2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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After a 2017 refresh that included new front and rear fascias, engine options, and interior, the 2018 GLS-Class receives minimal updates.
The GLS-Class is a seven-passenger luxury crossover that is able to compete with shorter wheelbase versions of large SUVs. This magic combination gives the GLS-Class an edge on the competition. With a greater sense of prestige, higher pedigree, and intelligent design, the GLS-Class bests both domestic and European rivals.
Mercedes-Benz offers the GLS-Class with three powertrains, all of which come exclusively with the brand’s “4MATIC” all-wheel-drive system (AWD). The base model is the GLS 450, which gets a 3.0-liter biturbo 6-cylinder engine, making 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque and paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy stands at 17 mpg city, 22 highway, and 19 combined on premium fuel, and the GLS 450 can hit 60 mph in 6.5 seconds.
Buyers can upgrade to the GLS 550, whose powertrain is a 4.7-liter biturbo 8-cylinder good for 449 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, paired with the same 9-speed automatic as in the GLS 450. While fuel economy shrinks to 14, 19, and 16, the 0-to-60 time also shrinks to 5.2 seconds. On top of the engine upgrade, the GLS 550 benefits from sportier front and rear profiles and uprated wheels.
Lastly, there’s the AMG GLS 63. Nearly every component of the AMG GLS 63 has been re-assessed by Mercedes-Benz’ renowned AMG performance house. The first upgrade ist a hand-built 5.5-liter biturbo 8-cylinder that puts out 577 hp and 561 lb-ft of torque, with an AMG-built 7-speed automatic transmission. There’s a sport-tuned suspension, recalibrated AWD, high-performance brakes, and tuned exhaust, all of which allow the AMG GLS 63 to defy physics for a vehicle in this size—its 0-to-60 time drops to an unbelievable 4.5 seconds. Fuel economy, however, suffers, rating 13, 18, and 15.
Capability is where the GLS-Class shines against softer-sprung competitors. All versions come with the automaker’s AIRMATIC air suspension system, which automatically adjusts the dampening rate and height based on speed and cargo/passenger loads. It can also be used to manually set ride height. The GLS-Class returns a consistent tow rating of 7,200 lbs for the 450 and 550 trims, and 7,500 for the AMG (with the optional tow hitch). The GLS-Class’ DYNAMIC SELECT system grants drivers five basic driving profiles to choose from: Comfort, Sport, Slippery, Off-Road and Individual.The AMG GLS 63 also includes an exclusive Sport+ mode. Equipped with the Off-Road package, the GLS 450 and GLS 550 get a second Off-Road mode, plus a low-speed transfer case, and a greater ability to increase ride height and fording depth.
The GLS-Class’s interior is classic SUV, with upright surfaces, substantial controls, and dark grey plastic that’s both rugged and high-quality. The dashboard and door panels get great expanses of glossy or matte wood on the GLS 450 and GLS 550, or optional aluminum trim on the AMG GLS 63. Sitting at the top of the dashboard is Mercedes-Benz’ familiar COMAND infotainment system, replete with every modern feature, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
The seats are configured with two front-row seats, three middle seats, and two seats in the third row. There’s no option for captain’s chairs in the second row, but the outboard second-row seats are as substantial and comfortable as the driver’s and front-seat passenger. Like many crossover SUVs, the third row is best reserved for children or small trips. But Mercedes-Benz does what it can to make third-row occupants more comfortable by employing independent rear suspension that lowers the load floor and creates more space. It’s also a relatively square-backed SUV, so occupants have sufficient headroom to keep from touching the top of the rear hatch. And, there’s an option for push-button folding second-row seats, making getting in and out of the vehicle easier for third-row passengers.
Mercedes-Benz has bestowed the GLS-Class with an impressive suite of standard and optional tech features. High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights are standard, with adaptive LED headlights and automatic high-beams available. There are also sound-system upgrades like a 12-speaker 830-watt Harmon/Kardon setup or a 14-speaker 900-watt Bang & Olufsen system. For the front seats, heat and power are standard, but passenger memory, cooling, and a massage feature are optional. Occupants of the second and third rows can enjoy options like tri-zone climate control, a rear-seat entertainment system, and heat for the outboard second-row seats. Adaptive cruise control and a park pilot are just a couple of the available driving aids on the GLS-Class.
Safety is inherent in a giant vehicle like the GLS-Class, but Mercedes-Benz has taken additional measures in this category. The vehicle gets frontal, knee, and side airbags for the first row and side curtain airbags for all rows. It also gets PRE-SAFE, a system that preps the car for an impending crash by closing the windows, adjusting the front passenger seat, and tightening the front seat belts. There’s a full array of collision-avoidance features as well, like an attention-assist function to warn drivers visually and audibly, blind spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, and forward collision warning/mitigation. The GLS-Class has not been extensively-tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) but is expected to perform well in most types of crashes.
The GLS-Class price range is wide and includes a number of fierce competitors. Still, it comes out ahead with Mercedes individual take on an SUV with modern construction and classic capabilities. That, combined with its eye-catching design, high-quality finish, and surprising performance, makes it more than worthy of the storied three-pointed star badge.
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2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.8 · Front brake width: 1.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.6 · Rear brake width: 0.9 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: manual rear seat · Memorized settings: 3 driver · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 115V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.27
Engine
Alternator: 180 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3 · Number of third row headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Facebook · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: anti-trapping feature · Roof rails: aluminum
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front, rear and third row · Seatbelt pretensioners: front, rear and third row · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Third row headrests: adjustable · Third row seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Stability and Traction
Traction control: with trailer stability control
Steering
Steering ratio: 18.9
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: height · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: lock operation
Third Row Seat
Type: 50-50 split bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Memory card slot auxiliary audio input · 10GB hard drive · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 13 · 830 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 14.8 · Front brake width: 1.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.6 · Rear brake width: 0.9 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Active parking system: driver controlled brake, gas and gear selection · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: manual rear seat · Memorized settings: 3 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 115V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.27
Engine
Alternator: 180 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Running boards: illuminated · Side door type: soft close · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3 · Number of third row headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Facebook · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: automatic high beam dimmer · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt/slide · Roof rails: aluminum
Safety
Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front, rear, third, and fourth row · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Third row headrests: adjustable · Third row seat folding: power · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Stability and Traction
Traction control: with trailer stability control
Steering
Steering ratio: 18.9
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: height · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: lock operation
Third Row Seat
Type: 50-50 split bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Third row side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 10GB hard drive · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 13 · 830 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 15.4 · Front brake width: 1.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.2 · Rear brake width: 1.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Active parking system: driver controlled brake, gas and gear selection · Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: manual rear seat · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 115V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.47
Engine
Alternator: 180 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Running boards: illuminated · Side door type: soft close · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3 · Number of third row headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Facebook · Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: automatic high beam dimmer · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt/slide · Roof rails: aluminum
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front, rear, third, and fourth row · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front, rear and third row · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Third row headrests: adjustable · Third row seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Stability and Traction
Traction control: with trailer stability control
Steering
Steering ratio: 18.9
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: height · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: lock operation
Third Row Seat
Type: 50-50 split bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer