The Mercedes-Benz GLS, perched at the very top of the automaker’s SUV roster, is to the crossover brigade of Benz what the S-Class is to its car lineup: flagship. The largest European-brand SUV on the market is a regular three-row vessel measuring 205 inches long, over a foot more significant than the midsize GLE. It has made many changes to the GLS since then. Still, the all-electric EQS SUV is a novel internal rival this year. They have radically distinct personalities because both are three-row luxury liners.
Although it would be a stretch to describe the GLS as a typical SUV—it is a large crossover designed mainly for on-road use—it fits the description far better than the EQS SUV. It has a genuine heavy truck towing capacity (7,700 pounds) and limited off-road capability. Large GLS isn’t as distinctly shaped as some of Mercedes-Benz’s other SUVs or its enormously huge American rivals; it appears much more arduous than the soft-edged EQS. Discover a tech-heavy interior with high-quality materials appropriate for this SUV’s high price.
The base price of the six-cylinder GLS 450 is $82,850 (destination included), which is cheaper than the Lexus LX 600 ($89,160) and Jeep Grand Wagoneer ($89,995) but almost equal to the Cadillac Escalade ($82,690). It costs more than the BMW X7 ($78,845). The price jumps to $106,050 if you choose the V8 GLS 580, which is $600 more than the EQS SUV and $2,000 more than the X7 M60i. Enough, there’s a Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600, which we haven’t examined, and the absurdly quick AMG GLS 63 ($140,050).
With all of that, you perform. The 6-cylinder, 362-horsepower GLS 450, which weighs 5,400 pounds and accelerates from 0 to 60 in 5.8 seconds, is fast for an SUV. The Alpina XB7 or Cadillac Escalade V, the GLS 580 V8’s 483 horsepower, and the AMG GLS 63’s 603 horsepower allow it to reach 60 mph in less than four seconds. The GLS is not an off-road vehicle despite its macho exterior. Although its four-wheel drive (4WD) system is skilled at gaining traction, its 7.9 inches of ground clearance is the minimum on unpaved surfaces.
The fuel efficiency that results from that performance is mediocre, but most buyers of six-figure luxury SUVs certainly aren’t too concerned about that. The GLS’s interior is as opulent and large as you’d expect, with a middle row that feels like a limousine and a third row with 34.6 inches of legroom. That is comparable to several domestic rivals who seem considerably more prominent on the exterior. Although significant road irregularities are known to cause painful impacts, they feel terrific and substantial.
Although the GLS hasn’t been put through any crash tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Mercedes-Benz has included some top-notch technologies. Supply chains are constrained on certain things, but many active safety elements, such as navigation, are standard infotainment bonuses, while many functional safety features are optional. The GLS 450 is incredibly enticing because of its lower price, even if the V8s are faster. It costs less than many luxury-brand rivals and is around the same as a fully outfitted Chevy Tahoe or Ford Expedition.
Performance: Mercedes-Benz GLS
Without including the exclusive Maybach, Mercedes-Benz offers three different GLS models. The GLS 450’s standard engine is a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine with 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, while the GLS 580’s engine is a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Both engines use a 48-volt mild hybrid Mercedes called “EQ Boost,” which boosts power and torque by up to 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet for limited durations, starting from a complete stop.
Both enormous SUVs weigh more than 5,400 pounds and are given an “EQ Boost” acceleration boost. The GLS 450 can go from 0 to 60 mph in only 5.9 seconds, while the GLS 580 can do it in as little as 5.2 seconds, depending on the tester. That puts both variants roughly on par with the six-cylinder xDrive40i and the V8 X7 M60i, the two most competitive BMW X7 vehicles, despite the BMW having a 40 horsepower advantage over the Benz. Both variants are quicker than their counterparts, the V8 Escalade or LX 600 (both reach 60 mph in 6.1 seconds).
While the GLS has excellent straight-line speed, it also turns and handles almost as well as any full-size SUV, with the X7 and Escalade showing a slight advantage in both categories.
The AMG GLS 63 is the third GLS model and comes with a new 48-volt mild-hybrid twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine that cranks out 603 horsepower and rides on massive 23-inch wheels. With a zero-to-60 time of fewer than four seconds, the AMG 63 is quicker than the Alpina XB7 tuner SUV and Cadillac’s new-for-2023 Escalade V, despite not performing as well on winding roads as it does in a straight line. The Alpina excels at slicing corners, however.
