• Dashboard largely shared with the GLE
• Simple design, but high-tech feel
• Large screens and intuitive controls

How is the quality and layout?

While the GLS’s dashboard shares its layout with the smaller GLE, there are some higher-quality touches to make it feel more expensive – mainly leather on the dashboard and doors, as well as the option to spec plusher leather chairs like the kind you’ll find in an S-Class.

Even so, you’ll find some disappointingly hard plastics lower down that feel cheap compared to a BMW X7 or even a far less expensive Audi Q7‘s interior. Similarly, some of the switches and buttons don’t feel as robust as you’d hope for the money.

Opt for the plush Maybach GLS and its the same again, but more so with even more leather, fancier wood and bespoke graphics for the display screens. All models mercifully retain physical heater controls that fall easily to hand, although the switch to touch sensitive controls on the steering is less successful. It’s too easy to trigger something when you’re driving and physical controls are more user friendly.

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Infotainment and tech

Twin 12.3-inch screens dominate the dashboard, but it doesn’t seem over the top. The driver’s display is controlled by a touchpad on the steering wheel, letting you choose what information is shown and choose from a few different layouts. This is all supplemented by an excellent head-up display (HUD) system that clearly and colourfully projects various pieces of driving data straight onto the windscreen.

The screen to its left can be controlled in a number of ways. You can use it like a regular touchscreen, control it via a touchpad between the seats or a smaller one on the left spoke of the steering wheel, or voice control. It’s not quite as easy to navigate on the move as BMW’s rotary dial-controlled iDrive, but once you’re use to the touchpads they can be easier than prodding the screen.

We’ve no complaints regarding the sharpness of the graphics and response times are good, too. In some respects, we actually prefer it to the newer Mercedes infotainment system found in the smaller GLC.

Comfort

• Excellent comfort on all GLS models
• Amplified further on Maybach versions
• Leather chairs have offer excellent support

Even the entry-level GLS 400 d AMG Line Premium models come with masses of kit that will help boost comfort, With a large centre console with protruding grab handles, you’re never not aware that you’re in an SUV, something emphasised by the commanding views outside thanks to the the elevated driving position. There’s an enormous range of adjustment available for the driver’s seat and steering wheel, so you will be very unlucky not to feel ideally positioned for driving.

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It’s easy to get comfortable, too, thanks to electric adjustment of both front seats and the steering wheel (as well as the middle row). You may find you’ll want the seat quite high because the GLS is such a big car (and so you can see over the bonnet).

It helps that the front seats themselves are very comfortable, with heating and cooling function standard on entry-level Premium Plus, as well as massage. Second row seats are heated, too, while higher quality leather is available if you pay extra. You can even recline the seats in the back to boost comfort (not the third row), while a rear-seat entertainment package offers TV screens and a tablet to emulate S-Class levels of luxury.

You’ll need Business Class for the rear screens, with second row seats gaining cooling and massage functions. The third row also gains heating, and there’s window blinds for second row passengers.

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Refinement is good too, keeping the cabin nice and quiet. The engines can be heard when accelerating quickly, especially the diesel, but it’s still hushed and relaxed as you surge forwards. Even on rough roads the GLS doesn’t kick up much road noise (even on the largest 23inch alloys), and there isn’t too much wind noise to compete with either. And if it does get noisy, there’s a speaker system that relays your voice to those in the third row, and vice versa.

AMG models are sportier, but remain comfortable, but it’s the Maybach GLS that ramps up the luxury factor. Out go the usual five rear seats, and in comes a bench that’s shaped in such a way as to maximise comfort for the outer two passengers. If that’s still not enough, the First Class model swaps that seating arrangement out again for a pair of luxurious chairs, separated by a large dividing console with space for a fridge and somewhere to rest your champagne flutes.