Mercedes GLS Class Overview: Ultimate Luxury Revealed

The Mercedes-Benz GLS Class offers unparalleled luxury, advanced technology, and spacious comfort for up to seven, making it the ultimate SUV for families and discerning drivers seeking the pinnacle of automotive refinement from Mercedes-Benz.

Welcome to the world of ultimate automotive indulgence. Many car buyers explore the expansive and opulent Mercedes-Benz lineup, often wondering which vehicle truly defines luxury SUV excellence. The Mercedes-Benz GLS Class stands tall as a beacon of this, offering a unique blend of spaciousness, comfort, and cutting-edge technology. If you’re looking for an SUV that doesn’t compromise on anything, the GLS is your answer. We’re here to demystify this magnificent machine, breaking down everything you need to know.

In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the Mercedes GLS Class, uncovering its defining features, performance options, and the luxurious experience it provides. Get ready to explore what makes the GLS the “S-Class of SUVs.”

Table of Contents

What is the Mercedes-Benz GLS Class?

The Mercedes-Benz GLS Class is the brand’s flagship full-size luxury SUV. Positioned at the very top of the Mercedes-Benz SUV hierarchy, it’s often referred to as the “S-Class of SUVs” due to its S-Class sedan-level luxury, advanced technology, and premium amenities, all wrapped in a versatile and capable SUV body. It’s designed to compete with other large luxury SUVs like the BMW X7, Audi Q7, and Cadillac Escalade.

The GLS offers seating for up to seven passengers across three rows, making it an ideal choice for larger families or those who frequently transport guests without sacrificing comfort or style. Its emphasis is on providing a serene, sophisticated, and supremely comfortable experience for everyone on board, whether navigating city streets or embarking on long journeys.

Evolution of the GLS: A Legacy of Luxury SUVs

While the GLS nameplate is relatively newer, its roots run deep in Mercedes-Benz’s history of producing large, luxurious SUVs. The GLS lineage can be traced back to the original M-Class (which became the GLE) and the legendary GL-Class. The GL-Class, introduced in 2006, was Mercedes-Benz’s first true seven-seater SUV, built to offer substantial space and robust capability.

In 2015, the GL-Class was facelifted and renamed the GLS to align with Mercedes-Benz’s updated nomenclature, where the ‘G’ signifies its SUV heritage (Geländewagen) and the ‘LS’ denotes its S-Class luxury positioning. The second generation (X167), introduced for the 2020 model year, represented a significant leap forward in design, technology, and refinement, solidifying its status as the ultimate Mercedes-Benz SUV.

Key Features of the Current Mercedes-Benz GLS Class

The current generation of the Mercedes-Benz GLS Class (X167) is a masterpiece of automotive engineering, blending imposing presence with elegant design and a host of innovative features. Here’s what sets it apart:

Exterior Design: Commanding Presence, Elegant Lines

The GLS commands attention with its bold yet sophisticated exterior. It features a prominent upright grille, signature Mercedes-Benz star, and sleek LED lighting at the front and a refined rear. The overall silhouette is powerful and athletic, conveying a sense of robust capability and luxurious stature. Despite its size, the design manages to look elegant rather than bulky.

Dominant Front Grille: A signature element that immediately identifies it as a top-tier Mercedes-Benz.
LED Lighting: Advanced MULTIBEAM LED headlamps and taillamps offer superior illumination and distinctive visual appeal.
Aerodynamic Profile: Despite its size, the design is optimized for a smooth, streamlined look.
Impressive Wheel Options: Available in various sizes, typically from 20 to 23 inches, enhancing its road presence.

Interior Luxury and Comfort: A Sanctuary on Wheels

Step inside the GLS, and you enter a realm of unparalleled luxury and comfort. The cabin is meticulously crafted with high-quality materials, exquisite detailing, and a focus on creating a serene environment for all occupants.

