Is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS a good car?

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

For you, the appeal is straightforward: this is Mercedes’ most spacious SUV, and it’s aimed at buyers who want a three-row luxury SUV with a three-pointed star on the grille. The cabin is a strong point, with premium materials, a comfortable ride, and impressive technology, and the GLS also feels manageable in size for daily driving.

The trade-offs are just as clear. Fuel economy is unimpressive, third-row access is not especially easy, and cargo space trails some rivals. Even so, the GLS makes a strong case if you value refinement, comfort, and driving dynamics in a luxury family SUV.

With 29.3% of listings marked as good or great deals, there’s enough market activity to shop selectively rather than rush.

Is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS reliable?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS is presented as a polished, comfort-focused luxury SUV, and its expert evaluation emphasizes refinement, a composed ride, and solid driving dynamics. It also comes with a broad standard equipment list, which can help reduce the need to chase options just to get core convenience and safety features.

Its turbocharged inline-six is described as the least powerful engine in the lineup, but it still delivers acceptable fuel economy for the model and is paired with mild-hybrid assist. The expert notes also point to a standard Airmatic adaptive suspension, which contributes to the GLS’s smooth everyday character.

Mercedes also includes a complimentary one-year subscription to Digital Extras, which is a nice ownership perk if you plan to use the connected features. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that a complex, high-end SUV like this can become expensive to maintain if prior owners skipped routine care.

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

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 96.7% — 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 a lot of technology and comfort equipment. Pay close attention to cabin condition, electronic features, and how smoothly the drivetrain and suspension behave in everyday driving.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The GLS 450 is the base version, and the test vehicle shows how much the Manufaktur Edition Package can change the feel with 21-inch AMG wheels, AMG Line Exterior Package, Night Package, and the Exclusive Package with massaging front and heated second-row captain’s chairs. Standard artificial leather is the base upholstery choice, so you’ll want to check whether the trim you’re considering has the leather upgrades and interior trim you want.
• 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’s paired with a nine-speed automatic and standard 4Matic all-wheel drive, and Mercedes says it can reach 60 mph in 5.8 seconds.
• 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, and there is no hands-free highway driving system.
• Infotainment: The GLS uses dual 12.3-inch displays, and standard tech includes wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, augmented-reality navigation, and a Burmester surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos. A head-up display, rear-seat tablet, and rear infotainment screens are available.
• Fuel efficiency: The GLS 450 is EPA-rated at 21 mpg combined, and the test drive returned 19.4 mpg on a mountainous 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. It already gives you the roomy cabin, strong standard tech, standard 4Matic AWD, and the smooth Airmatic ride that define the model.
• GLS 580: Choose this if you want more power and are willing to pay for it. The available higher-output GLS versions are aimed at buyers who want more performance and opulence than the base six-cylinder delivers.
• AMG GLS 63: This is the one to consider if you want the most performance-focused version in the lineup. The content identifies it as part of the GLS family’s upper end, where Mercedes adds more style and performance.
• Maybach GLS 600: Pick this if your priority is maximum luxury and exclusivity. It sits at the top of the range and is aimed at buyers who want the most opulent GLS experience.

Rear-seat side-impact airbags are optional rather than standard, so check the equipment list carefully if that matters to you.

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

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 29.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 952 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 96.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $90,453.58, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS safe?

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

Mercedes equips the GLS with nearly 40 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 also includes Car-to-X Communication, which is designed to share road-hazard warnings.

There are a couple of caveats to keep in mind. Rear-seat side-impact airbags are optional rather than standard, and the hands-on driver-assistance system is not a hands-free setup. The expert evaluation also notes that the system can wander in sharper curves and may brake harder than expected in some situations, so you should treat it as a convenience feature rather than a substitute for active driving.

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:

• 29.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 96.7% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• It adds the new-for-2026 Manufaktur Edition Package, which brings extra style and comfort touches to the GLS 450.

The bottom line: If you want the current-year GLS with its updated special-edition packaging and strong standard luxury-tech mix, the 2026 is the one to target. If you’re more price-sensitive, a nearby model year may deliver a similar core experience for less money, especially if you can live without the 2026-specific edition package.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.