With a 7,700-pound line-wide tow capacity, the Benz outperforms the rest of this class, while the LX 600 and Grand Wagoneer will easily beat the rest off-road. The Jeep can handle 9,800 pounds, while the Escalade can handle up to 8,200 pounds better.
Fuel efficiency: Mercedes-Benz GLS
In mixed driving (18 urban and 24 highways), the GLS 450 is rated at 20 mpg, higher than the LX 600’s 19 mpg but lower than the X7 xDrive40i’s 22 mpg. With 16 mpg, the massive Escalade lags far behind, while the Grand Wagoneer performs even worse, with 15 mpg in its thirstiest configuration. In addition, Cadillac provides a 3.0-liter inline-six diesel engine with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. It takes longer to accelerate to 60 mph (8.5 seconds) but achieves a class-best combined fuel economy of 23 mpg.
The V8 GLS vehicles perform poorly and might provide the V8 Jeep, Lexus, and Cadillac models with more competitive rivalry. While the AMG sucks down premium at 16 mpg (14 towns, 19 streets) if you’re light-footed, the 2023 GLS 580 sucks down premium at 18 mpg combined (16 cities, 21 highways).
Similar trends are seen in the higher-performance BMW model, with the X7 M60i delivering 18 combined mpg (16 urban, 21 highways) and the Alpina XB7 losing only one mpg. Cadillac’s Escalade V’s combined fuel economy of only 13 mpg (11 cities, 16 routes) makes it an art form.
Safety and driver support technology:
IIHS or NHTSA has not evaluated the GLS. However, many SUVs in this price range do not get testing from either organization (the X7 and LX 600 are examples of such vehicles). Mercedes-Benz has long been a pioneer in developing crash structural technology and active safety features. The IIHS named the somewhat smaller GLE a Top Safety Pick+ and the GLC a Top Safety Pick in 2022. The NHTSA awards Mercedes’ smaller GLE, GLC, and GLB SUVs an overall five-star rating.
A few safety features, such as blind spot warning, automated emergency braking, parking collision warning, and a surround-view camera, are included as standard equipment. Most of the extras retained on the LX 600 must be purchased separately if you want a BMW. Adaptive cruise control and other niceties come with a $1,950 Driver Assistance Plus Package, but supply-chain issues have made them difficult to find.
For a vehicle of its size, the GLS also boasts excellent visibility. However, the lack of accident data and the quantity of extra-cost optional safety systems reduced its overall rating in our assessments.
Comfort and Space
Even a basic model cannot be spartan in this class. The GLS has first-rate craftsmanship and materials, and the seats are adequately cushioned in the Mercedes tradition without being too soft. There is also a ton of space. The Grand Wagoneer and Escalade extensions offer more excellent room, but they are considerably bigger cars. The GLS performs well in comparison to those SUVs’ regular-wheelbase models.
Only the Grand Wagoneer in this class has more legroom (42.7 inches) than the second row’s 41.9 inches. In this statistic, Mercedes still outperforms Escalade (41.7), X7 (37.6), and LX 600 (36.6).
The Escalade has 34.9 inches of third-row legroom, the X7 has 33.3 inches, and the X7 has 33.3 inches (36.6 inches in the extended length ESV). However, the Grand Wagoneer again dominates the field with a stunning 40.9 in the expanded Grand Wagoneer L and 36.6 in the third row. At 31.1, the Lexus is well behind and is more comparable to a midsize third row. The GLS’ third row offers much more legroom than the EQS SUV’s 32 inches and significantly less foot space.
Infotainment:
The Mercedes-Benz GLS benefits from cutting-edge technology, which influences the price-to-performance ratio. The GLS has had a comparable (though flatter) setup since 2019. This is in contrast to the competitor X7, which receives a new “curved display” that unites its driver and infotainment screens under a single pane of glass this year. Two 12.3-inch screens greet the driver: one displays the instruments, the other entertainment. There are no smaller virtual devices and bigger premium ones, as there are in certain lower-end Mercedes vehicles; both displays are standard.
