“Very stylish and innovative in tech. Very comfortable and very heavy and safe vehicle. Powerful and not only talks the talk, but walks the walk. A joy to own...I just wish all features I paid for worked and had been trained better on how to use the features.”
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS is the arrival of the AMG GLS 63 and the first Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600, which broaden the top of the range. Otherwise, this is a light update following the 2020 redesign, with added standard equipment on the GLS 450 and GLS 580.
About the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS
3rd generation (X167), second model year after the 2020 redesign.
Mercedes positions the GLS as its full-size, three-row luxury SUV: a vehicle that brings S-Class-style comfort, space, and technology to family duty. The core pitch is roomy seating for six or seven, a quiet cabin, strong power, and air-suspension ride comfort, all wrapped in a large SUV that still feels premium and polished rather than truck-like. For most shoppers, the GLS is the Mercedes choice when they want real third-row usefulness without giving up the brand’s luxury feel.
The GLS 450 remains the balanced three-row model, pairing a turbocharged six-cylinder engine and AWD with air suspension, dual 12.3-inch displays, and family-focused comfort. The GLS 580 adds V8 power, leather, massaging front seats, and five-zone climate control, while the new AMG and Maybach models extend the range into performance and higher-luxury territory.
What changed, by category
Powertrain and lineup
The AMG GLS 63 and Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 join the range above the GLS 450 and GLS 580.
Safety
Parking damage detection becomes standard on the GLS 450 and GLS 580.
Comfort and equipment
The GLS 450 gains standard ventilated front seats, four-zone climate control, and 20-inch wheels. A third-row seat becomes standard across the lineup.
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter w/EQ Boost | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.0 Liter w/EQ Boost |
| Transmission | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24 mpg | 21 mpg |
| Horsepower | 362 hp | 483 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft | 516 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 7700 lb | 7700 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 48.7 cu-ft | 48.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 34.6 in | 34.6 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||
| 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 | ||
| Subwoofer | ||
| 4-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||
| Massage Front Seat | ||
| Massage Rear Seat | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||
| Remote Start | ||
| Third Row Seat | ||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||
| Ventilated Rear Seats | ||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS redesigned?
No. The 2021 GLS is a light update in the second year of the generation introduced for 2020, with no redesign of its body, platform, or core powertrains.
Which models were added to the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS range?
The AMG GLS 63 and the first Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 were added for 2021. They expanded the range above the regular GLS 450 and GLS 580 models.
What changed on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450?
The 2021 GLS 450 gains standard ventilated front seats, four-zone climate control, 20-inch wheels, and parking damage detection. Its turbocharged six-cylinder engine, nine-speed automatic transmission, and AWD carry over.
What changed on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580?
The 2021 GLS 580 gains standard parking damage detection. Its V8 powertrain and core luxury equipment otherwise carry over from 2020.
How does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS compare with the 2020 model?
The 2021 GLS is mostly the same vehicle as the redesigned 2020 model, but it has a broader model range and more standard equipment. The clearest differences are the new AMG and Maybach versions, additional standard comfort features on the GLS 450, and standard parking damage detection on the GLS 450 and GLS 580.
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS.
4.2
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS
(353 reviews)
“Excellent vehicle! One of the best I've ever driven. Very reliable and great to drive!”
“The build quality is excellent and safety features, including driver assistance are refined and work smoothly (they're not jerky).”