The Mercedes-Benz GLS580 represents the pinnacle of luxury SUVs, offering a potent blend of performance, comfort, and cutting-edge technology. Choosing the right model year is crucial to maximizing your investment and avoiding potential pitfalls. This guide will delve into the GLS580's model years, highlighting the best options and those you might want to approach with caution.
Mercedes-Benz GLS580: Model Year Breakdown
| Model Year | Key Features & Improvements | Potential Issues & Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Introduction of the GLS580 with a 4.0L V8 Biturbo engine and EQ Boost, MBUX infotainment system, air suspension, and advanced driver-assistance features. | First model year; potential for initial production glitches. Reports of infotainment system glitches and suspension issues surfaced. |
| 2021 | Minor updates to trim packages and features. | Continued reports of infotainment system glitches. Some owners reported issues with the 48V mild-hybrid system. |
| 2022 | Standardized features like wireless charging and augmented reality navigation. | Ongoing infotainment and mild-hybrid system concerns, though fewer reported cases than previous years. Supply chain issues impacted production and availability. |
| 2023 | Updated styling with a refreshed front grille and headlights, new wheel designs, and updated interior trim. Introduction of the latest generation MBUX infotainment system. | Limited long-term reliability data available. Potential for new software bugs with the updated MBUX system. Higher price point due to updates. |
| 2024 | Further refinements to the MBUX system, expanded driver-assistance features, and potential minor cosmetic changes. | Newest model year; reliability data still emerging. Potential for new technology-related issues. Highest price point. |
Detailed Explanations
2020: The 2020 GLS580 marked the debut of this powerful SUV, featuring a potent 4.0L V8 biturbo engine paired with Mercedes-Benz's EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. This combination provided exceptional performance and improved fuel efficiency. The interior showcased the MBUX infotainment system, a significant step forward in user experience, along with a luxurious cabin and advanced driver-assistance technologies. However, as the initial model year, it faced typical first-year production challenges, including reported issues with the infotainment system and air suspension.
2021: The 2021 model year brought minor updates to trim packages and available features. While the core powertrain and overall design remained largely unchanged, Mercedes-Benz aimed to refine the existing package. Unfortunately, the infotainment system glitches continued to be a concern for some owners, and issues with the 48V mild-hybrid system also surfaced. These issues, while not universal, are worth noting for potential buyers considering this model year.
2022: For 2022, Mercedes-Benz addressed some of the previous concerns by standardizing features like wireless charging and augmented reality navigation. This added value to the overall package. However, the infotainment and mild-hybrid system concerns persisted, although the frequency of reported issues appeared to decrease compared to the earlier years. The global supply chain disruptions also impacted production and availability, potentially affecting pricing and options.
2023: The 2023 GLS580 underwent a significant update, featuring refreshed styling with a new front grille and headlights, updated wheel designs, and improved interior trim. The most notable change was the introduction of the latest generation MBUX infotainment system, promising a more intuitive and responsive user experience. While this model year offers the most up-to-date features and technology, limited long-term reliability data is available. The new MBUX system might also have its own set of initial software bugs.
2024: The 2024 GLS580 represents the latest iteration of this luxury SUV. It includes further refinements to the MBUX system, expanded driver-assistance features, and potentially minor cosmetic changes. As the newest model year, it benefits from the latest advancements in technology and safety. However, reliability data is still emerging, and new technology-related issues could potentially arise. It also commands the highest price point due to its updated features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which GLS580 year offers the best value for money? The 2022 GLS580 often strikes a good balance between features and price, as it addresses some of the initial issues while still being more affordable than the newer models.
Are the infotainment system issues resolved in later models? While improvements have been made, some users still report occasional glitches, particularly in the earlier model years. The 2023 and 2024 models with the updated MBUX system are generally considered more stable.
Is the 48V mild-hybrid system reliable? Early models experienced some issues with the 48V system. While Mercedes-Benz has made improvements, it's worth having the system thoroughly inspected before purchasing a used model.
What is the fuel economy of the GLS580? The GLS580 typically achieves around 16 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway, although this can vary depending on driving conditions and habits.
What are the key differences between the GLS580 and the GLS450? The GLS580 features a more powerful V8 engine compared to the GLS450's inline-6, offering significantly enhanced performance. It also includes additional standard features and higher-end interior appointments.
Should I buy a CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) GLS580? A CPO GLS580 offers extended warranty coverage and a thorough inspection, providing added peace of mind and potentially mitigating the risk of unexpected repairs.
What are the common problems reported by GLS580 owners? Common issues include infotainment system glitches, air suspension problems (especially in earlier models), and occasional issues with the 48V mild-hybrid system.
How does the MBUX system compare across different model years? The MBUX system received a significant update in the 2023 model year, offering a more intuitive interface, improved voice recognition, and enhanced features compared to the earlier versions.
Is the air suspension reliable in the GLS580? Early models had some reported issues with the air suspension. Later models are generally more reliable, but it's still a component to carefully inspect during a pre-purchase inspection.
What kind of maintenance costs can I expect for a GLS580? The GLS580 is a luxury vehicle, so maintenance costs can be higher than average. Regular servicing, including oil changes, brake replacements, and tire rotations, should be factored into the ownership costs.
Conclusion
Choosing the best year for your Mercedes-Benz GLS580 depends on your priorities and budget. The 2023 and 2024 models offer the latest technology and styling, while the 2022 model can provide a good balance of features and value. Thoroughly research the specific model year you're considering and conduct a pre-purchase inspection to ensure a smooth and enjoyable ownership experience.