2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS

369 lb-ft (GLS 450 4MATIC); 516 lb-ft GLS 580

2020 is the launch US model year of the X167 third generation. The volume GLS 450's 3.0L turbo inline-six with 48V EQ Boost makes 362 hp, and the GLS 580 V8 is the only other 2020 engine.

Torque

65/100

5.9 s (GLS 450, Mercedes claim); 5.5 s instrumented (Car and Driver); GLS 580 5.2 s

The GLS 450's turbo I6 makes 369 lb-ft, and EQ Boost can briefly add up to 184 lb-ft.

0–60 mph time

60/100

Mercedes quotes 5.9 s for the GLS 450, and Car and Driver's instrumented 5.5 s shows that figure is conservative. Either is quick for a roughly 5,600-lb three-row SUV.

Powertrain refinement85

Reviewers call the turbo I6 with integrated starter-generator silky. EQ Boost fills in low-rpm response and engine stop-start is nearly imperceptible.

Transmission behavior80

7,700 lbs (with trailer hitch)

The 9G-TRONIC nine-speed shifts smoothly and picks gears sensibly, with occasional part-throttle kickdown hesitation at low speed.

Max towing capacity

96/100

Rated to tow 7,700 lbs when properly equipped. That is strong for a unibody luxury three-row, though below the body-on-frame Escalade and Navigator.

AWD/4WD availability82

4MATIC all-wheel drive is standard on every 2020 GLS, with Dynamic Select drive modes and AIRMATIC air suspension; E-Active Body Control is available on the 580. An optional off-road package adds terrain programs and underbody protection.

Off-road capability60

Powertrain lineup breadth55

AIRMATIC can raise ride height and the off-road package adds terrain programs and protection, so light trails are fine. There is no low range or locker, so it is no match for a Range Rover or LX off-road.

21 MPG combined (GLS 450 4MATIC)

For 2020 there are only two US powertrains, the I6 mild-hybrid GLS 450 and the V8 mild-hybrid GLS 580. The AMG GLS 63 and Maybach GLS 600 arrived for 2021, and the US gets no diesel, PHEV or EV GLS.

2Efficiency & RangeOne of the GLS's weakest categories.0.23F

Combined fuel economy

29/100

19 MPG city (GLS 450 4MATIC)

The 48V mild-hybrid I6 GLS 450 is EPA-rated at 21 MPG combined for 2020. The GLS 580 V8 is lower.

City fuel economy

31/100

23 MPG highway (GLS 450 4MATIC)

EPA city rating of 19 MPG for the volume trim in 2020, one MPG below the 2021 rating.

Highway fuel economy

19/100

~500 mi (21 MPG combined × 23.8-gal tank)

EPA highway rating of 23 MPG for the volume trim in 2020.

Driving range

69/100

Estimated annual fuel cost

EPA does not publish a range for gas vehicles, so this is derived as EPA combined 21 MPG × the X167's 23.8-gallon (90 L) tank. That is a long range for the class.

$3,850/yr (EPA, premium fuel)

EPA's annual fuel cost estimate for the GLS 450 is high, driven by modest economy and the premium-fuel requirement.

Fuel requirements30

Not rated by NHTSA (2020 GLS not crash-tested)

Every 2020 GLS requires premium unleaded; there is no regular-fuel or flex-fuel option.

3SafetyOne of the GLS's weakest categories.1.65D

NHTSA overall rating

IIHS awards & crashworthiness60

NHTSA lists the 2020 GLS-Class SUV 4WD, but its overall, frontal, side and rollover ratings all read 'Not Rated'. Under the framework that is value 0 (never rated).

Standard ADAS suite breadth62

IIHS has never crash-tested the X167 GLS, so the 2020 model has no TSP/TSP+ award and no individual crashworthiness result. It shares the MHA platform with the GLE and has no known structural concerns, but with no published results it cannot score higher.

#7 of 7 Full-Size Luxury SUVsCompare all →

On the 2020 GLS 450, Active Brake Assist (forward collision warning with AEB and pedestrian detection), passive Blind Spot Assist and PRE-SAFE are standard. DISTRONIC adaptive cruise, Active Steering Assist, lane keeping and the active blind-spot functions come only in the optional Driver Assistance Package, and NHTSA lists lane departure warning as not standard.

