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

Is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS a good car?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS earns a 7.83/10 expert rating. The model scores 9/10 across Look and feel and Technology.

For you, that means the GLS is aimed at shoppers who want a three-row Mercedes SUV with a premium cabin, a comfortable ride, and strong in-car tech. It stands out as the brand’s most spacious option, with more passenger room and cargo space than any other Mercedes model, and it backs that up with a refined driving experience and manageable dimensions for daily use.

The trade-offs are real, though: 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 if it remains a compelling choice when comfort and refinement matter more than maximum utility.

With 38.8% of listings priced as good or great deals, the market gives you some room to shop carefully.

Is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS reliable?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS is presented as a comfort-focused luxury SUV with premium materials, a composed ride, and a powertrain that delivers strong performance with mild-hybrid assistance. Its standard Airmatic adaptive suspension helps the larger SUV feel more controlled and polished, and the turbocharged inline-six is described as the least powerful engine in the lineup rather than a weak one.

The performance notes also suggest a generally well-sorted setup, even if the powertrain can show occasional delays in responsiveness and unwanted lurching in Comfort mode. On the ownership side, the GLS is positioned as a high-end vehicle with extensive technology and luxury features, so long-term upkeep is likely to matter more than it would in a simpler SUV.

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

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

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 96.9% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

You should still run a history report and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially on a luxury SUV with advanced electronics and a complex chassis. Pay close attention to the third row, the condition of the interior materials, and whether the ride and driver-assistance systems behave as expected on a test drive.

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 and luxury. The base trim already includes standard ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof, but the test vehicle’s Manufaktur Edition Package shows how much more upscale the GLS can feel with added styling and comfort features.
• 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 transmission 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, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. Front and rear parking sensors and a surround-view camera system are also standard, while rear-seat side-impact airbags are optional.
• Infotainment: The GLS uses dual 12.3-inch displays, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Navigation with augmented reality enhancement is standard too, along with 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 delivers the core strengths of the lineup: a comfortable ride, strong technology, standard 4Matic AWD, and a well-appointed cabin.
• GLS 580: Choose this if you want more power and a more upscale feel than the GLS 450, while staying below the AMG and Maybach models in price and extravagance.
• AMG GLS 63: This is the performance-focused choice for buyers who want the most aggressive driving character in the lineup.
• Maybach GLS 600: Pick this if your priority is maximum luxury and exclusivity rather than value.

The safety package includes nearly 40 standard driver-assistance systems, but rear-seat side-impact airbags are optional.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop with some leverage if you’re patient and focused on condition.

• Deal availability: 38.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 964 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 96.9% 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, and Active Emergency Stop Assist.

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

The standard safety suite also includes front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and Car-to-X Communication. That said, rear-seat side-impact airbags are optional rather than standard, and the hands-on driver-assistance system is not a hands-free highway setup.

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:

• 38.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 96.9% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• The 2026 GLS stands out for its manageable dimensions, premium interior, and rewarding driving dynamics, while still offering more passenger room and cargo space than any other Mercedes model.

The bottom line: If you want a refined three-row Mercedes SUV with strong technology and a polished driving feel, the 2026 GLS is the right year to target. If you’re more price-sensitive, you may want to shop carefully and focus on the best-conditioned examples, since the market still rewards selective buyers.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.