As the roomiest vehicle in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the GLS offers three rows of seating for six or seven people and up to 94 cubic feet of cargo space. Even so, the GLS is not the tallest, the longest, or the most expensive Mercedes. An S-Class is lengthier and offers a palatial back seat, more so than even the Maybach version of the GLS, the GLS600, while the G-Class towers several inches higher. Rather, the GLS is a midsize SUV built for families that combines the comfort and space of the S-Class luxury sedan with a modicum of off-road capability from the G-Class. Hence, the name "GLS".
The GLS SUV is available in two generations starting from 2017. The first was a refresh of the second-generation GL-Class, its former name during the 2007-2016 model years and which we cover separately. The GLS competes with other three-row luxury SUVs including the Audi Q7, the BMW X7, the Cadillac Escalade, the Chevrolet Tahoe, the GMC Yukon, the Infiniti QX80, the Lexus LX, and the Lincoln Navigator.
Mercedes-Benz GLS Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Pros and Cons
- Mercedes-Benz GLS Generations
- Mercedes-Benz GLS Second Generation (2020-Present)
- Mercedes-Benz GLS First Generation (2017-2019)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Mercedes-Benz GLS years are the best?
We recommend 2021 and later GLS models, as the second generation represented a marked improvement in performance, interior quality, and style. As usual, it’s best to avoid the first model year of any new car generation to swerve issues with early production runs, which are usually ironed out later on.
Which Mercedes-Benz GLS years are the worst?
There are no real worst years. In fact, due to the first generation’s available diesel engine and its similar levels of luxury, a 2017-2019 GLS may even be a better choice. Note that the 2017 version is a renamed refresh of an existing model, the GL, which started its lifecycle for 2013, so there are no major problems in buying this first model year of the GLS.
Is a used Mercedes-Benz GLS a good deal?
Yes. Across all model years, the GLS lists on CarGurus for an average price of $54,000. For a vehicle that starts at $90,000 new without options, there is great value in buying a used GLS.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Premium interior materials
- Easy-to-use technology
Cons:
- AMG Line Package impedes entry/exit
- Third-row seat access
- Touch-sensing controls
Mercedes-Benz GLS Generations
Mercedes-Benz GLS Second Generation (2020-Present)
In its second generation, the big GLS fell in line with Mercedes’ curvier, smoother design language on the outside and its wide-screened, tech-forward cabin on the inside. The wheelbase was stretched by about two inches, and the body was just over 2.5 inches longer. Even so, front headroom decreased and total cargo space diminished significantly, from 93.8 to 84.7 cubic feet, but extra comfort and safety features, along with more power and efficiency, made up for it. The base MSRP without options was $75,000 to $98,000 for the first 2020 model.
The GLS450, with 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, had an identical power output from an entirely new six-cylinder engine. While displacing the same 3.0 liters, the new engine used an inline arrangement and a single turbo instead of a vee and two turbos. A 48-volt mild hybrid system called EQ Boost replaced the starter motor and accessory belt to reduce fuel consumption, enable faster and smoother engine restarts, and provide electric torque from a standstill. Fuel economy was up markedly, to an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined versus the 2019 model's 18 mpg. The nine-speed automatic transmission, 4Matic all-wheel drive, and Airmatic air suspension carried over from the previous generation as standard, with the exception of the standard Adaptive Damping System, which was previously optional.
More safety features were added including Car-to-X communication, which could send and receive alerts to and from other Mercedes-Benz vehicles, and Exit Warning Assist, which used the blind spot sensors to alert passengers of fast-moving vehicles or cyclists near the door when parked. Formerly optional safety spec was now standard including blind spot assist, 360-degree cameras, adaptive headlamps, auto high beams, and parking assist. Heated front seats, MB-Tex upholstery, a sunroof, dual 12.3-inch displays with MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) multimedia infotainment and touchscreen functionality, navigation, a Burmester surround sound stereo, SiriusXM, nine USB-C ports, wireless charging, and three years of Mercedes Me Connect services were standard. Power-folding third row seats, power-adjustable second-row seats, and 19-inch wheels were also standard.
A Mercedes-specific seating function that is never advertised is one of the most useful features on the GLS. Fold down any part of the second or third row, and the car will automatically adjust the seat in front so the rear seat can clear the space. Return the seat upright, and the adjusted seat will return back to its original position. This eliminates having to walk around a big SUV multiple times when one seat doesn't fold all the way down or a headrest or something else is blocking its path. It's so practical and not featured in any other SUV we’ve tested.
The Mercedes-Benz GLS580, also with hybrid assist, offered a new 4.0-liter V8 Biturbo that made 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Soft-close doors, 21-inch wheels, five-zone climate control, and cooled and massaging multicontour front seats came standard and were optional with the Mercedes-Benz GLS450. Captain's chairs for the second row were a no-cost option with both trims, and Nappa leather was optional with both.
A slew of option packages could deck out a GLS extensively. Available features comprised heated armrests for the front and second rows, massaging and cooling second-row seats, heated third-row seats, heated and cooled cupholders for the front and second rows, a head-up display, a 25-speaker stereo, Nappa leather, extra window insulation for a quieter cabin, windshield wipers with dozens of tiny holes for the washer fluid (Magic Vision Control), perfume (Air Balance), spa programs (Energizing Comfort), semi-automated driving, wheels up to 23 inches, the ability to lean the SUV into curves like a motorcycle (E-Active Body Control), and a low-range transfer case. The AMG GLS63 was unavailable.