Automatic emergency braking performance72

Blind-spot & cross-traffic coverage72

IIHS has published no front crash prevention result for the GLS. The standard Active Brake Assist with pedestrian detection uses the same hardware family as the GLE and other current Mercedes models, which have rated well, so this score is inferred from them.

Lane keeping & centering62

Blind Spot Assist with an exit warning for opening doors is standard. The active version, which brakes one side of the car to stop a lane change, and the cross-traffic braking functions come with the optional Driver Assistance Package.

Adaptive cruise & highway assist70

NHTSA lists lane departure warning as not standard on the 2020 GLS. Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Steering Assist come in the optional Driver Assistance Package; when fitted, reviewers rate the centering as smooth on well-marked highways.

Hands-free driving availability25

The optional DISTRONIC Active Distance Assist covers the full speed range with Active Stop-and-Go Assist and route-based speed adaptation, among the more refined systems in the class. It is not standard in 2020, so a base GLS 450 can be bought without adaptive cruise, which holds the score down.

The 2020 GLS has no hands-free highway driving: Active Steering Assist requires hands on the wheel. Mercedes' DRIVE PILOT came later and only on the S-Class and EQS sedan, while Cadillac's Super Cruise reached the Escalade for 2021.

Headlight performance70

LED headlights are standard on the 2020 GLS and MULTIBEAM LED adaptive lighting is optional. IIHS has not rated the GLS headlights, so the score stays below the Good-rated band.

Outward visibility72

Child-seat (LATCH) usability80

The high seating position and large glass give good forward and side sightlines. Thick D-pillars and third-row headrests create rear blind zones, and the surround-view camera that compensates is optional on the 2020 GLS 450 (standard only from 2024).

7 seats (6 with optional 2nd-row captain's chairs)

The second row has two full LATCH positions, there are top tethers in the third row, and the wide rear doors help with installation. The lower anchors sit somewhat deep in the seat bight, and IIHS has not published a LATCH rating for this model.

4Space & ComfortOne of the GLS's strongest categories.2.83B-

Seating capacity

75/100

The 2020 GLS 450, the launch year of the X167 generation, seats seven in three rows as standard. Second-row captain's chairs became available for 2020 and drop capacity to six.

Front headroom

39.4 in

48/100

Front headroom is adequate for the class but not generous. The X167 body introduced for 2020 is unchanged through 2023.

Front legroom

40.3 in

7/100

At 40.3 in, front legroom is short on paper for a full-size SUV, though reviewers rarely complain about it.

Rear headroom

40.2 in (2nd row)

100/100

Second-row headroom is generous.

Rear legroom

41.9 in (2nd row)

99/100

Second-row legroom is limousine-like. The 2020 redesign added 2.3 in of wheelbase, and that length went to the second row.

Third-row usability78

42.7 cu ft behind 2nd row (17.4 behind 3rd row)

With about 39 in of headroom, 35 in of legroom and power-folding seats, the third row works for adults on real trips. Car and Driver calls it tight for tall passengers but roomier than the BMW X7's.

Cargo/trunk volume

32/100

84.7 cu ft (all rear seats folded)

Cargo space behind the second row trails the body-on-frame full-size rivals.

Max cargo volume

66/100

In-cabin storage & clever solutions68

Maximum cargo is competitive but below an extended Escalade or Navigator.

Everyday storage is competitive, with power-folding rear rows operated from cargo-area buttons and a standard wireless charging pad. There is no standout storage innovation.

Seat comfort81

The front seats are highly adjustable, the second row is plush, and reviewers praise the long-haul comfort. Ventilated and massaging front seats are extra-cost options on the 2020 GLS 450.

Ride quality90

Standard AIRMATIC air suspension gives a plush, controlled ride that is among the best in the class. Car and Driver calls it buttery but not sloppy.

Cabin quietness86

Climate & comfort features74

The 2020 redesign's airflow changes cut wind noise, and Car and Driver calls the cabin serene at any speed. Acoustic glass is optional.

#7 of 7 Full-Size Luxury SUVsCompare all →

Heated front seats and multi-zone climate are standard. Ventilated and massaging seats, five-zone climate and heated/ventilated rear seats (Executive Rear Seat package) are options on the GLS 450.

