New & Used 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS for Sale near Grimes, IA

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.

It is aimed at you if you want a three-row SUV with a three-pointed star on the grille, and it backs that up with more passenger room and cargo space than any other Mercedes model. The cabin is a highlight, with premium interior materials, strong comfort, and a refined overall feel, and it also delivers rewarding driving dynamics for a vehicle this large.

The trade-offs are worth weighing: fuel economy is unimpressive, access to the third row is not especially easy, and it offers less cargo space than some rivals.

With 35.1% of listings priced as good or great deals, the market gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS reliable?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS is presented as a comfortable, refined SUV with a strong emphasis on technology and a composed ride, and its standard Airmatic adaptive suspension helps support that polished driving character. The turbocharged inline-six powertrain is described as the least powerful engine in the lineup, but it still feels adequate for most buyers, and the SUV’s manageable dimensions make it easier to live with than many full-size rivals.

The performance notes also point to a quiet cabin, solid dynamics, and a powertrain that can feel a bit delayed or lurchy in Comfort mode, though Sport mode helps. On the cost side, Mercedes includes a complimentary one-year subscription to Digital Extras, which is a nice ownership perk.

For long-term ownership, you should expect a premium-SUV experience that rewards regular maintenance and careful inspection, especially if you plan to keep it beyond the warranty period.

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

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 97.1% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

You should still run a history report and verify that the vehicle’s equipment matches the listing, especially on higher-spec examples with added packages. A pre-purchase inspection should focus on cabin condition, electronic features, and any signs of wear in the third row and cargo area, since this is a large family SUV that may have seen heavy use. It is also worth checking that the driver-assistance systems and infotainment functions operate as intended.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The GLS 450 is the base version, and it can be equipped with the Manufaktur Edition Package, which adds 21-inch AMG wheels, the AMG Line Exterior Package, the Night Package, and the Exclusive Package with massaging front and heated second-row captain’s chairs. It also brings exclusive paint colors, a premium grade of leather upholstery, Natural Grain Grey Oak interior wood 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 transmission and standard 4Matic all-wheel drive.
• Safety package: Nearly 40 safety and driver-assistance systems are standard, including Pre-Safe, Crosswind Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, and Car-to-X Communication. Front and rear parking sensors and a surround-view camera system are also included, while rear-seat side-impact airbags are optional. 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 online music access through Mercedes-Benz Digital Extras, plus a complimentary one-year subscription.
• 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. It delivers the standard luxury, comfort, technology, and three-row practicality that define the model, and the content suggests many buyers will be quite satisfied with it.
• GLS 580: Choose this if you want more power and a higher-end feel than the GLS 450, while staying within the mainstream GLS lineup.
• AMG GLS 63: Pick this if you want the performance-focused version of the GLS lineup.
• Maybach GLS 600: This is the one to choose if you want the most opulent, top-tier 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 market for selective buyers, so you can shop with some leverage if you are patient and compare listings carefully.

• Deal availability: 35.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 939 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 97.1% 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 appear on the standard equipment list, including Pre-Safe, Crosswind Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, and Car-to-X Communication. It also includes front and rear parking sensors and a surround-view camera system, which should make maneuvering easier in tight spaces.

A key caveat is that rear-seat side-impact airbags are optional rather than standard, and the hands-on highway driver-assistance system does not deliver the kind of hands-free capability some rivals offer. The system also struggled on curvier roads and can brake more aggressively than expected in some 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:

• 35.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 97.1% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• It offers more passenger room and cargo space than any other model in Mercedes’ lineup, while pairing that practicality with comfort, refinement, and rewarding driving dynamics.

The bottom line: If you want the latest version of the GLS with its strong comfort, luxury, and technology mix, the 2026 is the one to target. If you are more price-sensitive, a nearby model year may deliver a similar overall experience for less money, especially if you are willing to shop carefully for a clean, well-equipped example.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.