Mercedes GLS: King of the jungle

Singapore

MOST Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and crossovers are expected to be used off-road a grand total of never. Fashion, and the wallets of car buyers the world over, have spoken: To sell well, a modern SUV merely needs to appear as if it can handle the rough stuff while also packing svelte lines inspired by coupes or sports cars.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS says "nuts" to all that. It's a refreshing anachronism: A large SUV of the old-school, big, heavy, comfortable, eager to get dirty - and with no sports car pretensions whatsoever.

Despite the modern touches Mercedes has applied, such a…