Standard features include a 13-speaker, 590-watt Burmester surround sound system, navigation, wireless charging, nine USB ports, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 64-color ambient lighting. Additionally, the GLS is pre-wired with an adaptor to allow for future back entertainment additions. While more sophisticated features are available, the GLS 450 may be enjoyed without choosing numerous pricy upgrades thanks to the essential equipment.
Storage & Cargo Space:
The GLS has a cargo volume of 22.4 cubic feet behind the third row of seats and, with the third row folded, 54.2 cubic feet. You have 79.7 cubic feet of space when all the seats are folded. These figures aren’t terrific for a car this size, but they compare pretty well to the LX 600 (11.0, 46.0, and 71.0 cubic feet) and X7 (12.8, 48.6, and 90.8 cubic feet). There are much more in certain popular midsize SUVs (like the Volkswagen Atlas).
Of course, the American rivals in this class are much larger and more roomy inside. The Escalade offers 25.5, 72.9, and 121 cubic feet of space in regular-wheelbase configuration, while the Lincoln Navigator has 20.9, 63.6, and 103.3. The Grand Wagoneer measures 116.7 cubic feet overall, 72.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and 27.4 cubic feet behind the third. And they are the three SUVs’ compact versions.
Design: Mercedes-Benz GLS
The GLS has a classically muscular SUV design and is neither too aggressive (like the LX 600) nor overly showy (like the Escalade) while not being as unique as some of Mercedes-Benz’s other SUVs. It is attractive, affluent, and less concerned with trends than with tradition (it resembles a more rounded version of its two forerunner generations). The GLS might seem more minor because of its rounded corners. However, this effect is not as noticeable as on the EQS SUV.
The inside showcases a practical style in line with the most recent Benz design philosophy, although it isn’t as plentiful as some rivals or the S-Class. The shifter and touchpad are in a spacious center console placed underneath a series of commonly used hard buttons and four vents. The AMG Line aesthetic package, which has a sportier appearance, is an option for those who want it. Mercedes seldom allows its designs to go old, so revisions will probably happen soon.
The Mercedes-Benz GLS: Is It Worth It?
The GLS exudes luxury, which isn’t often true about cheaper imitations. Amazingly, the standard GLS 450 costs around the same as some of these imitators, like the GMC Yukon Denali and the $96,945 Denali Ultimate.
The introductory MSRP of the GLS is $82,850 (with a $1,150 destination charge), which puts it just below a loaded top-of-the-line Ford Expedition or Chevy Tahoe. However, in this class, that money may purchase luxuries and sophistication. Based on recent experience operating a GLS 450 with few options, that would be our choice. The Alpina XB7 is slightly more exclusive and sporty at the AMG level than the V8 variants, which add a lot of power and distinctive aesthetics but also cost more.
However, a few expensive extras are worthwhile, such as the heated steering wheel and the Acoustic Comfort Package, which includes extra insulation and infrared-absorbing acoustic coating on the windshield and side windows. However, keeping around $85,000 before taxes is possible—a steal among jumbo-sized premium luxury SUVs—if you can control your most sybaritic cravings.
How Much Does a Mercedes-Benz GLS Insurance Policy Cost?
Compared to its competitors, the six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 is approximately average in insurance costs. Although this figure covers all 50 states, a typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean record should anticipate an average yearly premium of $3,100. The V8 ($3,522) and the AMG GLS 63 (almost $4,000) have higher prices. Comparatively, a Cadillac Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum costs $2,996, an Audi Q7 Premium Plus costs $2,741, a BMW X7 xDrive40i costs $3,127, and a Lexus LX costs $3,226.
Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz GLS, now in its third generation, offers a well-rounded package that combines technology, refinement, and performance. The GLS lineup provides enough variety to satisfy most full-size SUV buyers, even though the styling lacks the outgoing bravado of some rivals. An AMG variant for those seeking supercar-level performance and an ultra-luxurious Mercedes-Maybach GLS for chauffeur-driven plutocrats cost more than $160,000. The large Benz SUV also benefits from price inflation hitting other manufacturers, even less prestigious models, making the GLS 450 (dare we say) a steal when optional extras are kept to a minimum.
