Mercedes-Benz GLS

Large and in charge – that’s an apt description for the GLS. As you might expect from Mercedes-Benz’s largest SUV, it boasts not only tons of space and loads of luxury features but also a commanding presence on the road. Owners of the GLS appreciate it most for its powerful acceleration, luxe interior, and comfortable ride, which comes thanks in part to standard air springs. It even handles reasonably well for such a big vehicle. On the downside, owners give the GLS lower marks for fuel economy and third-row comfort – not to mention its sizable price tag, which isn’t helped by its long list of available options.

Model Image

Large and in charge – that’s an apt description for the GLS. As you might expect from Mercedes-Benz’s largest SUV, it boasts not only tons of space and loads of luxury features but also a commanding presence on the road. Owners of the GLS appreciate it most for its powerful acceleration, luxe interior, and comfortable ride, which comes thanks in part to standard air springs. It even handles reasonably well for such a big vehicle. On the downside, owners give the GLS lower marks for fuel economy and third-row comfort – not to mention its sizable price tag, which isn’t helped by its long list of available options.

Mercedes-Benz GLS Model Lineup

The GLS is a full-size luxury crossover SUV with three rows and room for up to seven passengers (six when equipped with the available second-row captain’s chairs). It’s the largest sport-ute in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, measuring about a foot longer than the midsize GLE. In 2021, the German automaker spun off an ultra-luxurious version of the GLS known as the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600, which is reviewed separately.

Mercedes-Benz offers the GLS in three main trims, which correspond to the included engine. The entry-level version is the GLS 450, which offers a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder making 362 horsepower. That mill was updated from a V6 to an inline-six configuration starting in 2020; its output remained the same, but fuel economy ticked up from 18 to 21 mpg (combined), according to the EPA. One step up is the GLS 550, which was renamed the GLS 580 in 2020. Its turbocharged V8 engine develops between 449 and 483 hp depending on the model year. At the top of the range is the high-performance AMG GLS 63, which gets an even more powerful turbo V8 initially making 577 hp and increasing to 603 hp starting in 2021. All versions of the GLS utilize a nine-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels via Mercedes-Benz’s all-wheel-drive system, which is dubbed 4Matic. Properly equipped, the GLS can tow up to 7,500 pounds.

Standard equipment on the GLS includes three rows of seating, a self-leveling air suspension, a sunroof, heated front seats, and a power liftgate. With the introduction of the second-generation GLS in 2020, Mercedes-Benz added a slew of additional standard items (which had previously been optional), including navigation, a surround-view camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a wireless device charging pad, a blind-spot warning system, and forward collision mitigation. Notable options include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, leather upholstery, massaging front seats, a panoramic sunroof, soft-close doors, a heated second row, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

Mercedes-Benz GLS Owner Reviews

Average Rating for 2017

4.2

370 verified owner reviews

Ratings Compared by Year

Top 2017 Reviews

Joseph A. from RI

Verified Owner · Jun, 2018

2017 Mercedes GLS450 4Matic

5.0

GREAT TRUCK, GET ONE...........I LOVE THIS VEHICLE

William H. from MA

Verified Owner · Apr, 2018

2017 Mercedes GLS450 4Matic

4.0

Garage door opener does not transmit when vehicle is parked in the garage

Jerry T. from GA

Verified Owner · Apr, 2018

2017 Mercedes GLS450 4Matic

4.0

Tons of options, drives very smooth

Naoko M. from CA

Verified Owner · Apr, 2018

2017 Mercedes GLS450 4Matic

5.0

Comfortable to drive, and feel safe always.

David C. from NJ

Verified Owner · Feb, 2018

2017 Mercedes GLS450 4Matic

My GL450 represents the height of human ingenuity, technological capabilities and engineering craftsmanship.

David D. from FL

Verified Owner · Feb, 2018

2017 Mercedes GLS450 4Matic

This is a great all around car. Plenty of space, nice power, braking, and handling, with all of the creature comforts of a Mercedes.

Renee G. from MN

Verified Owner · Feb, 2018

2017 Mercedes GLS450 4Matic

3.0

Like the size, great that it is now a 6 cylinder, much better gas mileage. Handles very well, comfortable interior.

Bonnie J. from TX

Verified Owner · Feb, 2018

2017 Mercedes GLS450 4Matic

4.0

I love the GLS 450!. It is solid. It has nice pick up. It fits a large German Shepherd in the back plus bags for traveling with a family of four. This is my second one. I drove every other SUV in its class and some below and it is by far the easiest to handle and has all the features I could want. Wouldn't trade it; at least for a while!

Jeanine K. from NH

Verified Owner · Feb, 2018

2017 Mercedes GLS450 4Matic

5.0

My wife and I love our Mercedes Benz SUV and would consider purchasing our next vehicle through Mercedes Benz.

Peter B. from FL

Verified Owner · Feb, 2018

2017 Mercedes GLS450 4Matic

3.0

It's an electronic nightmare