5Cost of OwnershipThe GLS's lowest-graded category.0.00F

Base MSRP

$76,195 (GLS 450 4MATIC: $75,200 + $995 destination); GLS 580 4MATIC ≈$97,800 before destination

≈$82,500 (GLS 450 4MATIC with common Premium / Driver Assistance packages, metallic paint, destination)

The 2020 GLS 450 4MATIC, the first year of the X167 generation, started at $75,200 plus $995 destination. That is far above the $65,000 SUV band ceiling.

Volume-Trim Price

5-Year Maintenance & Repair Cost

The GLS 450 is the volume trim, and dealer stock typically carried the popular comfort and driver-assistance packages plus metallic paint. That puts a typical delivered price in the low-$80k range, well above the $68,000 band ceiling.

≈$9,000 over 5 years (maintenance + repairs; CarEdge maintenance-only ≈$5,048)

8/100

5-Year Resale Value Retention

CarEdge puts GLS 450 maintenance alone near $5,000 over five years, and KBB-attributed maintenance-plus-repair estimates run near $8,700. About $9,000 is fair for a dealer-serviced, AIRMATIC-equipped mild-hybrid SUV with no complimentary scheduled maintenance, and first-year-of-generation build issues push repair exposure up.

≈45–49% of MSRP retained after 5 years (≈47% midpoint)

23/100

CarEdge projects about 49% retained after five years on a typically equipped GLS 450, and its used-market table shows the 2020 at about 48.6% retained six model years on. About 47% marks it as a steep depreciator, typical of a German flagship SUV with heavy lease volume.

Basic warranty

4 yr / 50,000 mi

50/100

4 yr / 50,000 mi (covered under basic; no separate longer powertrain term)

Mercedes-Benz's New Vehicle Limited Warranty runs 4 years or 50,000 miles. That is standard for German luxury brands and behind Genesis and Lincoln.

Powertrain warranty

Complimentary maintenance & perks40

Mercedes-Benz offers no separate, longer powertrain warranty. The drivetrain is covered only by the 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which is below the 5-year band floor.

#7 of 7 Full-Size Luxury SUVsCompare all →

The 2020 GLS includes no complimentary scheduled maintenance; prepaid plans are sold separately. Included perks are 24/7 Roadside Assistance for the warranty period and a Mercedes me connect trial, which is thin for a $76k+ SUV and level with the BMW X7, now that BMW's included-maintenance program has shrunk.

Effective 5-Year Ownership Cost

$52,725 (≈$43,725 depreciation + $9,000 maintenance)

$82,500 volume-trim price minus its estimated resale value after 5 years (47% retained, or about $38,775) leaves about $43,725 in depreciation. Add the projected $9,000 in 5-year maintenance and repairs, and owning this vehicle for 5 years costs about $52,725 in total.

6Reliability & QualityGrades below the middle of the scale.1.68D

Predicted reliability40

Brand reliability track record58

MY2020 is the first year of the all-new X167 GLS, so it carries the most early-build risk of the generation. Consumer Reports gives no verdict for this year, and the CR verdicts it does give for this generation are below average. Owners most often report problems with MBUX electronics, the air suspension and the 48V EQ Boost system.

In the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and in Consumer Reports' brand rankings, Mercedes-Benz places mid-pack to lower-mid. It ranks ahead of Land Rover, but behind Lexus, Lincoln and usually BMW.

Recall & TSB history32

Powertrain durability reputation60

NHTSA lists about two dozen campaigns covering the launch-year 2020 GLS, roughly twice the 2021's count. They include two recalls for 48V ground connections that can overheat (fire risk), a transmission stall on the GLS 450, third-row seatback locks that can fail in a crash, leaking shocks and struts, a rear crossmember that may be under-welded, an ESP software fault that can pull the vehicle during evasive maneuvers, and repeated failures of the rear-view camera and eCall. That puts it squarely in the major/repeated-recall band.

Interior material quality90

The volume GLS 450 4MATIC uses the M256 3.0L turbo inline-six with the EQ Boost 48V integrated starter-generator, paired with the 9G-Tronic automatic. The engine and transmission are used widely across the lineup, but the 48V system was still new in 2020. MY2020 is also covered by the transmission-software stall recall and by two 48V ground-overheating campaigns, so this powertrain has a mixed history.

As Mercedes' flagship SUV, the redesigned 2020 GLS has one of the richest cabins in its class: open-pore wood, metal trim, available Nappa leather, soft-touch surfaces in all three rows and dual 12.3-inch MBUX screens. Reviewers rank its materials alongside the Range Rover's and ahead of the Escalade's.

