Last updated August 4, 2026
The GLS lineup splits into three clear paths. The 2017 GLS 350d is the torque-focused diesel, built for relaxed highway travel. The GLS 450 and GLS 450 4MATIC are the core gasoline models, pairing three-row usefulness with air-suspension comfort. The GLS 550, GLS 550 4MATIC, and GLS 580 4MATIC are the stronger V8 versions, with upgraded ride control and more standard cabin comfort.
The Diesel trim level — the 2017 GLS 350d — is the long-distance GLS, known for low-speed pulling power and a relaxed highway character.
Best for: Drivers who want seven seats, standard all-wheel drive, and the easy low-rpm pull of a diesel engine.
Highlights
The Core Model trim level — GLS 450 and GLS 450 4MATIC — is the everyday GLS formula, blending gasoline six-cylinder power with a comfortable air-suspended ride and a flexible three-row cabin.
Best for: Families who want the GLS experience without moving to the stronger and more richly equipped V8 models.
Highlights
Compared with the GLS 350d, the GLS 450 trades the diesel’s low-rpm character for gasoline six-cylinder power and centers the experience on self-leveling air-suspension comfort.
61 in stock
The High Performance trim level — GLS 550, GLS 550 4MATIC, and GLS 580 4MATIC — is the more powerful non-AMG GLS, pairing a twin-turbo V8 with richer seating and ride equipment.
Best for: Shoppers who want the GLS’s three-row usefulness with easier acceleration and more built-in comfort, without stepping into an AMG model.
Highlights
Adds a twin-turbo V8, upgraded suspension damping, heated and ventilated massage front seats, and five-zone climate control over the Core Model.
9 in stock| Feature | Diesel | Core Model | High Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Includes | GLS 350d0 in stock | GLS 450, GLS 450 4MATIC61 in stock | GLS 550, GLS 550 4MATIC, GLS 580 4MATIC9 in stock |
| Engine and driving character | 3.0L turbo-diesel V6; relaxed low-rpm pull | Turbo gasoline six-cylinder; everyday balance | Twin-turbo V8; stronger acceleration |
| Ride setup | Long-haul diesel focus | Self-leveling adaptive air suspension | Adaptive air suspension with upgraded damping |
| Defining comfort equipment | Power-folding third-row seats | Heated front seats and flexible powered rear seating | Heated, ventilated massage front seats |
| Cabin technology by era | Bluetooth audio and dual USB audio ports | 8-inch display on earlier 450s; dual 12.3-inch displays on newer models | 8-inch navigation display on 550s; dual 12.3-inch displays on the 580 |
4MATIC is Mercedes-Benz’s name for all-wheel drive. A badge such as GLS 450 4MATIC identifies the engine and trim level first, followed by its all-wheel-drive system.
In newer lineups, the GLS 450 uses a turbocharged six-cylinder engine, while the GLS 580 adds a twin-turbo V8. The 580 also brings richer standard comfort equipment, including massaging front seats, five-zone climate control, and upgraded suspension damping.
In the 2017–2019 era, the GLS 550 stepped up from the GLS 450 with a twin-turbo V8, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated multicontour front seats, navigation, upgraded suspension control, and a surround-view parking camera.
They fill a similar role in different generations. The GLS 550 was the V8-powered non-AMG step-up through 2019. The GLS 580 took over that position with the 2020 redesign, using a newer 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 and the redesigned cabin and technology.
The 2017 GLS 350d uses a turbo-diesel V6 for strong low-speed pull and relaxed highway travel. The GLS 450 uses a gasoline six-cylinder and is the mainstream all-purpose trim. Both have three rows, a nine-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive.
Yes. The GLS 450 delivers the model’s main benefits: three-row space, all-wheel drive, air-suspension comfort, strong six-cylinder performance, and upscale cabin technology. It suits shoppers who do not need the V8 or the GLS 580’s extra comfort equipment.
Pick the GLS 580 if stronger V8 acceleration and added cabin comfort matter most. In recent lineups, it adds massaging heated and ventilated front seats, five-zone climate control, and upgraded suspension damping while keeping the GLS 450’s three-row usefulness.
Yes, if you are shopping the 2017 lineup and want a diesel. Its turbo-diesel V6 emphasizes low-speed pulling strength and relaxed long-distance cruising while retaining the GLS’s seven-seat cabin and standard all-wheel drive.
No. In the 2017–2019 lineup, the GLS 550 was the stronger and more fully equipped non-AMG model. It added V8 power and extra luxury features but remained the step below the full AMG version.
The V8 non-AMG trims are the clearest fit. The 2017–2019 GLS 550 included heated and ventilated multicontour front seats with massage, and the newer GLS 580 carries the same general comfort focus.
In newer mainstream lineups, the GLS 580 has five-zone automatic climate control, giving different areas of the cabin more control over temperature. The GLS 450 remains well equipped, but five-zone climate control is a defining GLS 580 comfort feature.
Equipment depends on age. A 2019 GLS 550 includes wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while newer GLS 450 and GLS 580 models use wireless versions through their 12.3-inch touchscreen system. Verify the specific used vehicle because earlier equipment differs.
The gasoline GLS 450, GLS 550, and GLS 580 use self-leveling air suspension in the eras described here. The V8 trims add more advanced damping control, which adjusts how firmly the suspension responds.
No. Three-row seating is part of the GLS formula, not a V8-trim upgrade. The 2020 redesign introduced six- and seven-seat layouts, while earlier versions such as the GLS 350d, GLS 450, and GLS 550 were built around seven-passenger use.