Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate

Mercedes-Benz GLS

EPA MPG: 21 mpg
Average Retail Price
$41,450 - $65,000

RECALL ALERT:
There are 12 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Road Test

In the rarefied air of posh three-row SUVs, the Mercedes-Benz GLS stands out as a top player, offering loads of performance, comfort, and opulence for the money. But convoluted controls hurt its road-test score, and below-average predicted reliability drags down its Overall Score.

For complete Road Test Report and to see Highs and Lows, become a member

2021 SUVs Reliability

This Car
NA
vs. Similar Cars

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

2021 Ratings

$41,450 - $65,000
economy-icon
EPA MPG 21 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$25,975 - $31,775
economy-icon
EPA MPG 23 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$18,225 - $39,975
economy-icon
EPA MPG 24 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$ NA
economy-icon
EPA MPG 26 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$20,850 - $22,725
economy-icon
EPA MPG 22 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    4-door SUV
Seating
2 front, 3 rear, 2 third
Drive Wheels
AWD
Engines Available
  • 3-liter 6 turbo (362 hp)
  • 4-liter V8 turbo (603 hp)
  • 4-liter V8 turbo (550 hp)
  • 4-liter V8 turbo (483 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 9-speed automatic
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2020-
Current Generation

The new for 2020 GLS is a very functional three-row SUV that exudes luxury with its gorgeous interior. The standard 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbo provides plenty of smooth and effortless power. An even more powerful turbocharged V8 is available. The ride is very composed and handling is responsive for such a luxury coach. All of the seats are first-rate, and the interior can be configured for either six or seven passengers. Unlike most competitors, the third-row seat is relatively roomy. However, the infotainment system is overly distracting because many common tasks require a few steps. Using steering-wheel controls too easily ends up changing a display or audio selection. Standard safety features include forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking.

2017-2019
2017 Redesign Year

Mercedes' seven-passenger SUV is freshened for the 2017 model year, with revised interior and exterior styling, a nine-speed automatic, an upgraded air suspension, and the addition of the current--and more complex--Mercedes-Benz infotainment system. Our last tested diesel GL was plush and quiet, with supportive seats and a third-row seat that was roomy enough for adults. It had a steady and comfortable ride, but the GL proved very clumsy when pushed to its handling limits. Engines include a 362-hp, 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6; and a 4.7-liter V8 that puts out 449 hp. The flagship AMG GLS63 churns out 577 hp. Available safety equipment includes cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning, and lane-keeping assist.