2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS

History/Overview

A few years ago, Mercedes-Benz restructured its model names to better align its SUV and sedan models. Therefore, the ‘S’ in the GLS’s name indicates it’s the flagship model in Benz’s range of utilities, just as the S-Class is the company’s top-of-the-line sedan.

What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year

Mercedes redesigned the GLS into a new generation last year. For 2021, it gains an AMG 63 high-performance trim level.

Available Trims

Mercedes-Benz offers its largest SUV primarily in GLS 450, GLS 580, and AMG GLS 63 trims. There’s also a rarefied Maybach GLS 600 that caters to buyers seeking the ultimate in Mercedes SUV luxury.

GLS 450 is powered by a turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine, a nine-speed transmission, and AWD. All other versions trade the V6 for a 4.0L turbo V8 tuned for different performance levels in the GLS 580, AMG GLS 63, and Maybach GLS 600. All GLS engines come with Benz’s mild-hybrid EQ Boost system.

Standard Features

On the outside, the GLS 450 starts with 21-inch wheels and tires. It also boasts a hands-free power tailgate, passive keyless entry, air suspension, LED headlights/taillights/daytime running lights, remote engine start, and power-folding side mirrors.

The cabin comes fitted with power/heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated second-row seats, and heated front and second-row armrests. There’s also push-button engine start, automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, artificial leather upholstery, power-folding third-row seats, artificial leather dash trim, a power-adjustable steering column, garage door remote, ambient lighting, 12.3-inch driver info and MBUX infotainment displays, navigation, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and multiple USB-C ports.

Standard safety kit includes blind spot monitoring, vehicle exit warning, automatic high beams, active parking assist, traffic sign recognition, and lane keeping assist.

GLS 580 adds climate-controlled front seats with massage, soft-close doors, real leather upholstery, four-zone climate control, power rear-door sun shades, 360-degree camera views, a Burmester sound system, adaptive suspension dampers, and sport brakes.

AMG GLS 63 trim adds 22-inch wheels, Nappa leather seating and dash trim, and luxury front headrests. The AMG treatment also brings a full suite of safety and driver assist features: forward collision detection with automatic braking, cruise control with active distance assist and stop-and-go, and brake assist with cross-traffic function. Here, Benz also adds upgraded mechanical components to go with the potent engine, including the transmission, AWD system, suspension, brakes, steering, and selectable drive modes.

As of this writing, Mercedes hadn’t finalized what extras would set apart the Maybach GLS 600.

Key Options

In the GLS 450, a premium package adds climate-controlled front seats, second-row sun shades, four-zone A/C, the Burmester stereo, soft-close doors, and 360-degree cameras.

A tech package brings a head-up display and the MBUX interior assistant.

The comfort pack bundles massaging front seats, luxury headrests, and air purification with fragrance dispenser.

An intelligent drive package installs the driver safety assists that come standard in the AMG model.

In the GLS 580, an off-road package adds underbody protection, a two-speed transfer case, and other features to enhance off-road performance.

Standalone options offered across the line include a heated windshield; five-zone A/C; and a rear-seat entertainment system. AMG GLS 63 can also add composite brakes, and a carbon-fibre engine cover.

Fuel Economy

As of this writing, Mercedes-Benz had not published fuel consumption estimates for the GLS, either for 2021 or the 2020 model.

Competition

The Mercedes-Benz GLS’s competitors are primarily the BMW X7 and Audi’s Q7. Other vehicles to consider are the Infiniti QX80, Lexus LX, Cadillac’s Escalade, and the Lincoln Navigator. The Volvo XC90 is less showy, but keeps up performance-wise in its most-powerful PHEV T8 configuration.