“FYI, if you leave an elderly person or a pet inside a car while it is still running with heat or air-conditioning on, unless you remember to press a button next to the ignition, the car will turn off automatically after a few minutes. If it's 10 or 95 degrees outside, your elderly, disabled passengers or pets are in extreme danger of death!”
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS is a full redesign and the first year of the third-generation X167 model. Its biggest change is an all-new platform that brings a longer wheelbase, a roomier three-row cabin, and new 48-volt mild-hybrid engines.
About the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS
3rd generation (X167), first year of the full redesign
For 2020, Mercedes-Benz positions the GLS as a full-size luxury family SUV that blends S-Class-style comfort with real three-row usefulness. The pitch is not just size, but ease: roomy seating in all three rows, a polished ride from the air suspension, strong all-wheel-drive capability, and a tech-heavy cabin that still aims to feel welcoming on road trips. Compared with rivals, the GLS leans hard on comfort, cabin richness, and smooth power rather than truck-like toughness.
The GLS 450 is the core version, pairing a 362-hp turbocharged inline-six with AWD, air suspension, a panoramic roof, and dual 12.3-inch displays. The GLS 580 succeeds the GLS 550 and adds a 483-hp twin-turbo V8, massaging front seats, five-zone climate control, soft-close doors, and Burmester audio.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Both trims receive new engines with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance. The GLS 450 uses a 362-hp turbocharged inline-six, while the renamed GLS 580 replaces the GLS 550 and uses a 483-hp twin-turbo V8.
Styling
The full redesign brings an all-new body for the third-generation X167 GLS.
Safety
Automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, LED headlights, parking assistance, and a surround-view camera become standard across the lineup.
Tech
The cabin gains the MBUX touchscreen system and two 12.3-inch displays, one for infotainment and one for the digital gauges. Premium audio also becomes standard across the lineup.
Structural
A new platform and longer wheelbase create more usable room in the second and third rows. A six-seat layout with second-row captain’s chairs joins the standard seven-seat layout.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.0 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 | 483 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft | 516 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 7700 lb | 7700 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 84.7 cu-ft | 84.7 cu-ft |
| Seats | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic High Beams | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||
| Park Assist | ||
| 360 Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| Power Moonroof | ||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Roof Rails | ||
| Side Steps | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| 4-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | ||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||
| Rear Air Conditioning | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Massage Front Seat | ||
| Remote Start | ||
| Third Row Seat | ||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS fully redesigned?
Yes. The 2020 GLS begins the third-generation X167 model with an all-new platform, a longer wheelbase, more second- and third-row room, new engines, and a redesigned digital cabin.
What engines are in the redesigned 2020 GLS?
The 2020 GLS 450 has a 362-hp turbocharged inline-six, while the GLS 580 has a 483-hp twin-turbo V8. Both use 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance and come with AWD.
Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS a plug-in hybrid?
No. The 2020 GLS uses mild-hybrid assistance to support its gasoline engines, but it is not a plug-in hybrid and does not provide plug-in electric driving.
Did the GLS 580 replace the GLS 550 for 2020?
Yes. The GLS 550 continues under the GLS 580 name for the redesigned 2020 model, gaining a new 483-hp twin-turbo V8 with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance and richer standard comfort equipment.
Does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS seat six or seven people?
The 2020 GLS has a standard seven-seat layout. A six-seat arrangement replaces the second-row bench with two individual captain’s chairs, while retaining the third row.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS.
4.0
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS
(274 reviews)
“This is a great automobile. It has all of the latest safety features. It is definitely an upgrade of my last new purchase of a 2016 GL350. It's extremely comfortable and affordable to drive!”
“Excellent vehicle, luxurious, reliable and good performance overall. Would prefer 8 cylinder power.”