2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2025 GLS (X167, a carry-over year after the 2024-MY facelift) is sold mostly as the GLS 450 4MATIC, whose 3.0L turbo inline-six with 48V EQ Boost mild hybrid makes 375 hp; the V8 GLS 580 and AMG GLS 63 extend the range.

The GLS 450's turbo I6 produces 369 lb-ft from 1,600 rpm; the V8 trims make considerably more.

Mercedes quotes 5.8 s for the GLS 450 4MATIC, which is quick for a 5,600-lb three-row SUV and competitive with six-cylinder rivals.

Reviewers consistently call the turbo inline-six with its integrated starter-generator silky, with strong low-end response and nearly imperceptible stop-start; the V8 580 is effortless.

The 9G-TRONIC nine-speed shifts smoothly and picks sensible gears, with occasional low-speed hesitation on part-throttle kickdown noted by testers.

The GLS is rated to tow 7,700 lbs with the available trailer hitch, which is competitive in the full-size luxury SUV class though below the body-on-frame Escalade and Navigator.

4MATIC all-wheel drive is standard on every 2025 GLS, with Dynamic Select drive modes and AIRMATIC air suspension; the optional off-road package adds off-road programs and underbody protection.

AIRMATIC can raise the body for extra clearance and an off-road package adds terrain programs and protection, so light trails are fine, but the GLS is a road-focused unibody luxury hauler rather than a Range Rover or LX rival off-road.

Several distinct gas powertrains (I6 mild hybrid 450, V8 mild hybrid 580, AMG GLS 63, Maybach GLS 600), all with 48V assist, but there is no PHEV, diesel or EV GLS in the US.

The volume GLS 450 4MATIC's mild-hybrid turbo I6 earns an EPA 21 MPG combined, typical for a full-size luxury three-row SUV; the V8 GLS 580 drops to 16.

EPA city rating for the GLS 450 4MATIC; mild-hybrid assist helps but the weight and standard AWD limit urban economy.

EPA highway rating for the GLS 450 4MATIC.

A 23.8-gallon tank and the 21 MPG combined rating give roughly 500 miles per fill, which is strong for the class.

EPA estimates $3,850 per year for the GLS 450 at its current premium-fuel price assumption, and $5,050 for the V8 GLS 580.

Every 2025 GLS trim is EPA-listed on premium gasoline, there is no regular-fuel, diesel or plug-in alternative, and the turbo I6 and V8 engines are tuned for 91 octane.

NHTSA has published no NCAP rating for the 2025 GLS (nor any X167 GLS year), so per the framework the value is 0 = never rated rather than a borrowed or estimated star count.

IIHS has not crash-tested the X167 GLS, so it holds no Top Safety Pick/TSP+ and there are no individual crashworthiness results. There are no known structural concerns (it shares its MHA architecture with the GLE), but no published results means the score cannot go higher.

Active Brake Assist (AEB with pedestrian detection) and Active Blind Spot Assist are standard. For the 2025 refresh the Driver Assistance Package (DISTRONIC adaptive cruise, Active Steering Assist, lane-change, evasive-steer and cross-traffic functions) and the surround-view camera became standard on every GLS 450. That gives the full AEB/ACC/LKA/BSM/RCTA set on the volume trim.

IIHS has published no GLS-specific front crash prevention result. Active Brake Assist uses the same sensor suite as the GLE and other current Mercedes models, which have performed well, so this is inferred from those siblings without a direct rating.

Active Blind Spot Assist is standard and can brake one side of the car to stop a lane change. It includes the exit warning function, and the now-standard Driver Assistance Package adds the cross-traffic function.

Active Lane Keeping Assist plus Active Steering Assist lane centering are standard for 2025. Reviewers generally find Mercedes' centering smooth on well-marked highways, with some wander on faded lines.

DISTRONIC Active Distance Assist works across the full speed range with stop-and-go. Combined with Active Steering Assist and route-based speed adaptation, it is one of the more refined highway-assist bundles in the class, and for 2025 it is standard.

The GLS has no hands-free highway driving. Mercedes' DRIVE PILOT Level 3 system is limited to the S-Class and EQS sedan, and the GLS's Active Steering Assist needs hands on the wheel. Rivals Escalade (Super Cruise) and Navigator (BlueCruise) offer hands-free driving.

LED headlights with adaptive high beam are standard (refreshed units for 2025), and MULTIBEAM/adaptive lighting is available. IIHS has not rated the GLS headlights, so the score is held below the Good-rated band.

