2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS review

The GLS-class is a three rows SUV that is ideal for someone used to S-class luxury but needs extra room or ground clearance. It comes with two engines, a 510-hp twin-turbo V-8 in the GLS580 and a 375-hp turbocharged inline-six in the GLS450 which deliver silky smooth propulsion and quick acceleration.

Its standard air suspension keeps it level, giving it excellent body control and helping to provide snappy handling, qualities that aren’t necessarily present in a car this size. When it comes to footprint, the SUV’s contemporary cabin has ample capacity for six or seven people as well as enough place for baggage.

In terms of competition, the GLS SUV Rivals include the all-American Lincoln Navigator, the Land Rover Range Rover, and the BMW X7.

What’s New in the GLS SUV?

Now standard on all GLS SUVs is a fingerprint scanner that may be utilized to access a driver’s individual profile. Three unique nappa leather color schemes and four more paint colors are new Manufacture Signature styling possibilities.

The latter is also offered as part of the Manufacture Signature Interior package, which also includes deep-pile carpets, headrest pillows, multiple Manufacture emblems, and a stitched leather dash.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Stepping inside, The dashboard and cockpit design of this generation of GLS is significantly more advanced than that of its predecessor, the GLE-class SUV. Although it can accommodate up to seven passengers, the optional second-row captain’s chairs can be configured for six.

In contrast to the back in the X7, the third row is not as roomy as the second, but it can still hold an adult without much complaint. The first and second rows offer ample passenger space.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Part of the GLS’s dashboard is occupied by two large 12.3-inch digital screens. While the other performs infotainment functions and runs Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX software, which has a virtual assistant akin to that of an iPhone, the first acts as a driver’s adjustable gauge display.

It is equipped with an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, in-dash navigation, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 13-speaker Burmester Surround Sound stereo is standard on all GLS models, but if you want more, you can upgrade to a Burmester 3D audio system with an incredible 26-speaker setup.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Under the hood, There are two engine variants available: the eight-cylinder GLS580 and the six-cylinder GLS450. Both have some hybridization. The 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engine in the GLS450 produces 375 horsepower and is as smooth as polished stone. With its twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine producing 510 horsepower, the GLS580 is significantly more potent.

The GLS-class isn’t very sporty, but it’s manageable to maneuver on a winding road despite its size. Air suspension is standard on all versions. To help riders feel less of the flaws of the road, Mercedes also offers a clever system called E-Active Body Control.

This technology uses a forward-facing camera to scan for bumps and adjusts the suspension accordingly. Although the technology is intriguing, it is pricey, and we believe that the regular arrangement will work well for the majority of purchasers.

Fuel Economy & Consumption

The GLS-class fuel-economy figures from the EPA are not particularly impressive. The GLS450 gets 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. The GLS580 performs worse, returning 14 mpg, 19 mpg, and 16 mpg, respectively.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

This SUV has a number of driver-assistance technologies from Mercedes-Benz, but the more intriguing ones, like a semi-autonomous driving mode, are an additional expense.

Important safety attributes include of: