Rain is falling in the Austrian Alps, and for a moment the clouds clear, revealing a panoramic view of Innsbruck to the north and the Tuxer Alpen (or Tux Alps) to the southeast. Here we climb into the Mercedes-Benz GLS, the new large SUV that replaces the outgoing GL. It doesn鈥檛 look drastically different on the outside, but the seven-passenger SUV has been reinvented as the S-Class of SUVs with an updated design, more technology, and a plush cabin. In the United States, four variants of the GLS will go on sale in March, all with Mercedes-Benz鈥檚 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, and each with a formidable tow rating of 7,500 pounds. The GLS450 is powered by a 362 hp, 3-liter biturbo V-6. The GLS550 gets a 449 hp, 4.7-liter biturbo V-8. A diesel option, the GLS350d, uses a turbocharged 3-liter V-6 good for 255 hp and a hefty 457 ft lbs of torque. The top-of-the-line AMG GLS63 uses AMG鈥檚 5.5-liter biturbo V-8, tuned for 577 hp and 561 ft lbs of torque. All GLS models get a new 9-speed automatic transmission鈥 攅xcept the AMG variant, which keeps the former GL鈥檚 7-speed gearbox.

Rain is falling in the Austrian Alps, and for a moment the clouds clear, revealing a panoramic view of Innsbruck to the north and the Tuxer Alpen (or Tux Alps) to the southeast. Here we climb into the Mercedes-Benz GLS, the new large SUV that replaces the outgoing GL. It doesn鈥檛 look drastically different on the outside, but the seven-passenger SUV has been reinvented as the S-Class of SUVs with an updated design, more technology, and a plush cabin. In the United States, four variants of the GLS will go on sale in March, all with Mercedes-Benz鈥檚 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, and each with a formidable tow rating of 7,500 pounds. The GLS450 is powered by a 362 hp, 3-liter biturbo V-6. The GLS550 gets a 449 hp, 4.7-liter biturbo V-8. A diesel option, the GLS350d, uses a turbocharged 3-liter V-6 good for 255 hp and a hefty 457 ft lbs of torque. The top-of-the-line AMG GLS63 uses AMG鈥檚 5.5-liter biturbo V-8, tuned for 577 hp and 561 ft lbs of torque. All GLS models get a new 9-speed automatic transmission鈥攅xcept the AMG variant, which keeps the former GL鈥檚 7-speed gearbox.

125,000 for the AMG GLS63. We spent our first day in the GLS550 driving from Innsbruck to Hochgurgl, the 449 hp V-8 effortlessly carrying two people and our luggage on a snowy voyage. The new gearbox is smooth and unobtrusive as we wind our way through mountains. Even though there is a light dusting of snow on the ground, we keep it in Sport mode, as the GLS鈥檚 other two standard driving modes鈥擟omfort and Slippery鈥攁re a little too lackadaisical for our taste through the twisty bits. Fortunately, 4Matic all-wheel drive and the GLS鈥檚 optional snow tires give us plenty of traction. For an SUV that strives to be like the cushy S-Class, the GLS achieves just the right balance. Steering and braking are easy and comfortable, but not overly numb. Standard air suspension helps us glide over various bumps and ruts, and cornering is stable with the help of the optional Active Curve System, which uses active antiroll bars on the front and rear to reduce body roll. Our second stint included a jaunt up to nearby Timmelsjoch, a high Alpine pass on the Austro-Italian border.

The roads were covered in sheets of ice from rain the night before, and here Slippery mode becomes the hero, offering just the right amount of compliance and stability around turns. At the summit, we turn around and retrace our path, driving more slowly as we head down the mountain. The antilock braking system intervenes often, chattering away around the corners, but we always feel safe and in control. For those who desire, an optional Off-Road package includes a low-range gearbox and locking center differential, and increases the ride height by up to 12.5 inches. Even without it, the GLS is perfectly capable of tackling on-road snow and slush. Inside, the GLS boasts cleaner lines compared with its predecessor, along with a redesigned instrument panel鈥攁 large color display that now sits freely atop the central controls. Seats are substantial and supple, and are especially alluring when outfitted with optional diamond-patterned Designo napa leather. When compared with other large luxury SUVs, the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class offers a level of refinement difficult to match. With its S-Class-inspired design, comfort, and technology, it keeps driver and passengers ensconced in their own little cocoon, whether taking on the snow in the Austrian Alps or simply navigating the urban jungle.

Connectivity features such as a Wi-Fi hot spot and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration come standard as part of the latest CUE infotainment system. Look For: A turbocharged, 2.0-liter I-4 to eventually become the base engine. Sum Up: A lot of weight rests on the XT5鈥檚 shoulders. Unchanged: With help from Nissan, loyal Chevrolet buyers continue to have a compact commercial van option. The NV200-based City Express is powered by a 131-hp, 2.0-liter inline-four. A CVT is standard, as is up to 122.7 cubic feet of cargo space and a 1,500-pound payload capacity. 10,000 cheaper than the Express van, and it鈥檚 more than 3 feet shorter, too. Cool Fact: The City Express鈥?passenger seat can fold down to function as a workspace or lunch table. Sum Up: Doing its part to keep commercial customers in the Chevrolet family. Unchanged: The midsize Colorado entered 2016 with an excellent diesel model and Motor Trend calipers for the 2016 Truck of the Year award in its bed. The diesel offers as much as 22/31 mpg city/highway, 369 lb-ft of torque, and up to 7,700 pounds of towing capacity, 700 more than you鈥檒l get with the gas V-6.

Cool Fact: GM has halved the cost of a couple in-vehicle 4G LTE Wi-Fi plans. Sum Up: A two-time Motor Trend Truck of the Year winner. Minor:After a refresh for 2016, the five-passenger Equinox enters 2017 with two special editions based on the LT model. The Midnight Edition adds blacked-out 18-inch wheels, a black grille, black leather seats, and black bow ties. The Sport edition offers the same but with white paint. Before a new Equinox makes its debut, Chevy continues to offer a choice of four- and six-cylinder powertrains. Learn about the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox here. Cool Fact: The sliding rear seats can move almost 8 inches forward and backward. Sum Up: Chevrolet鈥檚 second best-selling vehicle in 2015 after the Silverado, despite its age. Cool Fact: A natural-gas model is available on passenger and cargo variants, with three tanks in the former and four in the latter. Sum Up: GM鈥檚 familiar old vans offer lots of build options.