The tall seating position and large glass give good forward and side sightlines. Thick D-pillars and third-row headrests create rear blind zones, but the surround-view camera, standard for 2025, plus parking assist compensate well.

There are two full LATCH positions in the second row and top tethers that reach into the third row, and the wide rear doors make installing seats easier. The lower anchors sit somewhat deep in the seat bight, and IIHS has not published a LATCH ease-of-use rating for this model.

The 2025 GLS 450 seats seven in a 2-3-2 layout as standard; the optional Executive Rear Seat Package swaps the second-row bench for captain's chairs, dropping capacity to six.

The front headroom is adequate rather than generous. The panoramic moonroof is standard on the 2025 GLS 450, so the with-roof figure is the one buyers get.

Mercedes' published front legroom is modest on paper for a 205-inch SUV, though reviewers do not report the front seats feeling cramped.

Second-row headroom is generous thanks to the tall, flat roofline aft of the B-pillar.

The 123.4-inch wheelbase gives near-limousine second-row legroom, a signature GLS strength over the shorter GLE.

The third row has 38.9 in of headroom and 34.6 in of legroom, with power-folding second-row access. Reviewers say adults genuinely fit in all three rows, though it is still tighter than in the body-on-frame Escalade or Navigator.

With the third row folded, the cargo space is middling for a full-size SUV; the GLS trades cargo depth for its exceptional second-row legroom.

The maximum cargo volume is competitive for a unibody three-row SUV but well short of body-on-frame rivals such as the Escalade and Navigator.

Everyday storage is competitive: a deep center console, standard wireless charging, power-folding third row with a one-touch cargo-area fold button, and temperature-controlled cupholders via Pinnacle. There is nothing as clever as Rivian's or the Escalade's storage tricks.

The front seats are widely adjustable and supportive, the second row is generous, and active multicontour massage seats are available via the Pinnacle package. The base GLS 450 uses MB-Tex synthetic leather rather than Nappa.

The standard AIRMATIC adaptive air suspension glides over bumps and rough pavement while keeping roll in check. Optional E-Active Body Control further improves body control, making the GLS one of the best-riding three-row SUVs.

Reviewers describe the cabin as whisper-quiet. The laminated side glass and extra insulation of the Acoustic Comfort Package are a $1,100 option on 2025 rather than standard, which holds the score just below the very top.

Multi-zone climate, heated front seats and remote pre-conditioning are standard. Five-zone climate, ventilated and massaging seats, heated rear seats, AIR-BALANCE fragrance and heated armrests are available, but several of these sit in paid packages on a roughly $90K vehicle.

The 2025 GLS 450 4MATIC starts at $89,200 plus $1,150 destination. That is far above the $65,000 SUV band ceiling, so it scores 0.

The GLS 450 is the volume trim. Dealer stock is usually built with the common comfort and driver-assist packages plus metallic paint, which puts a typical delivered price in the mid-$90k range, well above the $68,000 band ceiling.

Estimates disagree widely. CarEdge puts GLS 450 maintenance at about $5,050 over five years but warns that repair costs run well above the luxury-SUV average. KBB's trim-level page projects much more for maintenance plus repairs. A midpoint of about $9,500 reflects dealer labor rates, mild-hybrid I6 servicing and AIRMATIC air-suspension risk, with no included scheduled maintenance.

KBB projects a $34,252 residual after five years on a $90,350 GLS, about 38% retained. CarEdge's GLS 450 depreciation of about $46,400 implies roughly 48–52%. Either way the GLS is a steep depreciator, typical of a high-priced German flagship SUV with heavy lease volume.

Mercedes-Benz's New Vehicle Limited Warranty runs 4 years or 50,000 miles. That is standard among German luxury brands and behind Genesis at 5 years / 60,000 miles.

Mercedes-Benz has 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.

The 2025 GLS includes no complimentary scheduled maintenance; prepaid maintenance 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 $90k SUV and level with the BMW X7.

$96,000 volume-trim price minus its estimated resale value after 5 years (43% retained, or about $41,280) leaves about $54,720 in depreciation. Add the projected $9,500 in 5-year maintenance and repairs, and owning this vehicle for 5 years costs about $64,220 in total.

Consumer Reports expects the 2025 GLS to be less reliable than the average new car. CR bases that on Mercedes-Benz brand data from similar models because it has no GLS-specific owner score. 2025 is a carry-over year of the X167 generation after the 2024 refresh, and owners commonly report problems with MBUX electronics and the air suspension.

