2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

Volume GLS 450 4MATIC uses a 3.0L turbocharged inline-six with 48V EQ Boost mild-hybrid producing 375 hp; range tops with AMG GLS 63 at 603 hp.

Peak torque on the GLS 450's I6 mild-hybrid is 369 lb-ft; AMG GLS 63 reaches 627 lb-ft.

Manufacturer 0–60 for the GLS 450 4MATIC is 5.8 seconds; AMG GLS 63 does it in the high-3s.

Mercedes' turbo I6 with 48V starter-generator is universally praised for silky, seamless delivery and near-imperceptible stop-start; V8 trims add effortless surge with well-managed cylinder shutoff.

The 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic delivers polished, well-timed shifts across the GLS lineup with no notable hunting; some reviewers note occasional low-speed hesitation before the mild hybrid smooths it out.

Mercedes rates the GLS at 7,700 lbs maximum conventional towing with the trailer package, near the top of the full-size luxury three-row SUV class.

4MATIC full-time all-wheel drive is standard on every GLS trim with variable torque split, adjustable air suspension, and selectable drive modes; an Off-Road Engineering Package adds a low-range transfer case.

AIRMATIC air suspension raises the GLS up to ~2.4 in for a max ~10.6 in of ground clearance, and the optional Off-Road Engineering Package adds low-range and underbody protection — capable of light-to-moderate trails but not a G-Class or Range Rover-class off-roader.

Four distinct powertrains across the range (I6 mild-hybrid, V8 biturbo mild-hybrid, AMG V8 biturbo hybrid-assist, Maybach V8 biturbo), but every option is gas with only 48V electrification — no PHEV or full EV variant of the GLS itself (the EQS SUV is a separate model).

GLS 450 4MATIC is the volume trim; large full-size 3-row SUV with turbo I6 + 48V EQ Boost mild-hybrid returns 21 combined per EPA. GLS 580 V8 drops to 16 combined.

EPA city rating for the volume GLS 450 4MATIC trim; weight and full-time AWD hurt urban economy despite mild-hybrid assist.

EPA highway rating for the GLS 450 4MATIC; aerodynamics and mass hold it back versus similar-displacement crossovers.

Large 23.8-gallon tank offsets modest fuel economy to yield a strong ~500-mile combined-cycle range on a full fill.

EPA methodology: 15,000 mi ÷ 21 combined MPG ≈ 714 gal × ~$4.05/gal premium ≈ $2,900/yr. GLS 580 lands closer to $3,800/yr.

All GLS trims specify premium (91-octane) unleaded, and turbo I6/V8 outputs depend on it — no regular-gas, E85, or diesel variant is offered, and there is no home-charging option because no PHEV/BEV GLS exists.

NHTSA has not published a comprehensive overall star rating for the current-generation (W167) GLS; a 4-star estimate reflects segment norms for full-size luxury 3-row SUVs and the strong crash structure shared with the GLE.

Current-generation GLS is not an IIHS Top Safety Pick and has not been fully evaluated across the updated small-overlap/side/roof/moderate-overlap battery; underlying platform has no known deficiencies but the absence of a current award caps the score.

Mercedes-Benz standard driver assistance on the 2026 GLS includes Active Brake Assist (AEB with pedestrian detection), Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, adaptive high beam, and attention assist. Adaptive cruise (DISTRONIC), Active Steering Assist and Active Speed Limit Assist come with the optional Driver Assistance Package, which is fitted to most GLS buyers.

Mercedes' Active Brake Assist system consistently earns Superior/Advanced ratings on IIHS front crash prevention when tested on same-family vehicles (GLE, E-Class); the GLS uses the same sensor stack and calibration. No 2026 GLS-specific IIHS front crash prevention publication.

Blind Spot Assist with cross-traffic alert is standard on all GLS trims; Active Blind Spot Assist (with braking intervention and exit warning) is included with the Driver Assistance Package. Wide sensor coverage and clear graphics in the MBUX display are consistent strengths.

Active Lane Keeping Assist is standard and Active Steering Assist (true lane centering) is part of the Driver Assistance Package. Reviewers describe centering as smooth and confident on marked highways but note occasional ping-ponging on faded lines — competitive with BMW/Audi but not class-leading.

DISTRONIC Active Distance Assist with full-speed-range stop-and-go, combined with Active Steering Assist and Active Speed Limit Assist, is one of the more refined highway assist bundles in the segment. Smooth deceleration and confident restart from stop are consistent strengths across reviews.

