2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS, part of the third generation introduced in 2020, continued to impress with its softened angles and lines, making it appear less bulky than its predecessors. Inside, it featured a futuristic cabin dominated by a massive digital screen spanning nearly two-thirds of the dash, emphasizing its tech-reliant controls. Available in three levels—GLS 450, GLS 580, and the AMG GLS 63—the GLS offered a range of luxurious features, from heated front seats and a 13-speaker Burmester sound system in the GLS 450 to massaging front seats and illuminated running boards in the GLS 580. The AMG GLS 63 stood out with aggressive bodywork and a performance-inspired interior.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS maintained a more subtle look in its base GLS 450 form, avoiding the flashy grilles of some competitors. The AMG GLS 63 and Maybach versions added visual drama with flared wheel arches, muscular grilles, and chrome accents. The Maybach model offered added luxuries like reclining rear seats, while the AMG version featured a performance-oriented interior with stainless steel trim and heavily bolstered Nappa leather seats. The GLS 450’s interior, though basic by GLS standards, still felt luxurious with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were well-integrated, providing a high-quality feel.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 featured a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with 483 hp and 516 lb-ft. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The AMG GLS 63, with its hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, delivered an impressive 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. All engines included Mercedes’ EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system, adding an extra 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque when needed. The GLS 63’s adaptive air suspension and multiple drive-mode settings provided a precise and comfortable ride, even on rough roads.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 also featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission, assisted by the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. This setup produced 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft available from the electric motor. The GLS 580, AMG GLS 63, and Maybach GLS 600 4Matic, all equipped with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, offered up to 603 hp in the AMG version. The GLS 450’s inline-six engine provided smooth and sufficient power, but the suspension lacked the refinement expected in a luxury SUV, exhibiting poor body control and excessive motion over bumps. The GLS 450 had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, slightly less than some competitors.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered three rows of spacious seating, with ample headroom and legroom for first- and second-row occupants. Seven-passenger seating was standard, with an option for second-row captain’s chairs reducing capacity to six. The third row, while not as spacious, was still suitable for adults. The GLS provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The power-folding third row and numerous storage compartments added to its practicality.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS also came standard with seven seats, with an option for six-seat configuration featuring second-row captain’s chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward and fold for third-row access, with the bench seat offering an additional 3.4 inches of legroom. The GLS provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. The air suspension could lower for easier loading, but some ergonomic issues, like the touchscreen’s reach and small sun visors, detracted from its overall functionality.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system with a massive touch screen and a digital instrument panel. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it required a USB-C cable. The voice-control system, activated by saying “Hey Mercedes,” could understand complex commands. The touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel controlled both the infotainment screen and the instrument panel, offering a customizable and tech-savvy experience.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS also came with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation, and a 13-speaker Burmester audio system. The voice recognition system was the easiest to use, understanding normal speech well. However, the touchpad controller was too sensitive, making it difficult to use. The graphics on both the touchscreen and instrument cluster were impressive, but the navigation system had some issues, such as suggesting longer routes unnecessarily.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with numerous driver-assistance features, including Active Brake Assist, forward-collision avoidance, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. Additional safety features included automatic parking assist, a surround-view camera system, a driver-drowsiness monitor, and crosswind assist. Optional safety tech included lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, and a following-distance indicator.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS also offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera system, Crosswind Assist, parking assist, and Pre Safe. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, second-row side airbags, and advanced driver-assistance features like Active Steering Assist and Active Emergency Stop Assist. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.