The Mercedes GLS looks graceful for its size.

The big machine that will be Mercedes’ top model in 2020 is clearly an answer to the Ford and GM power models—the Navigator and the Escalade—and is similarly appealing, with an imposing front end, a very high driver’s perspective, and an appearance than puts a refined spin on excess. It’s also a well-formulated answer to BMW’s well-arrived X7 flagship SUV.

Interestingly, Mercedes unveiled the GLS at the New York Auto Show right beside its more conscientious cousin, the EQC 1886 EV. The bet-hedging isn’t surprising. Mercedes has invested hugely in looking forward, but the luxury car market is a tricky one, and in the present tense many buyers of this kind of vehicle don’t want to feel like they’re giving anything up.

The EQC doesn’t look as though it needs to make any excuses at all, but for the Mercedes SUV buyer who needs space, and lots of it, the GLS will be the only choice. The GLS will top out with the eight-cylinder twin-turbo 580 variation; an inline six turbo, the 450, will also be available. The 580’s 483 HP makes it a brute, but the 450 produces a very respectable 362. No under-powering here, in either case; Mercedes tends to be quite generous with the horsepower.

The GLS cabin is massive, and can be ordered in six-seat, seven-seat and executive configurations. The tech and comfort litany is as impressive as one would expect, and includes a host of driver assist and emergency functions, a five-zone climate control, and a large infotainment system with Mercedes’ MBUX running things from behind the scenes.