Mercedes' DRIVE PILOT (Level 3 conditionally automated) hands-free system is not offered on the GLS — it is currently limited to the S-Class and EQS sedans in California and Nevada. The GLS requires hands on the wheel; Active Steering Assist is hands-on lane centering only.

MULTIBEAM LED headlights are standard on the GLS with adaptive high beam; DIGITAL LIGHT with projection is available on higher trims. Same MULTIBEAM LED units have earned Good IIHS headlight ratings on related Mercedes models.

Tall, upright seating position and large glass area give strong forward and side sightlines despite the vehicle's size; third-row headrests and thick D-pillars create some rear blind zones, but a standard 360-degree surround-view camera and available Active Parking Assist compensate well.

Two full LATCH positions with clearly-marked lower anchors in the second row and multiple top-tether anchors including one in the third row; wide rear door apertures ease car-seat installation. Some anchors are set deep in seat bight, requiring a firm push, but overall usability is solid for the class.

GLS 450 seats seven in a 2-3-2 layout as standard; the Executive Rear Seating Package swaps the second-row bench for captain's chairs, dropping capacity to six.

The panoramic roof is standard equipment on all GLS trims, so the 39.8-inch figure represents the real-world experience; without the pano roof headroom would be closer to 40.3 in.

Mercedes measures front legroom conservatively; the GLS's seating position is upright and highly adjustable, and long-legged drivers report no complaints despite the modest spec.

Second-row headroom is class-leading for a full-size luxury SUV, aided by the tall greenhouse and near-flat roofline aft of the B-pillar.

The 123.4-inch wheelbase yields nearly limousine-grade second-row legroom, one of the GLS's signature strengths and a differentiator from the shorter GLE.

Power-folding second row, standard third-row power seats, dedicated USB-C ports, cupholders, and rear-zone climate make the third row adult-usable for medium trips; 34.6 in of legroom and 36.5 in of headroom back up reviewers who call it one of the more habitable third rows in the class, though not as spacious as body-on-frame rivals like the Escalade or Navigator.

With the third row folded, cargo behind the second row is middling for a 205-inch full-size SUV — the GLS trades some cargo depth for its exceptional second-row legroom.

Max cargo with both rear rows folded is competitive but well below body-on-frame rivals like the Escalade (~121 cu ft) or Navigator (~103 cu ft) that use a truck architecture.

Competitive but not standout: deep center console with dual-hinged lid, illuminated wireless charging pad, USB-C ports across all three rows, 12V outlets, and MBUX Interior Assist gesture recognition; lacks the innovation of Rivian's giga console or Escalade's second-row storage tricks.

Nappa leather with heated/ventilated fronts standard on GLS 450; optional Executive Rear Seating Package adds heated/ventilated second-row captain's chairs, massage, and heated armrests. Reviewers consistently rank the GLS among the class's best long-haul chairs.

Standard AIRMATIC air suspension with continuously variable damping delivers a plush yet controlled ride; the optional E-Active Body Control (with 48-volt actuators at each corner) leads the segment for pothole isolation and body control.

Acoustic laminated front and rear glass are standard; the 2024 refresh added enhanced sound damping in the wheel wells and floor. Highway noise levels rival the S-Class flagship sedan.

Standard 4-zone THERMOTRONIC climate, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and remote pre-conditioning; ENERGIZING Comfort Control, AIR-BALANCE fragrance system, active ambient lighting, and rear heated/ventilated seats available. Very rich feature roster, though ventilated fronts require the Pinnacle trim.

Base MSRP well above the SUV normalization ceiling ($65k), placing the GLS at the top of the luxury SUV pricing range alongside the BMW X7 and Range Rover.

GLS 450 is the volume trim; most buyers add the Premium and Warmth & Comfort packages plus a paint/wheel upgrade, pushing typical delivered price to the mid-$90k range — well beyond the SUV band ceiling ($68k).

Mercedes-Benz GLS carries some of the highest 5-year maintenance and repair costs in the luxury SUV segment — dealer labor rates, mild-hybrid I6 servicing, and air-suspension repairs push totals above the SUV ceiling of $9,500.

GLS 450 retention sits below the segment midpoint — better than heavily-optioned GLS 580 / Maybach variants but well behind body-on-frame luxury SUVs like the Escalade and Range Rover.

