The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is the German luxury brand's largest SUV model, a three-row utility that blends an upscale look and feel with family-sized practicality.
In case you're not familiar with the GLS name, Benz called this model the GL-Class until 2016. It renamed it in 2017 to coincide with a redesign.
The GLS might be the largest Benz SUV, but it's not the most expensive. The G-Class gets that title with its six-figure price and pop culture reputation as a favourite ride of the rich and famous.
Granted, the GLS-Class's price starts at more than $88,000, so it's hardly what we'd call attainable for the average family. If you're shopping for a three-row SUV for about $100,000, you could cross-shop the GLS with the Cadillac Escalade, Land Rover Range Rover and Lincoln Navigator. That Benz faces so much competition at this price level speaks to the profits to be made here: the GLS-Class shares components with lesser models, like the GLE, which allows Mercedes a wider margin.
For 2019, changes to the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class include standard Mercedes Me Connect, black headlight trim (replacing silver) and a new Night package for the GLS 450 and 550 models.
Unchanged, then, are the GLS-Class's trim levels and the powertrains that move them. The GLS 450 uses a turbocharged 3.0L V6 making 362 hp and 369 lb-ft; the GLS 550 gets a 4.7L turbo V8 good for 449 hp and 516 lb-ft; and the AMG GLS 63 moves up to a 5.5L turbo V8 that cranks out 577 hp and 561 lb-ft. GLS 450 and 550 use a nine-speed automatic transmission; and the GLS 63 trades that for a seven-speed better suited to its big motor's power output. Mercedes-Benz's 4Matic AWD system is standard in all three models.
GLS 450 standard features include active LED headlights, automatic high beams, power-folding side mirrors, 20-inch wheels, keyless start, heated seats and leather-trimmed steering wheel, navigation, Artico upholstery, automatic climate control, sunroof, active parking assist, crosswind assist, 360-degree exterior camera system and blind spot assist.
Options include a premium package that brings a panoramic sunroof, rear side window sunshades, heated rear seats and passive keyless entry. The sport package's notable addition is an adaptive damping suspension. An exclusive package adds rear climate control and leather seating. An intelligent drive package brings radar cruise control, active blind spot assist and lane keeping assist, active steering assist and active brake assist and cross-traffic function.
GLS 550 adds an AMG styling package, 21-inch wheels, heated rear seats, climate controlled cupholders, leather upholstery and massaging front seats.
GLS 63 brings Nappa leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, rear automatic climate control, radar cruise control, active blind spot assist with lane keeping assist and active brake assist with cross traffic assist.
Mercedes-Benz's fuel consumption estimates for the GLS-Class are 14.9/11.2 L/100 km (city/highway) for the GLS 450; 17.2/12.6 L/100 km in the GLS 550; and 17.8/13.2 L/100 km in the GLS 63.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
