Navigating Parenthood and Pandemic with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580
Last week marked a bittersweet moment for my family as I took my son, Wally, to preschool for what was likely his final day due to the growing concerns around the coronavirus pandemic. The routine drive was far from ordinary, which I quickly discovered when our usual Britax Frontier ClickTite car seat was unavailable. Our trusted babysitter, who had just returned from Mexico and opted to self-quarantine, had the seat in her car. With limited options, I had to use the Graco 4Ever seat from my wife’s car and install it in our 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580.
A Tale of Two Car Seats
While the Graco 4Ever is known for being bulky, fitting it into the GLS 580 was surprisingly manageable. The design of the car made threading the seatbelt and securing it quite efficient. However, the installation process was not without its usual grumbling and minor frustration.
Later in the day, after dropping Wally off at school, I retrieved the Britax from the babysitter’s car, thanks to the convenience of Ford Securicode. Returning home, I faced the tedious task of re-installing the Graco back into my wife’s GLK. When it came to reinstalling the Britax in the GLS later that afternoon, it reminded me why I loved this seat: it took just 15 seconds.
School Closure and the Impact of COVID-19
Picking up Wally from school felt different that day. During a brief conversation with the principal, we discussed the potential closure of the school due to the escalating pandemic. That evening her call confirmed the school’s closure, mirroring the statewide decision to shut down educational institutions across Michigan. This sudden change means that Wally won’t be returning to preschool and will likely resume his educational journey when kindergarten starts next year.
GLS 580: The Ultimate Family Car Amidst a Pandemic
In these uncertain times, the GLS 580 proved to be a marvel of convenience. This vehicle is equipped to handle both daily needs and unexpected scenarios with ease. Its spacious interior and quick-folding second- and third-row seats, operable with the push of a button, offer versatile cargo solutions. Whether it’s for stockpiling necessities or making space for an elliptical machine—in our case, a Sole E25—this car has got it covered.
Innovative Features and Entertainment for All
The ingenuity of the E-Active Body Control suspension system brought a sense of joy even while safely parked in our garage. My kids were particularly entertained by the “Free Driving Assist” mode, which adds an amusing bounce to the ride. The "Individual Wheel Control," as detailed in our Technology of the Year video, also demonstrated the luxury of customizable driving experiences.
Another highlight was the MBUX voice control system. Surprisingly intuitive and engaging, it captivated Wally, much like it did with the GLE model we tested before.
A Fond Farewell
As the GLS 580 departs our driveway, I can’t help but feel a pang of sadness. The ease of accessing the car seat and the multitude of family-friendly features made our lives noticeably easier during these trying times. Wally contributed to the car’s send-off by helping disinfect and clean it, proving that even the littlest hands can make a significant difference.
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Jack Carney, Editor of Automotive.fyi