Spacious Three-Row Seating: Comfortably seats up to seven passengers. The second and third rows offer ample legroom for adults, a rarity in the segment.
Premium Materials: Nappa leather upholstery, genuine wood trim, and brushed metal accents are standard or readily available.
Ambient Lighting: Customizable ambient lighting with 64 color options creates a personalized mood.
Energizing Comfort Control: This system links various comfort features like climate control, heated/ventilated seats, and ambient lighting to offer tailored wellness programs.
Power-Adjustable Third Row: The third-row seats can be electrically adjusted for comfort or to maximize cargo space, offering remarkable flexibility.
Optional Executive Rear Seating Package: For ultimate indulgence, this package can transform the second row into a first-class seating arrangement with individual climate control and more.

Technology and Infotainment: Intuitive and Advanced

The GLS is a showcase of Mercedes-Benz’s latest technological innovations, seamlessly integrated to enhance the driving and ownership experience.

MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience): The intuitive infotainment system features two large 12.3-inch displays integrated into a single widescreen cockpit. It supports touch, voice control, and gesture control.
“Hey Mercedes” Voice Assistant: Natural language understanding allows you to control various vehicle functions simply by speaking.
Augmented Reality Navigation: Overlaying navigation directions onto a live camera feed of the road ahead makes getting to your destination effortless.
Wireless Charging: Front and rear charging pads keep devices powered up.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Seamless smartphone integration is standard.
Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS): A comprehensive suite of safety features, including active distance assist, lane keeping assist, blind-spot assist, and more, contribute to a safer driving experience. For an in-depth look at Mercedes-Benz’s approach to safety, you can refer to resources from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)‘s vehicle safety ratings.

Performance and Powertrain: Potent and Refined

The GLS offers a range of potent yet smooth powertrains designed to deliver effortless performance and a supremely comfortable ride, complemented by innovative suspension technology.

Mercedes-Benz typically offers GLS models with robust engines, ranging from powerful inline-six engines with mild-hybrid technology to a potent V8. The mild-hybrid system, known as EQ Boost, provides a temporary power boost and smoother start/stop operation.

Key Powertrain Components:

Engine Options: Typically a turbocharged inline-six (e.g., GLS 450) or a twin-turbo V8 (e.g., GLS 580).
EQ Boost: Integrated starter-generator provides an additional 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque for acceleration and efficiency.
9G-TRONIC Automatic Transmission: A smooth and responsive nine-speed automatic transmission is standard.
4MATIC All-Wheel Drive: Mercedes-Benz’s sophisticated all-wheel-drive system is standard, providing excellent traction and stability in various conditions.

Chassis and Suspension: The E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL Advantage

One of the standout features contributing to the GLS’s exceptionally smooth ride is its available E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension system (part of the optional AMG Line or standard on some higher trims). This advanced hydropneumatic active suspension system individually adjusts the damping and spring force for each wheel, actively counteracting body roll, pitching, and squatting. It can even scan the road ahead and prepare the suspension to absorb bumps and dips, creating a sensation of gliding over the road.

How E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL Works (Simplified):

Road Surface Scan: Cameras and sensors analyze the road surface ahead.
Individual Wheel Control: The system adjusts the suspension at each wheel in milliseconds.
Active Body Control: It actively applies forces to keep the vehicle level, minimize body lean during cornering, and smooth out bumps.
Driving Modes: Selectable driving modes further tailor the suspension and powertrain response to your preference.

Mercedes-Benz GLS Class Trim Levels and Engines

Mercedes-Benz often offers the GLS Class in several distinct trim levels, each catering to slightly different preferences in terms of performance and luxury appointments. While specific model names and features can change with model years, here’s a general idea of what you might find:

GLS 450 4MATIC

This is typically the entry point to the GLS lineup, offering a superb balance of luxury, performance, and efficiency.

Engine: 3.0-liter inline-six turbo engine with EQ Boost.
Horsepower: Around 362 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque before EQ Boost.
Key Features: Standard leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, MBUX infotainment with large displays, power-folding third row, advanced safety systems.