Fit & finish68

Dealer & service network86

The GLS is built at MBUSI in Tuscaloosa, and reviewers report tight panel gaps. Against that, launch-year production has a long list of assembly-error recalls, covering rear door trim that can detach, AC drain hoses installed wrong (three campaigns), a dashboard surface that may not be secured, seat assembly, third-row seatback locks and rear crossmember welds.

Parts availability & repair cost48

Mercedes-Benz has one of the densest luxury dealer networks in the US, with roughly 380 dealers and mature service operations. Its service-satisfaction results are competitive within the luxury segment.

12.3 in (paired with 12.3-in digital cluster)

Parts are easy to get through the dealer network, but Mercedes repair costs are among the highest in the industry. The air suspension, E-Active Body Control, 48V ISG and MBUX electronics are especially expensive to fix. A 2020 GLS is well past its 4-year/50,000-mile factory warranty, so owners pay for those repairs themselves.

7Technology & InfotainmentOne of the GLS's strongest categories.2.93B-

Touchscreen size

62/100

Infotainment UX & responsiveness73

The standard 12.3-in widescreen MBUX touchscreen is mid-pack for the class.

Wireless CarPlay / Android Auto68

First-generation MBUX is quick and feature-rich, but the mix of touchscreen, console touchpad, touch-sensitive wheel pads and voice has a learning curve. Car and Driver also found the assistant sometimes chimes in unprompted.

Voice control & native navigation80

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, but no 2020 source confirms a wireless connection, and owner guides describe early X167 cars as USB-only.

The natural-language 'Hey Mercedes' assistant is among the better native systems. MBUX navigation is standard, with augmented-reality guidance available.

Audio system quality88

Digital instrument cluster86

For 2020 a 13-speaker Burmester surround system replaced the Harman/Kardon unit as standard, and the 26-speaker Burmester High-End 3D system is optional.

A crisp, configurable 12.3-in digital cluster is standard.

OTA update capability64

Companion app & remote functions74

Mercedes me connect delivers over-the-air updates for MBUX software and maps, but this generation gets no whole-vehicle feature updates.

Charging ports & device power74

The Mercedes me app covers remote start, lock/unlock and vehicle finder, but services move to a paid subscription after the trial and there is no digital key.

Keyless & remote access74

Wireless charging is standard up front and USB-C ports cover the rows. Rear wireless charging is in the Executive Rear Seat package, and there is no household AC outlet.

Proximity entry and push-button start became standard for 2020, a hands-free liftgate is available, and remote start runs through the app. There is no phone-as-key.

Camera & parking aids74

Head-up display availability68

The rear camera and parking sensors are standard. Sources conflict on surround view and Active Parking Assist: MBCA says the Parking Assist package is now standard, while US dealer listings and a dealer note that it became standard only for 2024 put it in a package.

Kid & car-seat practicality82

A head-up display is available as an option on the volume GLS 450.

8Use-Case FitMid-pack among this car's ten categories.2.49C+

A roomy second row (about 42 in of legroom), power-folding seats, large rear doors and the new captain's-chair option make family duty easy. Cargo behind the third row is only about 17 cu ft.

Family safety package60

Family road-trip comfort83

Active Brake Assist with pedestrian detection and Blind Spot Assist are standard. Adaptive cruise and lane-keeping are in the optional Driver Assistance Package, and neither NHTSA nor IIHS crash-tested the 2020 GLS.

The serene, plush cabin and limousine-like second row are excellent on long trips. Five-zone climate and rear-seat comforts are extra-cost, and luggage space with every seat in use is modest.

Daily driving ease76

Commuting cost efficiency36

The smooth ride and refined I6 mild-hybrid powertrain make traffic easy, but the finicky touch controls and the vehicle's size add friction.

Parking & maneuverability50

At 21 MPG combined on premium fuel, about $3,850 a year, the GLS is expensive to commute in.

The footprint is large, with a 123.4-in wheelbase and a turning circle of about 41 ft. Parking sensors help, but surround view is likely optional on US cars.

Work capability68

Durability for work duty48

A 7,700-lb tow rating with the hitch and a torquey I6 handle moderate towing.

Jobsite & upfit practicality36

It is a luxury unibody SUV with complex air suspension, a first-year design for 2020, and an interior not built for wear, so it is poorly suited to hard work duty.

