The Mercedes-Benz GLS, formerly Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, is a full-size luxury crossover SUVproduced by Mercedes-Benz since 2006. In each of its generations it is a three-row, seven-passenger vehicle positioned above the GLE (formerly Mercedes-Benz M-Class before 2016). The GLS is considered the flagship of the marque's SUV lineup, although the body-on-frame G-Class (originally intended for military off-roading but also offered in luxurious trims) is more expensive and has been in production longer.
The GLS shares the same unibody architecture with the GLE. Most GLS vehicles are assembled at the Mercedes plant in Alabama, except for a small number of early 2007 production vehicles which were manufactured in Germany. The first generation model (X164) was manufactured between 2006 and 2012 and was replaced in 2012 by the new generation GL-Class (X166).
From 2016 with the release of the facelifted second generation model, the GL-Class was renamed to GLS as per the revised nomenclature adopted by Mercedes. Under this scheme, SUVs use the base name "GL", followed by the model's placement in Mercedes-Benz hierarchy. The "G" is for geländewagen (German for off-road vehicle) and alludes the long-running G-Class. This is followed by the letter "L" that acts as a linkage with the letter "S", the SUV equivalent to the S-Class, marketing the GLS as the corresponding SUV to the S-Class full-size sedan.
Overview[]
Sitting atop the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup is the posh and powerful 2022 GLS-class, which earns its place alongside other high-end Benzes with a technology-and-luxury-laden cabin. A 362-hp turbocharged inline-six is assisted by a 48-volt hybrid system to deliver a silky-smooth experience, and the GLS's handling is poised and fluid, which makes it surprisingly fun to drive. All-wheel drive and air suspension are both standard, and the GLS can be equipped with novel options such as a camera system that watches the road ahead for potholes. There's room for up to seven—although optional second-row captain's chairs reduce occupancy to six—and everyone should find the GLS's interior to be spacious and comfortable. Fuel economy isn't great, but it's aligned with other large SUV rivals such as the Land Rover Range Rover and the Lincoln Navigator, neither of which can match the GLS's athletic on-road demeanor.
2022 changes[]
The GLS-class can now be equipped with an AMG Line appearance package as well as a blacked-out Night appearance package. Cirrus Silver is now an option, as is Espresso Brown with black leather upholstery. Buyers can also now order all-season floor mats.
Engine and transmission[]
Two models are offered—the six-cylinder GLS450 and the eight-cylinder GLS580—and both feature some hybridization. The GLS450's turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six is silky smooth and good for 362 horsepower. The GLS580 is far more powerful, making 483 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8. At our test track, the GLS450 managed a brisk 5.5-second run to 60 mph and stopped from 70 mph in a short 154 feet. Despite its size, the GLS-class is easy to hustle on a twisty road, but it's not overly sporty or harsh over bumps. All models come standard with an air suspension, but Mercedes also offers a trick new system called E-Active Body Control. It utilizes a forward-facing camera to scan for bumps and adjusts the suspension accordingly so riders won't feel those road imperfections. It's a cool technology but expensive, and we think most buyers will find the standard setup does a fine job.
Interior[]
Borrowing its dashboard and cockpit layout from the similarly new GLE-class SUV, this generation of GLS is far more modern than the one it replaces. It'll fit up to seven passengers but can be spec'd for six with the optional captain's chairs. Passenger space is generous in the first and second rows, and the third row, while not as spacious as the second, can accommodate an adult without too much complaining—something that can't be said of the wayback in the X7.
Connectivity[]
Two huge 12.3-inch digital displays take up the majority of the dashboard. One serves as a reconfigurable gauge display for the driver, while the other handles infotainment duties and runs Mercedes-Benz's new MBUX software, which features an iPhone-like virtual assistant. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, in-dash navigation, and an on-board Wi-Fi hotspot are all standard. All GLS models come with a 13-speaker Burmester Surround Sound stereo, but if that's not enough for you, there's an available Burmester 3D audio system with an insane 26-speaker arrangement.
Fuel economy[]
The EPA fuel-economy estimates for the GLS-class aren't great. The GLS450 earns 19 mpg in the city, 23 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined. The GLS580 does worse, with 16 mpg, 21 mpg, and 18 mpg, respectively. In our real-world testing, the GLS450 performed a little better than its rating, managing 24 mpg on our 200-mile highway loop. The GLS580 returned a dismal 18 mpg in the same test. If fuel economy is a priority for you, the BMW X7 will be a better choice in the luxury-SUV department. A six-cylinder X7 xDrive40i managed an impressive 28 mpg in our highway test while an eight-cylinder xDrive50i delivered 24 mpg. For more information about the GLS-class's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Gallery[]