GLS 580 4MATIC

Stepping up, the GLS 580 offers more power and an even richer array of standard luxury features.

Engine: 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine with EQ Boost.
Horsepower: Around 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque before EQ Boost.
Key Features: All features of the GLS 450, plus typically more standard premium options like upgraded interior materials, more advanced driver assistance, and enhanced comfort features.

Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+

For those seeking exhilarating performance without compromising luxury, the AMG GLS 63 is the ultimate expression of the GLS.

Engine: Handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine with EQ Boost.
Horsepower: Significantly higher, often exceeding 600 hp, with substantial torque.
Key Features: AMG-specific styling, performance-oriented suspension tuning (while still using E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL), sportier interior accents, high-performance brakes, and a more aggressive driving dynamic.

It’s important to note that Mercedes-Benz also offers various packages that can add or enhance features, such as the AMG Line for a sportier aesthetic on non-AMG models, Driver Assistance Packages, and premium interior accoutrements.

Comparing the GLS to Other Luxury SUVs

When considering a full-size luxury SUV, the GLS Class is often cross-shopped with its main competitors. Here’s a brief comparison:

Feature	Mercedes-Benz GLS Class	BMW X7	Audi Q7	Cadillac Escalade
Seating Capacity	Up to 7	Up to 7	Up to 7	Up to 7 (or 8 depending on config)
Ride Comfort	Exceptional, especially with E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL	Very good, refined	Excellent, balanced	Comfortable, but can feel larger
Interior Luxury & Tech	Pinnacle S-Class level of tech and opulence, MBUX	Luxurious, high-quality materials, iDrive	Elegant, well-crafted, Virtual Cockpit	Opulent, large OLED screens, focus on presence
Powertrain Options	Smooth Inline-6 and V8, potent AMG V8	Strong Inline-6 and V8 options, sporty M variants	Efficient V6 and V8, performance SQ7	Powerful V8s, focus on brute force
Third Row Space	Among the best, adult-friendly	Good, comfortable for children/shorter adults	Adequate, best for shorter trips	Spacious, one of the best for adults

The GLS often excels in providing an exceptionally smooth and quiet ride thanks to its advanced suspension, and its interior materials and technology often feel a step above in terms of refinement and user experience, particularly with the MBUX system.

Ownership Experience and Maintenance

Owning a Mercedes-Benz GLS Class is an investment in luxury, comfort, and cutting-edge technology. Mercedes-Benz is known for its robust engineering, but as with any high-end vehicle, regular and proper maintenance is crucial to ensuring its longevity and optimal performance.

Routine Maintenance Schedule

Your GLS will have a recommended maintenance schedule outlined in its owner’s manual. A typical schedule includes:

A Service: Usually performed annually (or at specific mileage intervals), this involves checks of the engine oil, oil filter, tires, brakes, and various fluid levels.
B Service: Performed every two years or at higher mileage intervals than A service, this includes everything in A Service plus additional checks such as brake fluid replacement, cabin air filter replacement, and more in-depth system inspections.
Tire Rotations: Important for even tire wear and extending tire life.
Fluid Checks: Regular checks of coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid.

DIY vs. Dealership Service

While many GLS owners prefer to have their vehicles serviced at an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership to ensure factory-trained technicians and genuine parts are used, some routine maintenance can be performed by experienced DIYers. Simple tasks like checking fluid levels, changing the cabin air filter, or even performing basic cleaning and detailing are well within the reach of many owners.

More complex tasks, especially those involving the powertrain, advanced electronics, or the E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension, are best left to certified Mercedes-Benz technicians. The use of specialized diagnostic tools and equipment, often available only at dealerships or specialized independent shops, is critical for these systems.

Genuine vs. Aftermarket Parts

When replacements are needed, using genuine Mercedes-Benz parts is highly recommended. These parts are designed and manufactured to the exact specifications of your GLS, ensuring perfect fit and performance. Aftermarket parts may not meet the same