2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Pros

• All three rows have enough room for adults.
• A lot of technical and practical safety features
• It feels like you’re driving a small SUV because the engines are fast and the handling is good.
• Cargo capacity can be changed.

Cons

• Many switches and buttons inside need to be bigger or easier to find.

How does the GLS Class move? On paper, the numbers are awe-inspiring and point to a much smaller, sportier car. Our test GLS 450 went from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, which is more than suitable for a luxury SUV with a basic engine. No matter what you’re driving through, it makes you feel strong. The power from the mild hybrid engine system is very smooth and improves performance and fuel economy. The glitches in the transmission are our main complaint.

One of the most impressive things we found in an SUV was that it could stop from 60 miles per hour to 105 feet. That looks like a real racetrack. Part of this is due to the free summer tires on our test vehicle, which also help it have an excellent side grip. The GLS is easy to drive in a parking lot or traffic because the steering is light enough.

How comfortable is the inside of the GLS-Class? Mercedes-Benz is the best when it comes to comfort on the road. When driving for a long time, you can relax in the supportive seats that are easy to adjust and can come with massagers. The computerized climate control quickly brings the temperatures inside the car to the same level, and the heated and cooled seats work well.

On the rough surface, only a little traffic noise can be heard outside. With the optional E-Active Body Control suspension, the ride is perfect. It removes most of the bumps in the road without flopping or moping. Even though it had optional 21-inch wheels, which usually make an SUV’s ride worse, our test vehicle didn’t seem hurt.

How does the inside look? Almost everything about the inside of the GLS is good. Even though you drive with a strong, straight back, the GLS always makes you feel at ease. All three rows have plenty of room, and the third row, which is easy to get to, can fit people at least 6 feet tall. The big windows make it easier to see all around and make the backseat feel less crowded.

All controls are easy to find and use, but there are many, so you must take your eyes off the road until your muscles remember how to use them. It’s also annoying that the seat controls are split between the door and the infotainment system.

How good is the tech? Even though it takes a while to get used to, Mercedes’ infotainment system is a work of art and the standard in the industry. The navigation system stands out, and the augmented reality overlay, turn-by-turn directions, and head-up display are all good reasons not to use your phone’s apps while driving. Still, many people also use Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A standard wireless charging pad is on the front of the cup holders, and all three rows have USB-C ports.

Also, the driving aids are great. One of the best things we looked at was adaptive cruise control. When there is traffic, the technology keeps a safe distance between cars and can stop the GLS completely. When the traffic clears, the GLS can start up again.

What about putting things away? When folded down, the GLS has up to 84.7 cubic feet of space behind the front seats. Only 17.4 cubes of space are left when every row stands up, which is not enough for each passenger’s bag. Even though the GLS is smaller than the huge Navigator, which has about 103.3 cubic feet of space behind the front seats, it has enough space for its class.

You can remove the second and third-row seats by pushing buttons in the hatch. Plenty of places to put small things, like pockets, bins, and cupholders, all over the cabin. The GLS 450 can pull 7,700 pounds, more than its main competitor, the BMW X7, can do. If you care a lot about towing, the Lincoln Navigator is still the best because it can pull up to 8,700 pounds.

How well does it use gasoline? The EPA says that a vehicle of this size and power should get a combined fuel economy of 20 mpg (18 city/23 highway). In the test loop, our GLS got 21 miles per gallon. The GLS got 19 mpg while carrying people and their things over long distances and through different kinds of traffic.

What does the GLS value mean? Even though it isn’t cheap, the GLS has a better build quality than anything else at this price point. Even though the cost of extras can add up quickly, the GLS is about the same as other high-end SUVs. No one else has a package with so many excellent features for such a low price. In this class, the average bumper-to-bumper warranty is four years and 50,000 miles.

The GLS is everything you’d expect from a Mercedes-Benz car. It is full of the latest technology and has a simple, understated look. A luxury car shouldn’t be hard to drive; the engine gives you steady, smooth power. It also makes a pleasant sound, especially when going very fast. You can quickly get there by car, and it’s a great place to spend an hour or two.

Even though the GLS 580 and AMG GLS 63 are tempting, most customers will likely choose the GLS 450. It has a six-cylinder turbocharged engine that is powerful and efficient, and it costs a lot less than the other models. The standard all-wheel drive and air suspension make for a smooth ride and good performance in various situations. The 20-inch wheels on the base model are another thing we like. They make the ride comfortable. You can buy à la carte extras that fit your needs better with the money you save.

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class models

The Mercedes-Benz GLS 2023 has three rows and seats seven people. It comes in three trims: GLS 450, GLS 580, and AMG GLS 63. Both have a long list of standard features, but the GLS 580 and AMG GLS 63 are better because they are faster and more powerful. Invoice Pricing has written a separate review of the even more luxurious Maybach GLS.