New & Used 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS for Sale near California

Is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS a good car?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS earns a 7.8/10 expert rating. The model scores 9/10 across Look and feel and Technology.

For buyers who want a three-row Mercedes SUV with a three-pointed star on the grille, it stands out as the brand’s most spacious option, with more passenger room and cargo space than any other model in the lineup. It also leans into comfort, with premium interior materials, a composed ride, and strong technology helping define its appeal.

The trade-offs are clear: fuel economy is unimpressive, and the third row is not especially easy to enter and exit. It also gives up some cargo space to rivals, even though it remains a strong fit if you value refinement, manageable dimensions, and a rewarding driving experience in a large luxury SUV.

With 31.6% of listings marked as good or great deals, there is still some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS reliable?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS is presented as a refined, comfort-focused luxury SUV with premium materials and a well-sorted driving character, which supports the case for confident day-to-day ownership. Its turbocharged inline-six powertrain is described as smooth and satisfying under hard acceleration, and the standard adaptive suspension helps the SUV feel composed and controlled.

Mercedes also includes a complimentary one-year subscription to Digital Extras, which adds some ownership value up front. Even so, the GLS is a complex luxury SUV, so long-term ownership risk for used buyers is best managed by staying on top of maintenance and checking that all of its high-end systems are working properly.

What should I look for when buying a used 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS?

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 96.6% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

You should still run a history report, verify service records, and prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Pay close attention to the condition of the third row, the suspension, the infotainment system, and any luxury features that may be expensive to repair if they are not working correctly.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The GLS 450 is the base version, and it comes with standard artificial leather, dual 12.3-inch displays, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. Higher trims add more power and more luxury, while the Manufaktur Edition Package on the GLS 450 adds 21-inch AMG wheels, AMG Line Exterior Package, Night Package, Exclusive Package, massaging front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs, exclusive paint colors, premium leather, Natural Grain Grey Oak trim, and a black headliner.
• Powertrain: The GLS 450 uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with mild-hybrid assist, making 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with a nine-speed automatic and standard 4Matic all-wheel drive, and it is the least powerful engine in the lineup.
• Safety package: Nearly 40 safety and driver-assistance systems are standard, including Pre-Safe, Crosswind Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. Rear-seat side-impact airbags are optional rather than standard, and hands-free highway driving is not offered.
• Infotainment: The GLS uses dual 12.3-inch displays with MBUX, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Navigation with augmented reality enhancement is standard, and the system includes a standard Burmester surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos technology.
• Fuel efficiency: The GLS 450 is EPA-rated at 21 mpg combined, and the test route returned 19.4 mpg.

Which 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS trim should I buy?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS is offered in 4 trim levels: GLS 450, GLS 580, AMG GLS 63, and Maybach GLS 600.

Here's the short version:

• GLS 450: This is the best-value choice if you want the GLS experience without chasing the highest price. It already gives you the core strengths of the SUV: a smooth turbo-six, standard 4Matic AWD, adaptive suspension, dual 12.3-inch displays, wireless smartphone integration, and a long list of standard safety tech.
• GLS 580: Choose this if you want more power and a more upscale feel than the GLS 450, and you are willing to pay for it. It sits above the base model and is aimed at buyers who want extra performance and luxury without going all the way to the top-tier variants.
• AMG GLS 63: This is the performance-focused choice in the lineup. It is for shoppers who want the most aggressive driving character and are willing to prioritize speed and sportiness over value.
• Maybach GLS 600: This is the ultra-luxury pick. It is the trim for you if rear-seat comfort, exclusivity, and maximum opulence matter more than price.

The GLS 450 is the best-value trim for most used buyers, while the higher trims make sense if you want more power or more luxury. Rear-seat side-impact airbags are optional rather than standard.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so it makes sense to shop carefully and compare listings before you commit.

• Deal availability: 31.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,053 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 96.6% of listings are accident-free.

Is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS safe?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

Nearly 40 safety and driver-assistance systems come standard, including Pre-Safe, Crosswind Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. It also includes Car-to-X Communication, and the hands-on driver-assistance system works reasonably well in many situations.

There are a couple of caveats to keep in mind. Rear-seat side-impact airbags are optional rather than standard, and the highway driver-assistance system is not hands-free. The system also showed some wandering in tighter curves and can brake more aggressively than expected in some situations, so you should test it carefully if you plan to rely on it often.

Should I buy a 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2026 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2026 if:

• 31.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 96.6% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• It adds the new-for-2026 Manufaktur Edition Package, which brings extra style and luxury touches.

Consider the 2027 if:

• It gets a major update with a new cabin layout, updated styling, and revised powertrains.

The bottom line: The 2026 is the better pick if you want the current GLS formula with strong market availability and a fresh special-edition package. If you are willing to wait or pay more for the update, the 2027 brings meaningful changes, but price-sensitive buyers may find the 2026 easier to justify.

How does the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS compare to the 2026 BMW X7?

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