MERCEDES-BENZ GLS – RANKINGS, COMPARISONS AND INFORMATION SHEETS

Updated May 10, 2022

WHY IS THIS INFORMATION IMPORTANT?

This page will tell you everything that you need to know about this vehicle. Buying a vehicle is a huge accomplishment and a huge financial outlay. We want you to have as much information as possible, so that you can make the best decision for you.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, formerly Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, is a full-size luxury SUV produced by Mercedes-Benz since 2006. According to Mercedes-Benz, it is the SUV equivalent of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. It is a three-row, seven-passenger vehicle positioned above the GLE-Class (formerly Mercedes-Benz M-Class before 2016), and is the flagship of the Mercedes-Benz SUV line.

The GLS shares the same unibody architecture with the GLE-Class. Most GLS-Class vehicles are assembled at the Mercedes plant in Alabama, except for a small number of early 2007 production vehicles which were manufactured in Germany. The first generation model (X164) was manufactured between 2006 and 2012 and was replaced in 2012 by the new generation GL-Class (X166).

From 2016 with the release of the facelifted second generation model, the GL-Class was renamed to GLS-Class as per the revised nomenclature adopted by Mercedes. Under this scheme, SUVs use the base name “GL”, followed by the model’s placement in Mercedes-Benz hierarchy. The “G” is for geländewagen (German for off-road vehicle) and alludes the long-running G-Class. This is followed by the letter “L” that acts as a linkage with the letter “S”, the SUV equivalent to the S-Class.

— Source Wikipedia

Official Page – Mercedes-Benz GLS
Price: Starts at $104,700 CAD
Comparable to: Audi Q7, BMW X7
Maintenance costs: The MDX will cost approximately $15,726 to maintain over 10 years.

REVIEWS AND IMPRESSIONS

We have put together as many reviews and impressions as we could find. Each finds a way to touch upon something that the others missed. If you are serious about this vehicle then check out the videos at the end of our vehicle analysis section. If you have review or first impressions that helped you and that aren’t listed here, please contact us!

OUR SCORE

We rank the Mercedes GLS #1 in the Full-Size Luxury SUV Category.

SCORES BY PUBLICATION:

Kelley Blue Book: 4.3 / 5

Forbes: 78/ 100

USNews: 8.1 / 10

Edmunds: 8.6 / 10

J.D. Power: 75 / 100

Motortrend: 7.5 / 10

Car Connection: 7.4 / 10

What the critics have to say…

The longtime flagship of the Mercedes-Benz stable has been the S-Class sedan, but the GLS serves luxury buyers who insist on an SUV. No surprise, this is an elegantly styled, generously appointed, properly luxurious three-row flagship. Even in the base trim, this cabin feels opulent.
— Motortrend

All GLS models now feature Mercedes-Benz’s smooth-running EQ Boost system, which uses an electric motor to add power, increase fuel economy, and reduce emissions. The setup also uses an integrated starter-generator to enable nearly imperceptible engine start/stop functions, engine-off coasting for fuel savings, and energy regeneration during deceleration.
— Forbes

HOW DOES IT DRIVE?

The GLS 450 sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, which is more than adequate for a luxury SUV with a base engine. It feels strong too, no matter what situation you’re driving in. The engine’s mild hybrid system improves both performance and efficiency and makes for super-smooth power delivery. The transmission occasionally finds it challenging to determine which gear to be in, but this is rare.

Stops is on par with sports vehicles. The steering is light, but responsive.

IS IT RELIABLE AND HIGH QUALITY?

Is the Mercedes-Benz GLS Reliable?

The 2021 GLS has a predicted reliability score of 71 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.

Mercedes-Benz GLS Warranty

Mercedes-Benz covers the GLS with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty.

HOW COMFORTABLE IS IT?

Mercedes-Benz has made on-road comfort a trademark of their vehicles. The seats are supportive and adjustable, and optional massagers help keep you comfortable after a few hours behind the wheel. The heated and ventilated seats work well. The automatic climate control quickly evens out cabin temperatures.

The GLS is very quiet with just a bit of environmental noise on rough pavement. The ride quality is excellent with the optional E-Active Body Control suspension. It’s smooth and composed, ironing out most road imperfections without floating or wallowing.

WHAT IS THE INTERIOR LIKE?

The GLS’ interior is excellent from almost every perspective. There’s plenty of room in all three rows, and 6-foot-plus adults can fit comfortably in the easy-to-access third row. The large windows help all-around visibility.

The controls are intuitive. Separating the seat controls between the door and the infotainment system is a bit frustrating too.

WHAT IS THE TECHNOLOGY LIKE?

Mercedes’ infotainment system is the best made, period, end, stop. The navigation system in particular is a standout, with the augmented reality overlay and turn-by-turn directions in the instrument cluster and head-up display compelling reasons to ditch the apps on your phone. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. All three rows have USB-C ports, and a standard wireless charging pad sits in front of the cupholders.

The adaptive cruise control is among the best made by anyone. In traffic, the system maintains a reasonable gap and can slow the GLS down to a complete stop, then start going again when traffic moves.

WHAT IS THE CARGO SPACE LIKE?

With the seats down, the GLS’ cargo area offers up to 84.7 cubic feet of cargo area behind the front seats. Space drops to 17.4 cubes with all the rows upright, which isn’t very much. Space is decent enough for the class, though the GLS trails the cavernous Navigator, which offers up 103.3 cubic feet behind the front seats.

The second and third row seats fold flat and can be dropped with buttons in the hatch. Small-item storage is great, with lots of pockets, bins and cupholders spread throughout the cabin.

IS THIS VEHICLE A GOOD VALUE?

The GLS is expensive, but nothing at this price point can match its impressive build quality. Options can add up quickly, but the GLS is no worse than other luxury SUVs. No other competitor puts together such a well-appointed package for less money. The four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty is average for the class.

IS THE mercedes gls A GOOD SUV?

Yes, the Mercedes-Benz GLS is a good SUV. It has a range of powerful engines and handles well for its size. It also gets good gas mileage and rides comfortably, even over rough pavement. Inside, you’ll find one of the most well-appointed interiors in the class, three rows of spacious seats, and decent cargo capacity. It also has an incredible number of features, though the infotainment system takes a while to master.

SHOULD I BUY THE mercedes gls?

Every luxury large SUV shopper should give the GLS a look. It’s a well-rounded option that’s equipped for just about anything you want to do. It’s expensive, but the same can be said about every SUV in the class, and most would argue that the GLS delivers plenty of value, even at its high price point.

THE FINAL WORD

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS is a solid contender in the luxury large SUV class. It’s an all-around winner, with plenty of power, a smooth ride, and a world-class interior. Every seat is a good one, and there’s plenty of space for your stuff. In short, no matter what you’re looking for in a new SUV, the GLS probably delivers it.