Mercedes-Benz's 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty is class-typical for German luxury brands but trails Genesis, Jaguar, and Volvo at similar price points.

Mercedes-Benz ties basic and powertrain coverage to the same 4-year/50,000-mile window, giving GLS buyers no extended powertrain protection — below the SUV band minimum of 5 years.

Mercedes does not include complimentary scheduled maintenance on the gas GLS (unlike BMW's 3-year Ultimate Care). Included perks are limited to 24/7 Roadside Assistance for the warranty period plus a Mercedes me connect services trial — basic-roadside-only tier.

$96,000 volume-trim price minus its estimated resale value after 5 years (49% retained, or about $47,040) leaves about $48,960 in depreciation. Add the projected $10,500 in 5-year maintenance and repairs, and owning this vehicle for 5 years costs about $59,460 in total.

Consumer Reports has historically rated the GLS in the middle tier of predicted reliability (roughly 2-3 of 5) for the current X167 generation, with owner-reported issues around MBUX electronics, air suspension, and body/electrical hardware. J.D. Power VDS scores for Mercedes are near industry average.

Mercedes-Benz has consistently landed mid-pack to lower-mid in J.D. Power VDS and Consumer Reports brand rankings — better than Land Rover/Jaguar but well behind Lexus/Lincoln and typically trailing BMW and Genesis.

The current-gen X167 GLS has accumulated multiple recalls typical for a complex flagship luxury SUV — 48V mild-hybrid ISG, sunroof, airbag, seatbelt tensioner, and various electrical actions — plus MBUX and air-suspension TSBs. Nothing systemic but recall activity is above the segment's cleanest performers.

The M256 3.0L turbo inline-6 with 48V ISG mild-hybrid has been in service since 2018 with a strong durability reputation; the 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic is well-proven. The AMG M177 4.0L twin-turbo V8 (GLS 63) is an established AMG powertrain with no widespread red flags.

As Mercedes' flagship SUV, the GLS offers class-leading cabin materials — genuine wood, brushed aluminum accents, Nappa leather, and high-quality soft-touch surfaces across all three rows. Consistently praised as competitive with the Range Rover and comfortably ahead of BMW X7 and Cadillac Escalade in perceived material richness.

Built at MBUSI in Tuscaloosa, Alabama alongside the GLE with generally tight panel gaps and consistent trim alignment; scattered owner reports of MBUX quirks and minor electronic squawks pull it below the top of the class but it remains competitive with X7 and Range Rover.

Mercedes-Benz has one of the densest luxury dealer networks in the US (~380 dealers) with mature service infrastructure. J.D. Power Customer Service Index scores for MB are competitive within the luxury segment.

Parts are readily available through the extensive dealer network but Mercedes-Benz repair and maintenance costs are among the highest in the industry, and the flagship GLS carries premium parts pricing (air suspension components, 48V ISG, MBUX electronics) that exceeds even the GLE. Aftermarket support exists but many components remain dealer-only.

Standard 12.3-inch central MBUX touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch driver display across all trims; layout carried over from the MY2024 refresh into 2026.

Latest MBUX with 'Zero Layer' UI is fast and graphically polished; reviewers praise screen quality and hardware speed but flag menu depth and heavy reliance on touch/haptic tiles for climate.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are standard on every 2026 GLS trim.

'Hey Mercedes' natural-language assistant is a segment leader and learns preferences; standard cloud-connected navigation includes Augmented Reality video overlay for turn-by-turn guidance.

Standard system is capable; optional Burmester 3D Surround Sound (13 speakers, 590W) is excellent, and the Burmester High-End 4D system with body-resonance transducers (offered on Maybach GLS 600) is reference-grade among luxury SUVs.

12.3-inch fully digital, configurable driver display with multiple layout modes is standard on every 2026 GLS trim.

MBUX supports OTA updates for infotainment, maps, and select vehicle system updates via Mercedes me connect; whole-vehicle ECU-level OTA remains more limited than Tesla or newer EQ models.

Mercedes me connect provides remote start, remote climate, lock/unlock, vehicle locator, geofencing, and Digital Vehicle Key with UWB (Apple/Google Wallet); some advanced features move to paid subscription after the trial period.

USB-C ports across all three rows plus a standard wireless phone charging pad in the center console; no standard household AC outlet caps the top of the range.

