“I like this vehicle because it has plenty of room for luggage, passengers etc. when going on a road trip. During the week, running errands I feel like I am driving a luxury car. It is easy to park and zip around town and overall fun to drive.”
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main change for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS is a limited-production Grand Edition package for the GLS 450 and GLS 550. Otherwise, this is largely a carryover year for the outgoing X166-generation SUV.
About the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS
X166 generation, final year before the all-new 2020 redesign.
Mercedes-Benz positioned the GLS as its full-size three-row luxury SUV with true family-sized room and a more polished, car-like feel than truck-based rivals. The brochure emphasizes first-class comfort in all three rows, standard all-wheel drive, and air suspension, while review sites highlight its quiet ride, strong engines, and upscale road manners. In this generation, the GLS was the big Mercedes SUV for long trips, everyday family hauling, and effortless highway comfort.
The GLS 450 is the core three-row model, with a twin-turbo V6, standard all-wheel drive, self-leveling air suspension, and a power-folding third row. The GLS 550 adds twin-turbo V8 power, leather upholstery, massaging front seats, navigation, and upgraded surround sound for a more richly equipped cabin.
What changed, by category
Styling
A limited-production Grand Edition package joined the GLS 450 and GLS 550, adding special upholstery, interior trim, badging, and exterior appearance details.
Tech
Smartphone integration became standard on the GLS 450 rather than optional.
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.7 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16 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 | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| 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 | ||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||
| Remote Start | ||
| Third Row Seat | ||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | ||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS?
The biggest change is the limited-production Grand Edition package for the GLS 450 and GLS 550. Smartphone integration also became standard on the GLS 450, while the rest of the lineup remained largely unchanged.
Is the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS a redesigned model?
No. The 2019 GLS is the final model year of the X166 generation and keeps the same basic body, platform, engines, and chassis as before. The full redesign arrived for 2020.
What is the Grand Edition package on the 2019 GLS?
The Grand Edition is a limited-production appearance and luxury package for the 2019 GLS 450 and GLS 550. It adds special upholstery, interior trim, badging, and exterior details.
Did the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS get new engines?
No. The GLS 450 retained its 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, while the GLS 550 retained its 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8. Both use a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.
Is the 2019 GLS meaningfully different from the 2018 model?
Not substantially. The 2019 model adds the limited Grand Edition package and makes smartphone integration standard on the GLS 450, but there are no broad mechanical, safety, structural, or infotainment changes.
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS.
4.2
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS
(156 reviews)
“If you are seeking a spacious interior, this vehicle will not fit your needs, does not have enough compartments for storage, does not make good use of space provided”
“Built with no-nonsense engineering muscle and subtle sophistication, it delivers powerful reliable performance, and yet delights you with little things like a star logo flashed on your feet at night or windshield wipers that know when it rains.”