New & Used 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS for Sale nearCarbondale, IL

Is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS a good car?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS earns an 7.83/10 expert rating, and it fits buyers who want a three-row luxury SUV with more passenger room and cargo space than any other Mercedes model. The model scores 9/10 across Look and feel and Technology.

The trade-offs are clear: fuel economy is unimpressive, third-row access is not especially easy, and it gives up cargo space to some rivals. Even so, the GLS makes a strong case if you want a large SUV that still feels manageable, comfortable, refined, and tech-forward rather than bulky.

With 37.3% of listings priced as good or great deals, the market offers a moderate amount of value opportunity for shoppers who are willing to compare carefully.

Is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS reliable?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS is presented as a comfort- and refinement-focused luxury SUV, and its expert evaluation emphasizes a composed ride, solid dynamics, and a quiet cabin. It also pairs its turbocharged inline-six with mild-hybrid assist, which helps the powertrain feel modern and efficient for the class, even if outright fuel economy is not a strength.

Mercedes also includes a complimentary one-year subscription to Digital Extras, which adds some ownership value up front. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that a highly equipped luxury SUV can become expensive to maintain if prior care was inconsistent.

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

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 97.2% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

You should still run a history report and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially on a luxury SUV with a lot of standard technology and comfort equipment. Pay close attention to cabin condition, third-row access and wear, and whether the vehicle’s features operate cleanly and consistently.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The GLS 450 is the base version, and it comes with artificial leather upholstery, while higher trims add more power and more exclusivity. The base trim already has a premium feel, but the standard setup is still the one most likely to leave you wanting if you care about richer materials and more upscale detailing.
• 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 is paired with a nine-speed automatic and standard 4Matic all-wheel drive, and it is the least powerful engine in the lineup.
• Safety package: Mercedes includes nearly 40 standard safety and driver-assistance systems, including Pre-Safe, Crosswind Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and Car-to-X Communication. Rear-seat side-impact airbags are optional rather than standard, and hands-free highway driving tech is not offered.
• Infotainment: The GLS uses dual 12.3-inch displays, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. A navigation system with augmented reality enhancement is also standard, and the system supports online music access through connected services.
• Fuel efficiency: The GLS 450 is EPA-rated at 21 mpg combined, and the test vehicle returned 19.4 mpg on a mountainous evaluation route.

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 core GLS experience without chasing the highest price tag. It already delivers the roomy cabin, strong standard tech, and the smooth, refined character that define the model, even though it uses the least powerful engine in the lineup.
• GLS 580: Choose this if you want more power and a more upscale feel than the GLS 450, while still staying within the mainstream GLS family. It should appeal to you if you want extra performance headroom without jumping all the way to the most exclusive versions.
• AMG GLS 63: This is the trim for buyers who want the most performance-oriented GLS experience. It sits above the regular luxury trims and is the one to consider if stronger acceleration and a more aggressive character matter most.
• Maybach GLS 600: Pick this if you want the most opulent and exclusive GLS. It is the top-end choice for buyers who care most about luxury, prestige, and the richest possible cabin experience.

The GLS 450’s standard safety and driver-assistance suite is already extensive, but rear-seat side-impact airbags are optional rather than standard.

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

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS sits in a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you have room to shop carefully rather than rush.

• Deal availability: 37.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 955 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 97.2% of listings are accident-free.

Is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS safe?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS does not have a crash-test rating cited here, but it does come with nearly 40 standard safety and driver-assistance systems, including Pre-Safe, Crosswind Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and Car-to-X Communication.

It earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

The standard setup is strong, but there are a couple of caveats to keep in mind: rear-seat side-impact airbags are optional rather than standard, and the hands-on highway assistance system does not deliver the kind of hands-free capability some rivals offer. The system also showed some wandering in curves and can brake more aggressively than expected in certain situations, so you should treat it as a helpful aid rather than a fully relaxed driving solution.

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:

• 37.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 97.2% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• It offers more passenger room and cargo space than any other Mercedes model, while still feeling manageable and refined.

The bottom line: The 2026 GLS is the right pick if you want the current-year blend of space, comfort, and technology in a three-row Mercedes SUV. If you are more price-sensitive, a nearby model year may be worth considering, but the 2026 remains the strongest choice if you want the latest version of this formula and can find a well-priced example.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.