2027 Chevrolet Bolt vs 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar appearance, with only slight styling changes that made its front end resemble a conventional gas-powered car more than an EV. A thin slot was added behind the Chevy Bowtie logo, and the previous grille insert was integrated into the bumper. The model continued to straddle the line between a large hatchback and a subcompact SUV, with a single body style offered for 2027. Its tall and narrow design prioritized utility and interior space over a sporty stance, with the RS model adding minimal gloss black exterior trim for a touch of flair. Inside, the Bolt underwent a more dramatic makeover, featuring a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The push-button gear selector was moved to the steering column, freeing up storage space in the center console. Despite the hard plastic surfaces dominating the cabin, the Bolt maintained a budget feel, with thin padding on elbow touch points and sturdy plastics, although the center console felt flimsy. The base LT trim offered cloth upholstery, while the RS trim upgraded to Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS, part of the third-generation X167 series, received significant updates for 2027. The new front end featured a virtual galaxy design with headlights incorporating three-pointed star elements, and a grille adorned with miniature stars. The star lighting motif continued at the back with new taillights set into a one-piece panel. The standard series included the six-cylinder GLS 450 4Matic and V8 GLS 580 4Matic models, along with the AMG GLS 63 performance model and ultra-luxury Maybach GLS 680. The GLS 580 had a large Mercedes star in the grille center, while the GLS 450 featured an illuminated hood ornament. The facelifted 2027 model appeared more ostentatious compared to its predecessor, but it was less likely to be overshadowed by competitors like the Escalade or Range Rover. Inside, the GLS boasted a bold Superscreen display spanning the entire dashboard, while maintaining the high level of fit and finish and ambient lighting that made the cabin feel special. Standard leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic glass roof added to its luxurious appeal.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and requiring fewer rare earth minerals. A motor from Chevy's Equinox EV delivered 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels, with a 0-60 mph time similar to the previous Bolt EV, typically in the low seven-second range. While this acceleration might have seemed slow by EV standards, it was quick compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs. The Bolt offered one-pedal driving with medium or high levels of brake regeneration, though it could be jumpy at low speeds. The ride was firm but not overly stiff, with road noise more noticeable due to the absence of an internal combustion engine. The Bolt's agility on curvy roads was surprising, thanks to the heavy battery creating a low center of gravity. The EPA estimated a range of up to 262 miles on a full charge, with a Tesla-derived NACS charge port standard on all models. Charging speed increased to 150 kW, allowing the Bolt to recharge from 10% to 80% in 25 minutes.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered updated powertrains for improved responsiveness and reduced noise, vibration, and harshness. All models featured an integrated starter/generator electric motor, nine-speed automatic transmissions, and 4Matic all-wheel drive. The GLS 450 was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six producing 375 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds. The GLS 580 had a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 530 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The AMG GLS 63 and Maybach GLS 680 used a higher-output version of the V8, with 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, and the AMG model reached 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds. The GLS 580 impressed with its quick acceleration and retained its signature bassy rumble. The optional E-Active Body Control system provided a soft, well-cushioned ride, load leveling, and off-road capabilities. The GLS had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, with an optional trailer-backup assist system available.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt offered an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants, though taller drivers might have wished for more telescoping extension from the steering wheel. The rear seats were also upright, providing plenty of headroom and adequate thigh support. The Bolt could hold up to 16.2 cubic feet of cargo behind the rear seats, with a large bin underneath the floor for additional storage. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, and there was ample storage for personal items up front, including a large bin with movable dividers, a big floor tray, and a deep center armrest bin.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS was a six-seater as standard, with the option to convert to a seven-seater. It offered plenty of headroom and legroom across all three rows, with third-row legroom comparable to larger competitors. The standard front seats were comfortable, though tall drivers might have struggled to find a proper driving position. The optional Executive Rear Seat Package Plus included massaging seats, remote controls, sun blinds, and a large center armrest with built-in storage. The third row featured USB ports and heated seats, with a five-zone climate control system available. Access to the third row was made easier with a power-sliding second row, and the GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt came with an 11-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.3-inch center touchscreen, running on a Google-based operating system. Apple CarPlay and standalone Android Auto were not supported, but some features of the latter were built into the infotainment system. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, a digital rear-view mirror, and a wireless charging pad. The infotainment system was easy to use, with logical menus, sharp graphics, and quick responses. The Bolt's navigation system could help drivers find charging stations and precondition the battery for optimal charging rates. The Bolt also offered vehicle-to-load charging as a backup power source for a home.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured a standard Superscreen with three 12.3-inch screens, running a new version of the MBUX infotainment system. The interface was familiar to previous GLS users, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto retained. The front-passenger screen could show videos and basic games, while an optional rear-seat entertainment system added 11.6-inch screens for the second row. The GLS also offered a 15-speaker Burmester audio system, with a 26-speaker system available. Other tech options included a head-up display and digital-key functionality.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt's crash test results were not yet available, but it was expected to achieve high scores based on its platform. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitors, and a safety alert seat. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, a digital rear-view mirror, and traffic-sign recognition. GM's Super Cruise hands-free automated highway driving system was available for an additional cost.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS included standard driver-assistance features such as lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitors. Optional features included steering assist, lane-change assist, parking assist, and a surround-view camera system. Mercedes' Pre-Safe system minimized injury potential in a collision, while Pre-Safe Sound played "pink noise" to prevent hearing loss. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of writing.