No pricing data available at this time. Our Opinion - 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class Review The GLS-class SUV with three rows of seats is perfect for people who are used to the luxury of the S-class but need more room or higher ground clearance. A 510-hp twin-turbo V-8 in the GLS580 and a 375-hp turbocharged inline-six in the GLS450 give it power that is very smooth and quick acceleration. The air suspension that comes standard helps keep the car level and gives it great driving and body control, which aren’t always found in cars this size. In terms of size, the SUV’s modern cabin has plenty of room for six or seven people to sit down and carry things. The Maybach GLS600 is best for oligarchs-to-be, while the 603-hp GLS63 might be better for people who love speed. The all-American Lincoln Navigator, the widely-used Land Rover Range Rover, and the sporty BMW X7 are also in the running. Pros and Cons Pros Feels compact and agile while driving. Ample space and luxurious comfort in the first and second rows. Outstanding engine performance. Cons Fuel economy is underwhelming. The transmission lacks smoothness. The third-row seat feels cramped. Engine, Transmission, and Performance You can choose between the eight-cylinder GLS580 and the six-cylinder GLS450. Both show signs of mixing. The GLS450’s 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engine delivers 375 horsepower and has the smoothness of polished stone. The twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine in the GLS580 gives it 510 horsepower, which is a lot more power. Even though it’s big, the GLS class isn’t very fast and is easy to drive on winding roads. All of the models come with air suspension as standard. There is also a high-tech device in Mercedes called E-Active Body Control that makes the rider feel less of the road’s imperfections. A camera facing forward is used in this gadget to find bumps and adjust the suspension accordingly. The technology is cool, but it’s also very expensive, and the basic setup will be good enough for most buyers. Safety This Mercedes-Benz SUV comes with a number of driver-assistance features. However, the coolest ones, like a mode that lets you drive partially on your own, cost extra. The following are important safety features: Typical automated emergency braking recognizes people. There is a lane departure indicator and a lane-keeping aid. There are two driving modes available: semi-autonomous and adaptive cruise control. Internal and External Cargo Capacity The dashboard and cockpit design of the GLE-class SUV were used as motivation for this generation of GLS, which is much more advanced than the last one. With the optional second-row captain’s chairs, it can seat up to seven people, but it can also seat six. The first and second rows have plenty of room for people. The third row isn’t as big as the second, but it’s still big enough for an adult, which isn’t possible in the back seat of the X7. Fuel Economy and Actual MPG The GLS class doesn’t get good gas mileage figures from the EPA. In general, the GLS450 gets 21 mpg, 24 mpg on the highway, and 19 mpg in the city. It gets 14 mpg, 19 mpg, and 16 mpg, which is less than the GLS580. We haven’t tried a GLS class since the powertrain was updated, but an older GLS450 got 24 mpg on the highway at 75 mph, which is a bit more than its rating. The BMW X7 is a better choice than other high-end SUVs if you care about gas mileage. A six-cylinder X7 xDrive40i got an amazing 28 mpg in our highway test. Infotainment and Connectivity Two huge 12.3-inch digital screens take up most of the GLS center. One handles entertainment and runs Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX software, which has a virtual assistant that works like an iPhone. The other is the driver’s customizable gauge display. An onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, in-dash mapping, and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are all standard features. If a Burmester Surround Sound radio with 13 speakers isn’t enough for you, consider upgrading to a Burmester 3D audio system with an amazing 26 speakers. Range, Charging, and Battery Life On our test track, a 2020 GLS450 went from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, while a GLS580 took 4.7 seconds. Price and How to Choose We would not buy the GLS580’s V-8 engine because the GLS450’s turbocharged inline-six is just as smooth and powerful. Instead, we would spend the extra money on other upgrades. The Executive back Seat kit adds softer headrests, a tablet controller for the GLS’s entertainment system, a wireless charging pad for smartphones, and massaging back seats. However, if you choose the Exclusive trim level, the front seats will also be massaged. Side-impact cushions also make things safer. Unexpectedly, if you choose that choice, you’ll have to pay extra for leather seats, which isn’t normal.
