“I think it's a great luxury car for a family. Very spacious, smooth driving and safety is a plus.”
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The biggest change for 2018 is that the diesel GLS 350d was dropped. Otherwise, the Mercedes-Benz GLS is effectively a carryover from 2017, with the same gasoline engines, standard all-wheel drive, air suspension, and three-row layout.
About the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS
X166 generation (2013-2019); 2018 is the second model year after the 2017 rename from GL-Class to GLS and sits in the middle of the 2017-2019 run before the all-new 2020 redesign.
Mercedes-Benz positioned the GLS as its big three-row luxury SUV: a full-size family vehicle with seven-passenger space, a polished road feel, strong towing ability, and a more car-like driving character than truck-based rivals. The core appeal was roomy comfort with Mercedes ride quality and upscale materials, plus standard all-wheel drive and air suspension. Against rivals, the GLS stood out for blending full-size utility with smoother handling and a more premium cabin feel.
The GLS 450 4MATIC is the core seven-passenger version, pairing a 362-hp twin-turbo V6 with standard all-wheel drive, air suspension, and a power-folding third row. The GLS 550 4MATIC steps up to a 449-hp twin-turbo V8, ventilated multicontour front seats, three-zone climate control, navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The diesel-powered GLS 350d left the lineup. The gasoline GLS 450 and GLS 550 carried over with the same engines, standard all-wheel drive, and nine-speed automatic transmission; their names were revised to GLS 450 4MATIC and GLS 550 4MATIC.
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.0L | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.7L |
| Transmission | Auto, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | Auto, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 17 mpg | 14 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 22 mpg | 19 mpg |
| Horsepower | 362 hp | 449 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft | 516 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 7200 lb | 7200 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 93.8 cu-ft | 93.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35 in | 35 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Headlights | ||
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic High Beams | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | ||
| Park Assist | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| 360 Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| Power Moonroof | ||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||
| Roof Rails | ||
| Side Steps | ||
| Bluetooth | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| USB Ports | ||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Massage Front Seat | ||
| Memory Front Seats | ||
| Power Driver Seat | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Remote Start | ||
| Third Row Seat | ||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | ||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS compared with the 2017 model?
The main change is the removal of the diesel GLS 350d. The gasoline models otherwise carry over, while the GLS 450 and GLS 550 names were revised to GLS 450 4MATIC and GLS 550 4MATIC to spell out their standard all-wheel drive.
Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS a redesign?
No, the 2018 GLS is not a redesign. It remains part of the X166 generation and largely repeats the 2017 model, ahead of the all-new 2020 GLS.
Does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS have a diesel model?
No, the diesel GLS 350d was dropped for 2018. The remaining GLS 450 4MATIC and GLS 550 4MATIC use gasoline engines.
Did the gasoline engines change for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS?
No, the gasoline engines carried over for 2018. The GLS 450 4MATIC retains its 362-hp twin-turbo V6, while the GLS 550 4MATIC keeps its 449-hp twin-turbo V8; both use a nine-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive.
Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS meaningfully different from the 2017 model?
No, the two years are very similar aside from the diesel model being dropped and the gasoline trims receiving revised names. There was no major styling, safety, technology, chassis, or suspension update for 2018.
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS.
4.1
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS
(147 reviews)
“The GLS550 is a great, large, quiet luxury SUV with lots of acceleration and interior room for passengers and cargo. Rides like a luxury sedan. 550 version has practically every available option you could desire. A spare tire is a plus! Don't let this vehicle go out of warranty without purchasing the extended coverage!!!”
“Safe. Large cargo hold. 7 seats. Good towing capabilities. Quiet. Comfortable. Reliable”