450 is equipped with a 3.0 L inline-6 turbo instead of a V8.
The result is an appreciable difference in performance. The GLS 580 puts out 510 hp, bolstered by 538 lb-ft of torque. While still impressive, the 450 maxes out at 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The 580 goes from 0-60 in 4.7 seconds: a full 1.1 seconds faster than the 450. Drivers looking for more power and off-roading maneuverability will likely prefer the 580’s V8.
That being said, the more powerful engine sacrifices some fuel economy. The GLS 580’s V8 gets an average of 14 mpg in the city compared to the 450’s 19 mpg. Drivers looking for better gas mileage may, therefore, prefer the 450.
Check Out The Latest March GLS Special Offers
Drivetrain and Wheels in Mercedes GLS 450 vs GLS 580
Both the GLS 450 and the Mercedes GLS 580 utilize the 9G-TRONIC 9-SPEED automatic transmission, and both are equipped with the 4MATIC fully variable all-wheel drive configuration.
The wheels on the GLS 580 are slightly larger and more posh. It comes standard with 22” AMG multispoke wheels and high performance summer tires. The GLS 450 has all-season tires and 21” five-spoke wheels.
Luxury and Safety in the GLS 580 vs the 450
Safety-wise, the Mercedes GLS 580 and 450 are pretty much on par. When it comes to luxury features, however, the GLS 580 has a fair bit more to offer. In addition to all the standard luxury features of the GLS450, the 580 also includes:
- Mulitcontour front seats with massage
- Rapid heating feature for front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- 5-zone climate control
- Soft-close doors
- Leather upholstery
- Heated second row seats
GLS 580 Multimedia
The Mercedes GLS 580 and the 450 offer the same standard multimedia options, including the MBUX, a 12.3 inch touchscreen multimedia display, a 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster display, 1 year of live traffic updates, 1 year of free map updates, and the high end Burmester surround sound system.
How Much Is The GLS 580?
The GLS 580 starts at $112,000 MSRP. This is considerably more than the GLS 450, which starts at around $87,000.
Is the GLS 580 a Maybach?
No, the GLS 580 is not a Maybach. It is part of two available trim options for the GLS SUV. Mercedes has, however, released a Maybach GLS 600. The 2024 version is now available and might be described as a 580 “on acid.”
The luxury features are off the charts: massage chairs with private music and smell programs; Burmester 3D sound; an exclusive climate system; lounge positions for chairs; and, of course, a refrigerator for your champagne and flutes. Not to mention the whole thing is tricked out in Maybach signature emblems and styling.
That luxury comes with a hefty price tag, however. The 2024 model starts at around $174,350. For our money, the 580 does just fine. It’s got the V8 engine, massage seats of its own (heated front and second row), plush leather, the Burmester surround, and plenty of other features that hold their own against the Maybach.
GLS 580: What’s The Verdict?
The Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 is luxury off-roading at its absolute finest. It surpasses the 450 in power, handling, and luxury. However, the additional ticket price may dissuade some buyers. The 450 is a match in every other way to the GLS 580: it is the same size, inside and out and has identical safety and multimedia features. Ultimately, the choice will be dependent upon the driver’s goals. Those looking for added luxury akin to a Maybach (massage chairs and heated second row??) and the power of G-Wagen will love the GLS 580. Again, though, the 450 is nothing to sneeze at.
GLS 580 for Sale
Ready to take the plunge and get behind the wheel of a brand new 2024 Mercedes Benz GLS 580? Visit the Mercedes Benz of Littleton Dealership. We have a full inventory of GLS 580 (and 450) models ready for a test drive. Call, go online, or drop in today. (Pssst…if you’re curious, we have the 2024 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 in stock, too.)
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