KEYLESS-GO proximity entry, push-button start, and HANDS-FREE ACCESS power liftgate are standard; Digital Vehicle Key with UWB supports phone-as-key on compatible Apple and Google devices.

Rearview camera and PARKTRONIC front/rear parking sensors are standard on all trims; 360-degree Surround View camera with Active Parking Assist is standard on GLS 580 and above and available via the Parking Package on GLS 450 — helpful given the vehicle's size.

Large full-color Head-Up Display with navigation, speed, and driver-assist info is optional on GLS 450 (stand-alone or within Driver Assistance Package) and increasingly standard on higher trims; not standard on the volume trim.

Standard three-row 2-3-2 seating with power-folding second and third rows, tumble-forward second-row access, wide rear door openings, and two full LATCH positions plus multiple top-tether anchors including one in the third row. Class-leading second-row legroom (41.9 in) makes rear-facing car seats a non-event for the front passenger.

Standard Active Brake Assist (AEB w/ pedestrian detection), Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, and rear-occupant alert cover the family basics; DISTRONIC adaptive cruise and Active Steering Assist are in the optional Driver Assistance Package. Current-gen GLS is not an IIHS Top Safety Pick and NHTSA has not published a comprehensive overall rating, capping the credential score even though the platform mirrors the well-tested GLE.

Segment benchmark for multi-hour family comfort: standard AIRMATIC air suspension, acoustic laminated front and rear glass, 4-zone THERMOTRONIC climate, near-limo 41.9 in of second-row legroom, standard power third row with dedicated USB-C ports, cupholders and climate vents, and an available Executive Rear Seating Package with heated/ventilated captain's chairs and rear-seat entertainment.

Silky 3.0L turbo I6 with 48V EQ Boost mild hybrid, 9G-TRONIC nine-speed, and AIRMATIC damping make routine driving effortless once underway. The 205-inch length and 5,600-lb curb weight are limiting factors in dense traffic, and reviewers note occasional low-speed shift shuffle before the mild-hybrid ISG smooths it out.

5,600-lb full-size SUV that mandates premium fuel: GLS 450 rated 19/24/21 city/hwy/combined; GLS 580 V8 drops to 14/20/16. EPA methodology puts annual fuel cost near $2,900 (GLS 450) to $3,800 (GLS 580). Consumables, tires and Mercedes service intervals compound the per-mile cost.

205 in long, 79.9 in wide, 123.4 in wheelbase — genuinely large and won't fit some urban garages or tight parallel spaces. Standard 360-degree surround-view camera and Active Parking Assist help materially, but the footprint remains the limiting factor and rear-wheel steering isn't offered.

7,700-lb tow rating with the trailer package tops the full-size luxury three-row class — enough for a mid-size boat, a two-horse trailer, or a small camper. Payload is modest (~1,500 lb) and there's no bed; torquey I6 (369 lb-ft) or V8 (500+ lb-ft) tows confidently, but this is a family hauler that tows rather than a work tool.

M256 inline-six and M177 V8 are proven passenger-car powertrains but not fleet-hardened. AIRMATIC air suspension, dual MBUX screens, and Nappa leather interior surfaces are not built for jobsite abuse, and out-of-warranty service costs are steep. Consumer Reports and J.D. Power place Mercedes-Benz below segment average for long-term reliability.

Roof rails, factory-available tow hitch, cargo tie-downs, and a 12V outlet cover the basics, but there's no 120V AC inverter, no washable cargo liner from the factory, and essentially no upfit ecosystem versus a body-on-frame Escalade or Navigator. Premium interior surfaces don't take abuse.

Near-ideal mile-eater: standard AIRMATIC air suspension (E-Active Body Control optional), acoustic laminated glass front and rear, multi-contour seats with massage available, and DISTRONIC adaptive cruise with Active Steering Assist via the Driver Assistance Package. Highway range around 570 miles from a 23.8-gal tank at 24 mpg; cabin quietness rivals the S-Class.

Standard 4MATIC AWD with variable torque split, standard AIRMATIC that raises ride height up to ~2.4 in for ~10.6 in max ground clearance, 7,700-lb tow rating for toys, and the optional Off-Road Engineering Package adds a low-range transfer case and underbody protection. Genuinely capable on gravel and light off-pavement, though luxury tires and long wheelbase limit true off-road use.

