Update: Live photos are now in the gallery.

The three-row posh crossover wars are real – but the new 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS is battle ready. The fully revamped, third-gen, three-row not only looks better, but with two new engines, tons of tech, and a Manhattan-sized apartment's worth of space inside, it's much improved all-around from its predecessor. It's making its debut at the 2019 New York Auto Show.

The new GLS comes in two trims. The entry-level 450 model uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 362 horsepower (269 kilowatts) and 369 pound-feet (500 Newton-meters) of torque. The more-powerful GLS 580, meanwhile, gets a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with EQ Boost hybrid technology, pumping out a respectable 483 hp (360 kW) and 516 lb-ft (699 Nm).

Both versions of the GLS come paired to the same nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive. That gives them the ability to sprint to 60 miles per hour (96 kilometers per hour) in 5.9 and 5.2 seconds, respectively, and on to an electronically limited top speed of 130 miles per hour (209 kilometers per hour).

Like the smaller GLE, the GLS gets E-Active Body Control as an option. The 48-volt, battery-aided, hydropneumatic suspension gives the three-row crossover the ability to scan roads and pre-determine damping, as well as "jump" itself out of tough off-road situations like sand, mud, and rock, as seen here in this GLE video.

The GLS also shares a lot in common with the GLE visually, especially up front. The same dual chrome grille bars and centrally located Mercedes-Benz logo carry over. The GLS 450 gets standard 19-inch wheels, while the GLS 580 gets larger 21-inch wheels. An AMG Line and a Night Package are also available on the 580.

Gallery: 2020 Mercedes-Bens GLS-Class

115 Photos

The new GLS is longer by up to three inches over the previous model. For 2020, the 450 stretches out to 205.0 inches, while the 580 extends to 205.2 inches. Both trims a wheelbase of 123.4 inches and a width of 84.9 inches. All that extra space means room for up to seven, with the option of a six-seat layout when equipped with the second-row captain's chairs, and a massive panoramic roof with a 50-percent larger viewing area.

At the disposal of the driver is Mercedes's new MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen with navigation, all standard. Other standard features include a Burmester surround sound system, inductive wireless charging, 64-color ambient lighting, nine USB ports, and Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, naturally. If you want heated and cooled cupholders, a head-up display, or the "Energizing Comfort" massage function, that'll cost extra.

Safety also stands out, with standard equipment like automatic emergency braking, active parking assist with a bird's eye view camera, and even car-to-car communication. The highly advanced Driver Assistance package with radar cruise stop-and-go technology, steering assist, speed limit assist, evasive steering, and tons of other features, is an option, as is augment video for navigation.

The 2020 GLS doesn’t have a price yet, but we expect the crossover on sale before the end of the year.

Source: Mercedes-Benz