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

Is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS a good car?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS earns a 7.8/10 expert rating, and it’s aimed at you if you want a three-row Mercedes SUV with more passenger room and cargo space than any other model in the brand’s lineup. The model scores 9/10 across Look and feel and Technology.

Its strengths are clear in the data: you get premium interior materials, a comfortable ride, impressive technology, and a refined driving experience that feels polished rather than merely oversized. The trade-offs are just as important: fuel economy is unimpressive, third-row access is not especially easy, and cargo space trails some rivals.

If you want a luxury family SUV that prioritizes comfort, refinement, and a manageable footprint over maximum utility, the GLS makes a strong case. The market also looks reasonably supportive, with 36.6% of listings marked as good or great deals.

Is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS reliable?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS is presented as a refined, well-rounded luxury SUV, with the overview emphasizing comfort, technology, and a manageable size for daily use. The expert evaluation also points to a quiet cabin, composed ride, and solid dynamics, which are all encouraging signs for long-term ownership.

From the performance notes, the turbocharged inline-six is described as smooth and satisfying under hard acceleration, though it can show occasional delays in responsiveness and unwanted lurching in Comfort mode. The cost-effectiveness notes also frame the GLS as a good value in a segment full of expensive, truck-based alternatives, especially if you care more about comfort and driving satisfaction than maximum cargo space.

If you’re shopping used, the main long-term ownership risk is that you’re buying a complex luxury SUV, so condition and maintenance history matter more than they would on a simpler vehicle.

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

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 96.2% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

You should still run a history report and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re considering a higher-mileage example or one with optional equipment. Focus on cabin condition, third-row usability, and whether the vehicle’s technology and driver-assistance features work as intended, since this is a feature-rich luxury SUV.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The GLS 450 is the base version, and it comes with artificial leather upholstery, while higher trims add more luxury, performance, and exclusivity. The GLS 450’s standard setup already includes high-quality materials, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof, but the base trim also carries the awkward fake front skid plate that the styling package helps resolve.
• Powertrain: A turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with mild-hybrid assist powers the GLS 450, making 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It uses a nine-speed automatic and standard 4Matic all-wheel drive, and the setup is tuned more for smoothness and refinement than outright urgency.
• 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, a surround-view camera system, and Car-to-X Communication. Rear-seat side-impact airbags are optional rather than standard, and the hands-on driver-assistance system is not a hands-free setup.
• Infotainment: The GLS uses dual 12.3-inch displays, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. You also get navigation with augmented reality enhancement, MBUX voice control, and 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-drive 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 tag. It already gives you the roomy cabin, standard 4Matic AWD, dual 12.3-inch displays, wireless smartphone integration, and a long list of standard safety tech, so it covers the essentials well.
• GLS 580: Choose this if you want more power and a more upscale feel than the base model, while staying below the AMG and Maybach versions. It should suit you if you want extra performance and luxury without going all the way to the top of the range.
• AMG GLS 63: This is the pick if you want the most performance-focused GLS. It’s the trim for buyers who care more about stronger acceleration and a sportier character than value.
• Maybach GLS 600: This is the luxury-first choice if you want the most opulent GLS experience. It’s the trim to consider if your priority is maximum exclusivity and comfort rather than price.

Rear-seat side-impact airbags are optional rather than standard, so that’s worth checking carefully on any used example you’re considering.

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

The market looks moderate and selective, which means you have enough inventory to shop carefully without feeling rushed.

• Deal availability: 36.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 964 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 96.2% 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, Active Emergency Stop Assist, front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and Car-to-X Communication.

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

The standard driver-assistance setup is hands-on rather than hands-free, and the touch-sensing steering-wheel system can wander uncomfortably on curvier roads. Rear-seat side-impact airbags are optional instead of standard, so that’s a notable trim-level gap to watch for on used listings.

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:

• 36.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 96.2% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• It offers a roomy three-row layout, premium materials, and strong technology in a manageable luxury SUV package.

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 a polished luxury feel, the 2026 is the safer buy. If you’re willing to wait for a refreshed version and care most about the newest styling and tech updates, the 2027 is the better path; price-sensitive buyers should focus on the 2026’s deal share and clean inventory.

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

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 3, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.