Mercedes-Benz usually places mid-pack to lower-mid in the J.D. Power VDS and in Consumer Reports' brand rankings. It ranks above Land Rover but behind Lexus and Lincoln, and it typically trails BMW.

NHTSA lists one recall for the 2025 model year: campaign 25V325000, a small windshield-camera and mirror attachment action that affects only a few units. The wider X167 generation (2020–2024) has had several recalls, covering the 48V ISG, airbags, seatbelts, the sunroof and electrical parts, plus TSBs for MBUX and the air suspension. That is typical for a complex flagship SUV and nothing points to a systemic defect.

The volume GLS 450 uses the M256 3.0L turbo inline-6 with a 48V ISG mild-hybrid system. That engine has been in wide service since 2018 with a solid record, and the 9G-Tronic automatic is well proven. The AMG M177 V8 is likewise a mature design. The 48V ISG system has had some recall activity, which keeps this short of the top band.

As Mercedes' flagship SUV, the GLS has some of the best cabin materials in its class: real wood, metal trim, available Nappa leather and soft-touch surfaces in all three rows. Reviewers rate it alongside the Range Rover and ahead of the Escalade on material richness.

The GLS is built at MBUSI in Tuscaloosa alongside the GLE, and reviewers generally report tight panel gaps and consistent trim alignment. Scattered owner reports of electronic glitches and minor squeaks keep it below the top of the class.

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

Parts are easy to get through the dealer network, but Mercedes repair costs are among the highest in the industry. The GLS's air suspension, 48V ISG and MBUX electronics carry premium prices, and many components are sold only through dealers.

A 12.3-inch central MBUX touchscreen is standard and sits under one pane of glass with the 12.3-inch driver display, carried over from the 2024 refresh.

The NTG7 MBUX of the 2024 refresh is quick and graphically rich, but reviewers note a steep learning curve, quirky voice commands, and finicky touch-sensitive steering-wheel controls.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard MBUX features on the single GLS 450 trim.

Standard navigation offers augmented-reality guidance, and the natural-language 'Hey Mercedes' assistant controls nav, audio and climate. Cars.com calls the voice commands quirky, so the score sits below the best systems.

A 13-speaker Burmester surround system is standard, and the 26-speaker Burmester High-End 3D/4D system is available — strong at both base and premium levels.

A configurable 12.3-inch fully digital driver display is standard on every 2025 GLS.

MBUX receives over-the-air infotainment, map and some feature updates, and Mercedes sells post-purchase 'Digital Extras' such as DISTRONIC activation. Whole-vehicle ECU updates on the MRA-based GLS remain more limited than Tesla's or the EQ models'.

The Mercedes me app offers remote start and climate, lock/unlock, locate and geofencing, but advanced services move to a paid subscription after the included trial.

Wireless charging is standard and there are USB-C ports in all three rows, with USB ports on the optional captain's chairs. There is no household AC outlet.

Proximity keyless entry, push-button start, a hands-free power liftgate and app remote start are standard. New for 2025, a biometric fingerprint sensor on every trim adds driver-profile authentication.

A 360-degree camera system is standard alongside parking sensors, and Active Parking Assist is available.

A large full-color head-up display is available, but only bundled in the $3,550 Pinnacle Trim Package rather than as standard on the ~$90K volume trim.

Large rear doors, 41.9 in of second-row legroom (room for rear-facing seats), power-folding second and third rows and a hands-free liftgate make family logistics easy. The 17.4 cu ft behind the third row is tight for strollers with all seats up.

Active Brake Assist, blind-spot warning and a 360 camera are standard. However, DISTRONIC adaptive cruise and cross-traffic alert are extra-cost (DISTRONIC as a paid Digital Extra), and the GLS has no IIHS award or full NHTSA rating to anchor its crash credentials.

Standard air suspension, generous second-row space, an adult-usable third row and available five-zone climate make the GLS an excellent multi-hour family hauler. Luggage space behind the third row is modest at 17.4 cu ft.

The smooth mild-hybrid I6, nine-speed automatic, air suspension and light steering make routine driving relaxed. The 205-inch body and finicky touch controls add some fatigue in dense traffic.

At 19/24 MPG on premium fuel in a ~5,500-lb SUV, plus costly tires and dealer service, the GLS is an expensive commuter, even if about average for full-size luxury gas SUVs.

With a 123.4-in wheelbase, a full-size footprint and a ~41 ft turning circle, the GLS is a handful in tight urban spaces. The standard 360 camera and light steering make it manageable.