For 2021, Mercedes-Benz made four-zone climate control, cooled front seats, and 20-inch wheels standard with the GLS450. The AMG GLS63 returned with 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, this time using an upgraded version of the GLS580's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with hybrid assist and a nine-speed Speedshift transmission. For 2022, the AMG Line package with a unique grille was newly optional with the regular trims, along with Cirrus Silver paint and a new black and brown combination for the leather interior on the GLS580.
For 2023, the panoramic moonroof and metallic paint became standard on the GLS450. The 2024 model was a refresh with new lighting, bumpers, and a taller, more upright grille meant to mimic old Mercedes models with the big metal radiators. Horsepower was increased to 375 on the GLS450 and to 510 on the GLS580. The Off-Road Engineering Package was a new option for the GLS580, with skid plates and the ability to raise the suspension higher in the off-road driving mode. New interior colors were added. The GLS63 sported new wheel designs, a new steering wheel, new hood badges, red brake calipers, and new puddle lights. The performance exhaust became standard.
For 2025, a fingerprint scanner was standard on all trims, along with new exterior and interior colors as part of the Manufaktur Signature range of (very expensive) options across all three trims. The AMG received embossed headrests and offered the option of deep-pile floor mats as part of the Manufaktur Signature Interior package. For 2026, the GLS450 and GLS580 added two more paint colors in the Manufaktur Signature range.
Base prices for the 2026 GLS started at $90,250 for the GLS450, $116,100 for the GLS580, and $151,050 for the AMG GLS63 at the time of writing.
Average list prices on CarGurus for the second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLS ranged from $38,000 for a 2020 model to $89,000 for a 2025 model at the time of writing.
Mercedes-Benz GLS First Generation (2017-2019)
Mercedes-Benz began renaming its SUVs before this generation's three-year production run to align their price and size with the upward progression of its popular C, E, and S models. The GL became the GLS after the midsize ML and the compact GLK took the names GLE and GLC, respectively, for 2015. The subcompact GLA was introduced that same year. The slightly bigger but still tiny GLB came last for 2020.
In reality, the first 2017 GLS was a refreshed GL, which had been on sale since the 2013 model year. It featured significant updates including restyled bumpers and grilles, brighter headlights and taillights, new LED running lamps, new wheels, a nine-speed automatic transmission that replaced the seven-speed, a standard air suspension, and an updated dashboard, steering wheel, and infotainment system. Base prices ranged from $67,000 to $124,000 before options.
Four trims were available, all with standard 4Matic all-wheel drive. The GLS350d, formerly the GL350 BlueTEC, was a diesel with up to 457 pound-feet of torque and a factory-estimated 26-mpg highway. The GLS450 came with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, along with the same level of standard equipment including 19-inch wheels, Airmatic air suspension, a backup camera, forward emergency braking, Attention Assist, dual-zone climate, sunroof, heated front seats with MB-Tex upholstery, burl walnut trim, power-folding third row seats, auto-dimming and power-folding mirrors, an eight-inch touchscreen, HD Radio, and five years of mbrace Connect apps and remote connectivity. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 49.4 cubic feet behind the second row, and 93.8 cubic feet with both rows folded.
The GLS550 upped the ante with a 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8 good for 449 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Extra standard features with this trim included 21-inch wheels, blind spot assist, lane keeping assist, proximity entry (Keyless-Go), soft-close doors, three-zone climate, front multicontour seats with cooling, ambient lighting, illuminated running boards, navigation with real-time traffic and SiriusXM, an in-dash DVD/CD player, voice control, parking sensors, 360-degree cameras, adaptive LED headlights, auto high beams, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Logic7 surround sound system by Harman/Kardon, and leather. Many of these features were optional with the GLS350d and the GLS450 as part of the Premium, Lighting, and Parking Assist packages or as standalone options. An Off-Road package for the GLS450 and GLS550 included skid plates and an off-road driving mode with the Dynamic Select system.
The AMG GLS63, with a hand-built 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 577 hp and 561 lb-ft of torque, came with a special Speedshift Plus seven-speed transmission for faster shifting and AMG Performance all-wheel drive that skewed more of the torque to the rear wheels for enhanced handling. Upgraded brakes, tires, and suspension components also contributed to a sportier look and feel. A unique feature, Active Curve System, adjusted the torsion of the anti-roll bars for even flatter cornering and less body roll. Standard safety features included the Driver Assistance Package for semi-automated driving (Distance Pilot Distronic, Steering Pilot, Active Lane Keeping Assist, and more). A panoramic moonroof and heated second-row seats also came standard. Red brake calipers and either burl walnut or aluminum trim were no-cost extras. A black set of 21-inch wheels, two sets of 22-inch wheels, carbon fiber interior trim, and a D-shaped steering wheel with Alcantara trim were optional.
Standalone options for all trims included power second-row seats for easier access to the third row, heated steering wheel, a wood and leather steering wheel, heated and cooled front cupholders, an air purifier, second row window shades, rear seat entertainment, and a Bang & Olufsen stereo.
For 2018, in the wake of the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal, Mercedes-Benz dropped the GLS350d from the lineup. The GLS450 received a new wheel design. For 2019, the Grand Edition was a new package on the GLS450 and GLS550 featuring designo Nappa leather in Porcelain and Espresso Brown with diamond stitching and unique piping, including Nappa leather on the dash.
Average list prices on CarGurus for the 2017-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS were between $20,000 and $27,000 at the time of writing.
