Being towed
Can a Mercedes Benz gls be towed behind a motorhome?

Mercedes-Benz has been building a full-size GL-Class SUV since 2007. Now, in keeping with a revision in the company’s naming scheme, the GL has become known as the GLS-Class, a marketing move that presents the big GL as the S-Class of SUVs. And while the GLS-Class isn’t based on the actual S-Class sedan, it's still a luxurious and well-appointed vehicle for anyone who wants to drive in comfort and style. Other than the name change, however, the 2017 model represents little more than a refresh of the existing GL. Cosmetic changes include a revised front fascia, a wider grille, a new rear bumper, and LED tail lamps, while tweaks to the interior remain minimal. The biggest mechanical change is the addition of a 9-speed automatic gearbox.
The GLS-Class is available in four versions. At the bottom is a diesel version, the GLS350d. The GLS450, meanwhile, features a twin-turbo gasoline V6. This trim is probably the best value and will be the one most buyers choose. The next step up is the V8-powered GLS550, which also features larger front air intakes and 21-inch AMG wheels. Finally, for speed freaks who still need to haul cargo and sit up high, there is the GLS63 AMG. The biggest competition for the more normal versions of the GLS-Class includes SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade, Infiniti QX80, Lincoln Navigator, and Lexus LX 570. Base versions of the GLS-Class start at under 70 grand, but options and trim packages tend to add up very quickly when you’re buying a Mercedes.
The four GLS-Class trims each come with a different engine. The GLS350d gets a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6, which is good for 255 hp and an ample 457 lb-ft of torque. The GLS450 gets a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. That’s plenty of grunt even for a vehicle that weighs 2.5 tons, but stepping up to the GLS550 gets you a 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8 that makes 449 hp and 516 lb-ft. The GLS63 AMG, meanwhile, makes 577 hp and 561 lb-ft of torque, and should do 0-60 mph in less than five seconds. For 2017, all GLS-Class trims other than the AMG come with a 9-speed automatic. The AMG makes do with the beefier AMG Speedshift 7-speed.
An Airmatic air suspension comes standard across the GLS lineup, along with Active Curve Control (new for 2017), a system that uses adaptive anti-roll bars at each end to reduce body roll during cornering. The GLS-Class also features Mercedes’ Dynamic Select system, with either five or six driving modes. Since the GLS has plenty of low-end torque, all but one of the driving modes start the vehicle off from second gear. Only the Sport mode starts in first gear, in order to apply the most power possible for a quick start. An Off-Road+ mode is available with an Off-Road Engineering package, raising the vehicle and giving it a fording depth of up to 23.6 inches. While it’s reassuring to know the GLS-Class has some off-road clout, however, the vast majority of them won’t go any further off the beaten path than a gravel driveway. The Dynamic Select system also features an Individual mode that lets the driver tweak the ride using several different settings.
On the inside, the GLS-Class is not in the same league of fit and finish as the actual S-Class, but it has all the high-quality materials and premium feel that you’d expect from an automobile with a Mercedes badge. Dominating the dash is an 8-inch infotainment screen with touch controls, though the old rotary knob controller can still be found on the console. There is room for seven people in the GLS-Class, and the third row of seats folds into the floor--no need to pull levers and yank on these seats, as they can be folded electronically via buttons in the cargo area. With the seats folded flat, there’s 93.8 cubic feet of cargo room in the rear.
The GLS-Class comes standard with collision warning and autonomous emergency braking, while features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot assist, and lane-keep assist are optional. The 2017 GLS-Class hasn’t been crash-tested yet, but related Mercedes-Benz models have gotten top results, and Mercedes performs very well on the safety front in general. One other appeal of the GLS-Class is that while it’s a fairly large SUV, it reportedly drives less like a truck than competing models from automakers like Cadillac or Land Rover. But otherwise, it’s standard Mercedes-grade luxury and equipment in a taller, roomier package.
Can a Mercedes Benz gls be towed behind a motorhome?
Can the led lights be added to the front Mercedes symbol?
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 115V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.27
Engine
Alternator: 180 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3 · Number of third row headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Facebook · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close · Roof rails: aluminum
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front, rear and third row · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Third row headrests: adjustable · Third row seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Stability and Traction
Traction control: with trailer stability control
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: height · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: lock operation
Third Row Seat
Type: 50-50 split bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Third row side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front, rear and third row · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 115V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.27
Engine
Alternator: 180 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3 · Number of third row headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Roof rails: aluminum
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: 10 · Rear headrests: adjustable · Third row headrests: adjustable · Third row seat folding: power · Upholstery: leatherette
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Stability and Traction
Traction control: with trailer stability control
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: height · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: lock operation
Third Row Seat
Type: 50-50 split bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Memory card slot auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 13 · 830 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 14.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Active parking system: driver controlled brake, gas and gear selection · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: cooled · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 115V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.27
Engine
Alternator: 180 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Running boards: chrome · Side door type: soft close · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3 · Number of third row headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: self-leveling · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Roof rails: aluminum
Safety
Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front, rear and third row · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear headrests: adjustable · Third row headrests: adjustable · Third row seat folding: power · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Stability and Traction
Traction control: with trailer stability control
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: maintenance status
Third Row Seat
Type: 50-50 split bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Third row side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 13 · 830 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 15.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.2 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Active parking system: driver controlled brake, gas and gear selection · Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 115V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.47
Engine
Alternator: 180 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Running boards: illuminated · Side door type: soft close · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3 · Number of third row headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Roof rails: aluminum
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front, rear and third row · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear headrests: adjustable · Third row headrests: adjustable · Third row seat folding: power · Upholstery: premium leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Stability and Traction
Traction control: with trailer stability control
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: maintenance status
Third Row Seat
Type: 50-50 split bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent