• Not been crash-tested by Euro NCAP
• Nevertheless it is a very safe SUV
• Optional Driving Assistance pack available

Although the Mercedes-Benz GLS SUV hasn’t been specifically crash-tested by the experts at Euro NCAP, the closely related but smaller GLE (in its former guise as the M-Class) was awarded five stars back in 2012.

Nevertheless, with standard 4Matc four-wheel drive and an arsenal of standard safety equipment, it remains a safe car in which to transport up to seven adults.

Nine airbags are part of the package, while a pop-up bonnet helps cushion pedestrians who are unlucky enough to be run down.

There are various electronic systems to control the brakes automatically and to stop the high-sided SUV being affected by crosswinds.

We would also recommend speccing the optional Driving Assistance package described in the Equipment section.

How many Isofix points does the Mercedes-Benz GLS SUV have?

Surprisingly given that there’s space for seven adults inside the GLS, only the outer two positions on the middle row of seats have Isofix child seat-mounting points. Arguably these are the most convenient, but an extra pair in the rear row would have been useful.

• Enormous bodywork, huge interior
• Plenty of room for seven adults
• Boot is plush but flexible

Not only is there ample space for seven adults within the Mercedes-Benz GLS, accessing all of the seats is easy thanks to an electrically folding middle row bench.

Once in position, there’s also a generous complement of storage cubbies, door bins and cupholders meaning the plush cabin can remain largely detritus-free.

It’s a roomy feeling interior, with deep side windows allowing for great visibility, but the standard glass sunroof makes it seem even airier.

By typical standard, the GLS is an enormous car, but it was designed with the North American market in mind primarily.

Unless your property is generously proportioned you’ll struggle to get it into a garage, while parking spaces will prove troublesome too – it’s a wide beast, as well as a long one.

Also take note of its height – at 1.85m (over 6ft) some multi-storey car parks may prove to be out-of-bounds.

With all seven seats in use there’s 295 litres of boot space available. While that’s not enough for all seven occupants’ luggage, it’s still a space larger than most city cars can muster, so a weekly grocery shop should prove difficult to fit in there.

Both third-row seats can be lowered and raised individually at the touch of a button, while the 60:40 split middle row of seats can also tumble forwards electrically.

In five-seater mode there’s a roomy 680 litres of boot space, and a van-like 2,300 litres of plushly trimmed cargo bay is on hand when just the front seats are used.

Adding to the convenience, the tailgate is also electrically operated.