New & Used 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS for Sale nearCharlotte, NC

Is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS a good car?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS earns an 7.83/10 expert rating, and it fits best if you 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: unimpressive fuel economy and third-row seat entry and exit are the main drawbacks, and it also gives up some cargo space to rivals. Even so, the GLS combines premium interior materials, comfort, refinement, and rewarding driving dynamics in a package that stays manageable for daily use. With 36.5% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have a decent chance of finding a competitive price.

Is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS reliable?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS is presented as a refined, comfort-focused luxury SUV with a strong emphasis on everyday drivability and a quiet cabin. Its powertrain is described as smooth and capable, and the standard Airmatic adaptive suspension helps the SUV ride and handle well for its size.

The turbocharged inline-six is the least powerful engine in the lineup, but it still delivers solid performance, and the GLS is described as the closest thing to acceptable on fuel economy within the range. 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 ownership risk is that this is a complex, high-end SUV, so upkeep and repair costs can rise quickly if prior maintenance has been neglected.

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

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 97.4% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

You should still run a vehicle history report and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially on a luxury SUV with advanced electronics and a complex chassis. Focus on overall condition, interior wear, and whether the vehicle’s equipment and trim match the listing description.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The GLS 450 is the base version, and it uses artificial leather as standard upholstery, while higher trims add more power, more luxury, and more exclusivity. The GLS 450’s standard setup is already strong, but the base trim is where you’ll notice the biggest feature gaps versus the more expensive versions.
• 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 AWD, and Mercedes says it reaches 60 mph in 5.8 seconds.
• Safety package: Nearly 40 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 tech is not offered.
• Infotainment: The GLS uses dual 12.3-inch displays, and standard equipment includes wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, augmented-reality navigation, and MBUX voice control. A Burmester surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos is also standard.
• 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 core GLS experience without chasing the highest price. It already gives you the roomy cabin, standard 4Matic AWD, Airmatic adaptive suspension, dual 12.3-inch displays, wireless smartphone integration, and a long list of standard safety tech.
• GLS 580: This trim is for you if you want more power and a more upscale feel than the base model, while staying below the ultra-luxury and performance-focused versions. It should appeal if you want extra performance without going all the way to the top of the range.
• AMG GLS 63: Choose this if you want the most performance-oriented GLS in the lineup. It sits above the mainstream trims and is the one to consider if driving excitement matters more than value.
• Maybach GLS 600: This is the trim for maximum luxury and exclusivity. If you want the most opulent GLS experience and price is secondary, this is the one to target.

Rear-seat side-impact airbags are optional rather than standard, so check the exact safety equipment on any used example you’re considering.

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

The market looks moderately favorable for selective buyers, so you have room to shop carefully rather than rush.

• Deal availability: 36.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 944 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 97.4% 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 comes with nearly 40 standard safety and driver-assistance systems, including Pre-Safe, Crosswind Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system.

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

The standard driver-assistance setup is hands-on rather than hands-free, and rear-seat side-impact airbags are optional instead of standard. That means you should verify the exact safety equipment on any used example, especially if you want the fullest possible protection package.

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:

• 36.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 97.4% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• It stands out for its spacious three-row layout, premium cabin, rewarding driving dynamics, and strong technology.

The bottom line: If you want a used GLS with a strong mix of space, comfort, and technology, the 2026 model is a solid target. If you’re shopping primarily on price, a nearby model year may be worth a look, but the 2026 still makes sense if you value the latest version of this formula and can find a well-priced example.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.