It tows 7,700 lb when equipped with the hitch, strong for a unibody luxury SUV, and the 369 lb-ft I6 copes well. Payload is modest and there is no bed — this is a family hauler that tows, not a work tool.

A passenger-car powertrain, air suspension and luxury trim are not built for jobsite abuse. Mercedes' middling dependability record and costly out-of-warranty repairs further limit its suitability for hard use.

It has roof rails, an optional hitch and cargo tie-downs, but no 120V outlet, no washable surfaces and no upfit ecosystem.

A superb highway cruiser: plush air suspension, a whisper-quiet cabin, massage seats available and ~24 MPG highway giving 500+ miles of range. DISTRONIC adaptive cruise costs extra on a vehicle this expensive.

Standard 4MATIC that can send up to 100% of torque to either axle, adjustable-height air suspension and a 7,700-lb tow rating make the GLS fine on gravel and with toys. Large wheels and luxury tires limit rough-terrain use.

It offers 84.7 cu ft maximum, power-folding rows that drop flat at a button press, a hands-free liftgate, roof rails and an optional hitch. It trails body-on-frame rivals in outright volume.

Body roll stays in check on curvy roads, and Sport mode firms the air suspension. The handling is secure and composed for a three-row full-size SUV, but the mass and comfort tuning keep it below sportier rivals such as the X7.

The steering is light and precise but short on feedback — a typical Mercedes calibration that favors effortless placement.

Reviews of the X167 GLS describe an easily modulated pedal even when fully loaded. No 2025-specific instrumented braking data was found, so the score is anchored on the current-generation reputation.

The turbo 3.0L inline-six with 48V mild-hybrid assist pairs with a smooth nine-speed automatic; the integrated starter-generator masks stop/start and fills low-rpm torque.

The inherently balanced inline-six is nearly inaudible at cruise and makes a pleasant, distant note under load.

The long 123.4-in wheelbase yields a wide turning diameter near the bottom of the SUV band.

The commanding view, wide power seat and wheel adjustment, and air-suspension-assisted entry are excellent. Finicky touch-sensitive steering-wheel controls and touch-heavy MBUX detract.

It is pleasant and brisk with a willing six, but the GLS is a comfort-first cruiser — competent rather than engaging.

The GLS 450 4MATIC includes a 375-hp mild-hybrid turbo-six, 4MATIC, AIRMATIC air suspension, 21-inch wheels, dual 12.3-inch MBUX screens, a panoramic roof and standard active safety. For 2025 it also gains a standard fingerprint sensor. That is competitive for the class, but Burmester 3D audio, the full Driver Assistance Package, massaging seats and rear entertainment all remain paid options.

S-Class-grade refinement and a genuinely usable third row justify part of the premium. But at about $90k to start and $115k for the 580, the GLS is priced above the BMW X7 xDrive40i (≈$86.7k) and Infiniti QX80, and Escalade/Navigator bundle more equipment at similar money. Fair value, not a bargain.

The lineup is unusually wide for the segment, with a turbo-six GLS 450, V8 GLS 580, AMG GLS 63 and Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600, spanning about $90k to $178k. For 2025 it is widened further by new MANUFAKTUR paints, Nappa leather choices and a Signature Interior Package.

The GLS is an established seller in the full-size luxury three-row class, behind the Escalade on volume and roughly level with the BMW X7. MBUSA did not single it out among its 2025 growth models (GLE, GLC, G-Class, CLE), and third-party tallies suggest softer volume than its 2023 peak.

Positioned as 'the S-Class of SUVs' and backed by the Mercedes-Maybach GLS halo, the GLS sits near the top of the three-pointed star's hierarchy. Mercedes-Benz remains one of the strongest luxury automotive brands, though its steep depreciation shows the image does not fully carry into resale.

Mercedes-Benz Financial Services regularly runs lease support and loyalty/conquest cash on GLS 450/580. Ample dealer stock of the outgoing 2025 model year as 2026s arrive gives buyers room to negotiate. AMG and Maybach variants transact closer to sticker.

The X167 generation launched for model year 2020 and got its mid-cycle facelift for 2024, with new fascias, lighting, updated MBUX and a revised mild-hybrid powertrain. 2025 is a carry-over year that adds a standard fingerprint sensor, so the GLS is mid-to-late cycle but still current.

Reviewers consistently praise the GLS for cabin quality, ride comfort, an adult-usable third row and the smooth mild-hybrid six, and US News ranks it near the top of Luxury Large SUVs. It rarely wins comparison tests outright: the X7 is usually the driver's pick and the Escalade wins on presence. It has no 10Best or NACTOY award this cycle.