2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid presented a bold and somewhat polarizing design, particularly with its flat, wide grille that spanned the entire front end. This design choice divided opinions, with some appreciating its unique look while others found it less appealing. The vehicle's personality shifted significantly depending on the color and trim level, with body-colored vertical strakes at each edge that could appear jarring in lighter shades but more harmonious in darker ones. The X-Line and X-Pro models replaced these strakes with rectangular grille blocks and featured distinctive amber accent lights. The side profile showcased bold, angular fender sculpting and unusual black plastic tabs atop each wheel well, which some found unnecessary. The rear view adopted a different style with rounded corners and vertical taillights, reminiscent of a Range Rover.

Inside, the Telluride's interior was less controversial, featuring a simple horizontal dashboard layout with a modern, buttonless appearance. The Hybrid SX Prestige trim, equipped with the optional SX Prestige Executive package, offered a luxurious two-tone palette reminiscent of Volvo's interiors. However, the silver buttons and cream-colored infotainment shortcut buttons were difficult to read. The seats, covered in synthetic leather and suede, had somewhat flat and firm cushions, which could be uncomfortable on longer drives. The surrounding materials were of excellent quality, with options for different trim surfaces, including engineered wood and carbon fiber. Overall, the interior provided a luxurious feel, though some ergonomic issues persisted.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS retained its third-generation design but received significant updates for 2027. The new front end featured a virtual galaxy of three-pointed star elements in the headlights and grille, creating a striking visual effect. The black surround tied the headlights and grille together, though a noticeable gap with the hood reminded observers of the grafted design. The star lighting motif continued at the rear with new taillights set into a one-piece panel. The GLS lineup included the six-cylinder GLS 450 4Matic, V8 GLS 580 4Matic, AMG GLS 63, and ultra-luxury Maybach GLS 680 models. The GLS 580 featured a large Mercedes star in the grille center, while the GLS 450 had an illuminated hood ornament. The AMG model boasted a sporty body kit and unique wheels, while the Maybach stood out with extra chrome and 22-inch monobloc wheels.

The interior of the GLS was more in-your-face, thanks to the new Superscreen display spanning the entire dashboard. While bold, it lacked charm. The rest of the interior retained its high level of fit and finish, with ambient lighting adding a special touch. Standard leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic glass roof contributed to the S-Class comparisons. The GLS offered a comfortable and luxurious cabin, though some ergonomic issues persisted, such as the large grab handles blocking console controls and the sun visors being ineffective against side window glare.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This engine offered less horsepower but more torque than the previous V6, delivering similar performance. It was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard on the base LX trim and all-wheel drive available on midrange trims and above. The Telluride Hybrid added electric motors powered by a 1.65-kWh battery pack, increasing output to 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. It was mated to a six-speed transmission and was not available in the off-road-capable X-Pro trims. The Hybrid provided a quiet and smooth ride, with seamless transitions between electric and gas power. The X-Pro Prestige trim offered a surprisingly comfortable ride, even with its lifted off-road suspension.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a range of updated powertrains, all featuring an integrated starter/generator electric motor for improved efficiency. 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 featured 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. The AMG model could reach 0–60 mph in 3.9 seconds. The GLS offered a smooth and well-cushioned ride, thanks to the optional E-Active Body Control system, which counteracted pitch and roll.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid provided ample space for adults in all three rows, though the rearmost row was better suited for smaller passengers. The seat cushions were mounted low to the floor, reducing thigh support for adults, but headroom and legroom were adequate. The second row featured power-adjustable seats with heating and ventilation, offering comfort comparable to business-class airline seats. The middle-row seats had a lot of seat travel, allowing for more cargo or third-row legroom. The Telluride offered up to 89.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the second-row seatbacks folded. Properly equipped, it could tow up to 5,000 pounds (4,500 for the Hybrid).

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS was a six-seater as standard, with the option to convert to a seven-seater with a second-row bench. It offered ample headroom and legroom across all three rows, with third-row legroom comparable to larger SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade. The front seats were comfortable, though tall drivers might struggle to find a proper driving position. The optional Executive Rear Seat Package Plus added massaging seats, remote controls, and sun blinds. The GLS offered up to 84.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row folded and a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 5-inch touchscreen for climate controls. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though it required a firm tap to register inputs. The Telluride offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual wireless phone chargers, and a 14-speaker Meridian premium audio system on higher trims. The system allowed for customization with themes from various brand collaborations.

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

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid included standard advanced safety features such as frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims offered additional features like a surround-view camera system and automatic reverse braking. The Telluride's driver attention monitor had some operational issues, particularly at night.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS came with standard driver-assistance features, including lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included steering assist, lane-change assist, and a surround-view camera system. Mercedes' Pre-Safe system minimized potential injuries in a collision by closing windows and tightening seatbelts.