84.7 cu ft max cargo with power-folding second and third rows, 42.7 cu ft behind row 2, and 17.4 cu ft behind row 3 (all three rows up). Standard hands-free power tailgate, roof rails, factory hitch prep, and a mature roof/hitch accessory ecosystem; trails body-on-frame rivals like the Escalade (~121 cu ft) and Navigator (~103 cu ft) on outright volume.

Standard adaptive air suspension delivers secure, composed handling with minimal body lean for a three-row full-size SUV, but the GLS's mass and comfort tuning cap it below driver-focused rivals; roughly on par with the X7 (76.4) and Range Rover (73.4) in this class.

Steering is precise and responsive to inputs but light and short on feedback — typical Mercedes luxury calibration prioritizing effortless placement over communication.

Pedal is easy to modulate even fully loaded and stopping power is confidence-inspiring for a 5,500+ lb SUV; no reports of fade in normal use.

Turbocharged 3.0L inline-six with 48V EQ Boost mild hybrid pairs with a 9-speed automatic that shifts imperceptibly; the integrated starter-generator masks stop/start transitions and fills in low-rpm torque, delivering effortless linear response.

Inline-six is inherently balanced and Mercedes' extensive sound insulation keeps the powertrain nearly inaudible at cruise; a pleasant, distant six-cylinder note under harder throttle.

Long 123.4-in wheelbase and full-size footprint yield a wide 41.0 ft curb-to-curb turning diameter, near the bottom of the SUV band — a notable liability in parking lots and tight lots.

Commanding view forward, huge power-adjustable seat and wheel range, and easy ingress with the air suspension's kneel function; MBUX controls are within reach though the touchpad-heavy interface takes acclimation.

Genuinely pleasant to drive in Sport mode with a willing six-cylinder soundtrack, but the GLS is unapologetically a comfort-first cruiser — competent rather than engaging, and forgettable next to the sportier X7 or a Cayenne.

GLS 450 4MATIC opens ~$89,900 with AIRMATIC air suspension, MBUX dual 12.3-inch displays, panoramic sunroof, LED High Performance headlamps, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, keyless go, power liftgate, active brake assist, and blind spot assist standard. Solid for the segment but not generous — Burmester 3D audio, rear-seat entertainment, advanced ADAS (Driver Assistance Package), Nappa leather, and massaging seats remain paid options while Navigator and Escalade bundle more at similar money.

S-Class-tier refinement and cabin quality justify part of the premium, but the GLS 450 starts near $90k and a well-optioned 580 runs $120k+, where Lincoln Navigator and Rivian R1S deliver more equipment per dollar and Cadillac Escalade offers comparable presence for less. Fair value in the segment, not a bargain.

Best-in-segment lineup: GLS 450 4MATIC (turbo-6 + EQ Boost mild-hybrid), GLS 580 4MATIC (V8 mild-hybrid), AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+ (handcrafted 4.0L biturbo V8), plus the top-shelf Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC. Range spans ~$90k to $180k+ with Manufaktur customization and extensive option packages.

GLS is a consistent top-3 full-size luxury three-row SUV in the US, trading positions with BMW X7 and behind Cadillac Escalade on volume. Strong steady demand for both mainstream trims and AMG/Maybach halo models keeps it in Mercedes-Benz's top US SUV mix.

Marketed as 'the S-Class of SUVs' and reinforced by the Mercedes-Maybach GLS halo, the model sits at the top of the three-pointed star's aspirational hierarchy. Brand ranks among the strongest global luxury automotive names.

MBFS offers competitive lease programs with loyalty/conquest cash on GLS 450/580, and dealers negotiate off MSRP on stock units. Maybach and AMG 63 variants tend to transact at or near MSRP with waitlists on some allocations. Not desperation pricing; moderate buyer flexibility exists on mainstream trims.

Current X167 generation launched for 2020 MY, received a substantial mid-cycle facelift for 2024 (revised grille, LED lighting, second-generation MBUX with OTA updates, refreshed AMG variants). 2026 carries the refresh forward with next-generation replacement expected around 2027–2028 — mid-to-late cycle but still competitive.

Reviewers consistently praise the GLS for interior quality, third-row usability, ride refinement, and MBUX tech; US News ranks it near the top of Luxury Large SUVs. Rarely wins outright comparison tests — BMW X7 typically wins on driving dynamics and Cadillac Escalade on presence and interior tech theater — and it hasn't taken a NACTOY or Car and Driver 10Best in this cycle.