New & Used 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS for Sale near Illinois

Is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS a good car?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS earns an expert rating of 7.8/10. The model scores 9/10 across Look and feel and Technology.

For buyers seeking a three-row Mercedes SUV, it stands out as the brand’s roomiest option, with more passenger room and cargo space than any other model in the lineup. It also aims to deliver the comfort, luxury, and technology you expect from a flagship Mercedes SUV, while keeping its dimensions manageable enough to live with more easily than some larger luxury alternatives.

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.

Even so, the market signal is solid, with 34.5% of listings priced as good or great deals.

Is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS reliable?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS is presented as a polished, refined luxury SUV with a comfortable ride and rewarding driving dynamics, which supports a reassuring ownership experience. Its turbocharged inline-six powertrain is described as the least powerful engine in the lineup, but it still sounds strong under hard acceleration and is paired with standard all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic.

Mercedes also includes a broad set of standard equipment, and the GLS comes with a complimentary one-year subscription to Digital Extras. That helps the SUV feel well equipped from the start.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that a large, complex 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 95.8% — 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 how the cabin, suspension, and driver-assistance systems behave on a test drive, and make sure the third row, controls, and infotainment all work as expected.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base GLS 450 uses artificial leather, while higher versions add more upscale materials and equipment. The Manufaktur Edition Package adds 21-inch AMG wheels, AMG Line Exterior Package, Night Package, Exclusive Package, massaging front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs, exclusive paint colors, premium leather, Natural Grain Grey Oak 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 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. Rear-seat side-impact airbags are optional, and hands-free highway driving tech is not offered.
• Infotainment: The GLS uses dual 12.3-inch displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, augmented-reality navigation, and MBUX voice control. A standard Burmester surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos is included.
• 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 for most shoppers. It already gives you the core GLS experience: a turbocharged inline-six, standard 4Matic all-wheel drive, Airmatic adaptive suspension, dual 12.3-inch displays, wireless smartphone integration, and a strong standard safety and driver-assistance suite.
• GLS 580: Choose this if you want more power and a more upscale feel than the 450, and you’re willing to pay for it.
• AMG GLS 63: This is the performance-focused choice in the lineup, aimed at buyers who want the most aggressive driving character.
• Maybach GLS 600: Pick this if your priority is maximum luxury and exclusivity rather than value.

Rear-seat side-impact airbags are optional rather than standard, so check the equipment list carefully on any used example.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you have room to shop carefully without waiting for a dramatic bargain shift.

• Deal availability: 34.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 979 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 95.8% of listings are accident-free.

Is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS safe?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS includes nearly 40 standard safety and driver-assistance systems, including Pre-Safe, Crosswind Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, and Car-to-X Communication.

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

Parking aids are strong, with front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and quick access to parking-related views on the MBUX touchscreen. The main caveat is that rear-seat side-impact airbags are optional rather than standard, and the hands-on highway driver-assistance system can wander in some curves and reduce speed too aggressively.

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:

• 34.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 95.8% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• It adds the new-for-2026 Manufaktur Edition Package, which brings extra style and luxury touches.

Consider the 2027 if:

• It gets updated styling, powertrains, and tech features.

The bottom line: If you want the current GLS with strong market availability and the year’s special edition content, the 2026 is the safer buy. If you’d rather wait for the refreshed model’s updates and can stretch your budget, the 2027 is the better long-view choice.

How does the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS compare to the 2026 BMW X7?

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.