How much does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS cost?

Prices have softened 9.05% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 829 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for comparison shopping.

If you find a listing below $48,163.74, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS a good car?

Yes — the 4.67/5 user rating points to strong owner satisfaction, and the expert rating is 8.33/10. The model scores 9/10 across Look and feel, Performance, Technology, and Safety.

The GLS is positioned as a luxury-first full-size SUV, and it backs that up with three-row practicality, a premium cabin, and impressive technology. It also brings surprising performance and multiple powertrain options, so you are not limited to comfort alone.

The trade-offs are real: the third row is cramped, the technology can be unintuitive, and fuel economy is poor. If you want a high-end, full-size SUV and can live with those compromises, the GLS fits that use case well.

34.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so you still have room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS reliable?

Owners rate it 4.67/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The GLS is built around comfort and refinement, and its overall package suggests a premium SUV that should feel well sorted in daily use. The available powertrains and standard mild-hybrid system also point to a modern mechanical setup, while the expert review highlights a composed ride and strong build quality.

Its performance content also notes that EQ Boost adds extra power when needed and helps spool the turbochargers more quickly. That kind of support can make the drivetrain feel more responsive in everyday driving.

If you buy used, the main long-term ownership risk is that a complex luxury SUV can be costly to keep in top shape, especially if prior maintenance was inconsistent.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 82.4% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially on a luxury SUV with advanced electronics and multiple available powertrains. Focus on overall condition, because the GLS is designed to deliver comfort, technology, and performance together, and neglected examples can be expensive to bring back up to standard.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The GLS 450 includes remote keyless entry, remote start, nine USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a power liftgate, wireless device charging, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 13-speaker Burmester sound system. The GLS 580 adds heated-and-cooled front seats, massaging front seats, illuminated running boards, soft-close doors, and five-zone automatic climate control.
• Powertrain: The GLS 450 uses a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 uses a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with 483 hp and 516 lb-ft. Both use a nine-speed automatic and 4MATIC all-wheel drive, and all engines include EQ Boost mild-hybrid assistance.
• Safety package: Standard equipment includes Active Brake Assist, forward-collision avoidance, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, automatic parking assist, a surround-view camera system, a driver-drowsiness monitor, and crosswind assist. Available features include lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, a following-distance indicator, and stop-and-go cruise control.
• Infotainment: The GLS uses MBUX with a massive touchscreen, a trackpad controller, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice control. The system is designed around large, easy-to-read icons and a fully digital display layout.
• Fuel efficiency: The GLS 450 returns 20 mpg city, 24 highway, 21 combined. The GLS 63 returns 14 mpg city, 18 highway, 16 combined. In combined driving, the expert test recorded 15.3 mpg.

Which 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS trim should I buy?

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS is offered in 3 trim levels: GLS 450, GLS 580, and Mercedes-AMG GLS 63.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: The GLS 450 gives you the core luxury experience, but you miss out on ventilated front seats, four-zone climate control, and the richer comfort upgrades found higher up.
• Sweet-spot trim: The GLS 580 is the best value if you want more power and a more upscale feel, thanks to the V8, massaging front seats, soft-close doors, and five-zone climate control.
• Premium/top trim: The Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 is the performance pick, with the strongest engine, more aggressive styling, and a sport-focused cabin.
• Off-road trim: The GLS 63’s performance tuning and high running costs make it the least practical choice for most daily drivers.

The standard safety package is broad, but some advanced driver-assistance features remain available rather than standard.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS?

This is a moderate buyer’s market, so you can shop selectively without expecting extreme discounts.

• Deal availability: 34.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 829 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.05% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 82.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $48,163.74, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS's resale value?

The current average of $48,356 sits slightly below last year's $53,165.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy more confidently today. For a future seller, it also means your resale outcome will depend heavily on condition, mileage, and how well the vehicle has been maintained.

Because the GLS sits in the luxury SUV segment, well-kept examples should still attract interest from shoppers who want three-row space and premium features. Strong equipment and a desirable trim can help support value better than a neglected or heavily worn example.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.67/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS safe?

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

The GLS comes standard with Active Brake Assist, forward-collision avoidance, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, automatic parking assist, a surround-view camera system, a driver-drowsiness monitor, and crosswind assist. Available upgrades include lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, a following-distance indicator, and stop-and-go cruise control.

That gives you a strong standard safety foundation, though some of the more advanced driver-assistance features are still optional. If you want the fullest safety tech suite, you should confirm exactly which packages are installed on the used example you are considering.

Should I buy a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 34.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 82.4% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.05% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.67/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 GLS combines three-row luxury, strong performance, and impressive technology.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $48,712, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $48,356 average.
• Mercedes narrowed the lineup to the base six-cylinder GLS 450 4Matic.

The bottom line: If you want the better value, the 2021 is the smarter starting point because prices have eased and inventory is healthy. If you are focused on the newest nearby model year and do not mind paying more, the 2022 is the alternative to compare.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.