Full-size SUV has been redesigned with even higher levels of comfort and new 48V mild hybrid tech. That鈥檚 a swift response! It鈥檚 not that Mercedes-Benz never had a full-size SUV. In fact, it has been selling one for over a decade already. But the timing comes nicely for this third generation model called GLS (previously dubbed GL in the pre-facelift of the second generation) because it was only last month that BMW launched its first-ever X7. The GLS has been completely redesigned with a longer and wider body, as well as sitting on a platform shared with the smaller GLE. Measuring more than 5m in length and over 3m between the front and rear axles, the GLS remains a spacious three-row SUV to stay competitive against the similarly sized X7. Although the side profile looks a bit like before, the front end is similarly penned as in the GLE. The interior has been restyled to accommodate the brand鈥檚 digital screens and MBUX voice control system.

Full-size SUV has been redesigned with even higher levels of comfort and new 48V mild hybrid tech. That鈥檚 a swift response! It鈥檚 not that Mercedes-Benz never had a full-size SUV. In fact, it has been selling one for over a decade already. But the timing comes nicely for this third generation model called GLS (previously dubbed GL in the pre-facelift of the second generation) because it was only last month that BMW launched its first-ever X7. The GLS has been completely redesigned with a longer and wider body, as well as sitting on a platform shared with the smaller GLE. Measuring more than 5m in length and over 3m between the front and rear axles, the GLS remains a spacious three-row SUV to stay competitive against the similarly sized X7. Although the side profile looks a bit like before, the front end is similarly penned as in the GLE. The interior has been restyled to accommodate the brand鈥檚 digital screens and MBUX voice control system.

Some convenience items include easy-folding seats and five-zone climate control (the X7 has four). Like before, the GLS is said to offer high levels of comfort and refinement on the move thanks to some chassis tricks like air suspension and active roll system. Is there also a plug-in hybrid version? At this stage, the GLS comes with only petrol and diesel engines to choose from, all mated to nine-speed automatic and 4Matic all-wheel drive. For the sake of lower CO2 emissions, the petrol derivatives come with 48V mild hybrid tech that can additionally provide short bursts of power. While the GLS580 receives 489hp V8, the GLS450 sees 367hp inline-six. The mild hybrid system in both models provide an additional 22hp of power. Diesels include 330hp GLS400d and 286hp GLS350d, the latter capable of 12.7kpl on the average. Will the GLS350d still be the choice for Thailand? Like before, the GLS350d should be the variance chosen for Thailand for two good reasons, apart from having the lowest price point. First, it鈥檚 the most economical engine of the four, if that really matters to buyers with some eight million baht to spare. Second, diesels have strong mid-range punch and suit XL-sized SUVs like the GLS. Torque for the GLS350d is rated at 600Nm, just 100Nm shy of that in the GLS400d.

There鈥檚 also a new Mocha Almond exterior color, the Trailer Sway Control function, and an available low-contrast Wheat interior color option. The QX80 can tow up to 8,500 pounds and is powered by a 400-hp, 5.6-liter V-8. Best Buy: If you鈥檙e not extremely attached to the Infiniti nameplate, consider the new-for-2017 Nissan Armada, which is mechanically related to the QX80 and offers the same engine but with 10 hp less. Sum Up: Very good ride quality, but the interior isn鈥檛 as spacious as you鈥檇 think. All-New: The F-Pace is Jaguar鈥檚 first crossover, and it can be had with a turbodiesel I-4 or a supercharged V-6. An updated InControl Touch Pro multimedia interface with a 10.2-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch virtual display cluster is available as an option. To ensure that the driving experience matches its looks, the F-Pace is available with torque vectoring and the Adaptive Dynamics system for maximum agility and driving fun.

Driver鈥檚 Choice: The 380-hp F-Pace S is the most powerful variant; Jaguar claims it can hit 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. Sum Up: The luxury crossover for driving enthusiasts who don鈥檛 want to sacrifice style. Minor:For 2017, the entire Jeep Cherokee lineup except the Sport trim receives HID headlights as standard, and the Overland trim gets two new packages, the Heavy Duty Protection group and the Trailer Tow Prep package. Trailhawk models now have Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, keyless entry and start, remote start, a heated steering wheel, and a power liftgate as standard. Driver鈥檚 Choice: The V-6-powered Cherokee Trailhawk will handle most trails with ease and even do some mild rock crawling on the side. Sum Up: Polarizing in all the right (and wrong) ways. Unchanged: The Jeep Compass enters the 2017 model year without any changes and will continue to be offered in Sport and Latitude trims.

Two four-cylinder engines, a 2.0-liter and a 2.4-liter, remain and can be paired to a manual, automatic, or CVT depending on the drivetrain combination chosen. An off-road package continues to be available for those who opt to take their crossover into the wilderness. Avoid: Searching for FCA鈥檚 Uconnect infotainment system. The Compass makes do with an older unit. Sum Up: A big reason to not cheap out on your small crossover. Major: An off-road-ready Trailhawk trim has been added to the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup, and it comes with Kevlar-reinforced off-road tires, tow hooks, an electronic limited-slip differential, a unique air suspension, hill-ascent and hill-descent control, and skidplates. Inside, the Trailhawk gets new leather and suede-trimmed seats with red stitching. The range-topping Summit trim adds more standard safety features and Nappa leather upholstery. Look For: A 707-hp Grand Cherokee Trackhawk to arrive in the near future. Sum Up: America鈥檚 answer to the world鈥檚 best off-road SUVs. Unchanged:Like its Compass sibling, the 2017 Jeep Patriot carries over and retains the same two four-cylinder engine choices paired to either a manual, automatic, or CVT, depending on the drivetrain chosen.