Long-distance comfort & range84

Work provisions go little beyond the trailer hitch and cargo tie-downs, and there is no AC outlet.

Outdoor & adventure capability72

It is a superb highway cruiser with a quiet, plush cabin and about 500 miles of range; Car and Driver saw 24 MPG in its 75-mph test. Adaptive cruise costs extra.

Gear & luggage flexibility78

Standard 4MATIC, adjustable AIRMATIC ride height and 7,700-lb towing make it a capable light adventurer. The off-road package is rare.

Power-folding second and third rows and about 85 cu ft of maximum cargo give good flexibility, with a hitch and roof rails available.

9Driving ExperienceGrades above the middle of the scale.2.80B-

Handling & agility74

The GLS is well controlled for its size, with progressive body roll and 0.92 g of grip on summer tires in Car and Driver testing. It is secure rather than engaging, and E-Active Body Control is limited to the GLS 580.

Steering feel68

The steering is light and precise. Car and Driver credits it with ample feel for the class, while other reviewers find it light.

Braking confidence80

Powertrain smoothness & response84

A 154-ft stop from 70 mph is strong for a 5,600-lb three-row SUV, and the brakes held up through 50 miles of twisty roads.

Drivetrain noise & vibration85

The 362-hp turbo I6 with EQ Boost mild-hybrid assist is smooth, the integrated starter-generator masks turbo lag, and stop/start is seamless. The 9-speed occasionally hesitates.

~41.1 ft curb-to-curb (Cars.com lists 39 ft)

The inline-six is refined and well isolated under load, inside a cabin Car and Driver calls serene at any speed.

Turning circle

11/100

Driving position & ergonomics74

A 41-ft turning circle is unwieldy, which is typical for a 123-in wheelbase SUV.

The commanding, highly adjustable driving position is let down by fiddly touch-sensitive wheel controls and the console touchpad.

Fun-to-drive factor65

Standard equipment generosity70

It is quick (5.5 s to 60 mph in testing) and Car and Driver calls it rewarding to drive in most conditions, but it is tuned for comfort rather than enjoyment.

10Value & Market PositionThe GLS's best-graded category.2.98B-

Feature value per dollar73

The 2020 GLS 450 comes standard with a 362-hp EQ Boost mild-hybrid turbo-six, 4MATIC, AIRMATIC air suspension, dual 12.3-inch MBUX screens, a panoramic roof, power-folding third-row seats and standard active safety. That is competitive for the class, but Burmester audio, the full Driver Assistance Package, massaging seats and E-Active Body Control remain paid options.

Trim & configuration breadth65

At $76,195 delivered, the 2020 GLS 450 sat level with the BMW X7 xDrive40i and well below the Escalade's upper trims. It brought a roomier, adult-usable third row and S-Class-grade refinement, though Yahoo Autos noted a substantial increase over the outgoing GLS 450, and the QX80 offers more space for less.

Sales popularity & market acceptance70

In the US, the 2020 model year offered only two trims: the turbo-six GLS 450 and the V8 GLS 580, both with 4MATIC and no diesel. The AMG GLS 63 and Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 didn't arrive until the 2021 model year. A deep option list softens it, but the 2020 lineup has gaps compared with later years.

Brand desirability & image88

The new X167 GLS launched to steady demand at roughly 20,000 US units a year, despite pandemic plant shutdowns in spring 2020. That trailed the Escalade and was roughly level with the BMW X7, making it a well-accepted mid-pack seller in the full-size luxury three-row class.

Deals & incentive availability60

Marketed as 'the S-Class of SUVs', the GLS sits at the top of Mercedes-Benz's SUV hierarchy, and Mercedes-Benz remains one of the strongest luxury automotive brands. Steep depreciation shows the image does not fully carry into resale, and the Maybach halo had not yet reached US showrooms for 2020.

Through 2020, MBFS ran lease specials and spring-2020 pandemic finance offers with payment deferrals, and dealers discounted modestly before the 2021 chip shortage erased incentives. Real buyer benefit was available on a new-generation flagship, though it was rarely deep.

Model freshness88

Critical reception & awards75

2020 is the launch model year of the all-new X167 GLS, with a 2.3-inch-longer wheelbase, MBUX with dual 12.3-inch screens, EQ Boost mild hybrids, available E-Active Body Control and car-to-X communication. A buyer was four years ahead of the 2024 facelift, though first-year-of-generation teething issues are a minor risk.