Our Opinion - 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class Review The GLS-class is Mercedes’s biggest SUV. It has three rows of seats that can fit up to seven people. Because it is called the “S-class,” which means “high-end,” the letter “S” in its name emphasizes this even further. The cabin is beautiful, cozy, spacious, and equipped with high-tech gadgets. The GLS450 features a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with 375 hp, while the GLS580 boasts a twin-turbo V-8 engine with 510 hp. We like both engines because they have smooth power and quick acceleration, though neither has the fastest speed in its class. On the other hand, we like the standard air suspension the most. It helps this large SUV stay stable and balanced as it navigates sharp turns and rough terrain. What's New? There are no significant changes for 2026, but the GLS is now available in two new high-end paint colors from the manufacturer: gray and white. Pros and Cons Pros High-end inside. Quite strong engines. There is a lot of space in the first two rows. Cons Big changes to the gear. No room for goods in the third row. Not very good at using fuel. Engine, Transmission, and Performance A 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engine with 375 horsepower and a 4.0-liter V-8 twin-turbo engine with 510 horsepower are the engines. Automatic gearbox with nine speeds. All-wheel drive is built into the engine. You can choose between the eight-cylinder GLS580 and the six-cylinder GLS450. Both show signs of mixing. The 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engine in the GLS450 makes 375 horsepower and is as smooth as stone. The twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine in the GLS580 produces 510 horsepower, which is significantly more power. Although it’s large, the GLS-class isn’t very fast, but it’s easy to drive on winding roads. All of the models come with air suspension as standard. Mercedes also added a high-tech feature to the GLS580 called E-Active Body Control. This system utilizes a forward-facing camera to detect bumps in the road and adjust the suspension to mitigate the impact of those imperfections. The technology is impressive, but it’s also very expensive, and we believe that the basic setup will be sufficient for most buyers. Safety The GLS features all of the brand’s driver-assistance technologies, but hands-free driving technology has not yet been added. Adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and blind spot tracking are all standard safety features. Internal and External Cargo Capacity First Row: This GLS is much more up-to-date than the one that came before it. Its dashboard and cabin are based on the design of the GLE-class SUV. Many people will be interested in Benz’s luxurious leather and wood choices, but the standard leatherette upholstery and brushed aluminum trim look just as good, and the fit and quality are also excellent. Second Row: The GLS can fit up to seven people if you add the extra captain’s chairs in the second row, but it can also fit six people. In the first and second rows, there is plenty of room for people. Third Row: The third row of the X7 offers less space than the second row, but it can still comfortably accommodate an adult. Cargo Space: The GLS can hold 17 to 85 cubic feet of cargo, depending on the number of seats in the back. That car doesn’t have very many of those specs for its class. Fuel Economy and Actual MPG At 75 mph on the highway, the GLS450 got 24 mpg. The EPA reports 14–19 mpg for city driving. The EPA rates highway gas mileage between 19 and 24 miles per gallon. Fuel economy numbers for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class have not been released by the EPA yet, but they are expected to remain the same. That being said, the statistics aren’t particularly impressive. Based on its scores, the 2025 GLS 450 is expected to achieve 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The GLS580 did worse. It only got 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. The 2020 GLS 450 pre-update achieved 24 mpg, which was slightly better than its 23 mpg rating. We haven’t tried a new GLS-class on our 75-mph fuel-economy route yet. Visit the EPA’s website to learn more about the fuel efficiency of the GLS. If gas mileage is important to you, the BMW X7 is a better choice for a high-end SUV. A six-cylinder X7 xDrive40i got an amazing 28 mpg in our highway test. Infotainment and Connectivity 12.3-inch tablet for entertainment Connectivity through Bluetooth and WiFi. It works with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The sound system features a Burmester stereo with 13 speakers as standard and an optional Burmester stereo with 26 speakers. Two huge 12.3-inch digital screens take up most of the GLS center. One is for infotainment and runs Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX software, which features a virtual assistant similar to Siri. The other is for the driver’s customizable gauge display. An onboard WiFi hotspot, built-in mapping, and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are all standard features. All models of the GLS come equipped with a Burmester stereo system featuring 13 speakers. If that’s not enough, Benz also makes a Burmester setup with 2x as many speakers. Range, Charging, and Battery Life The GLS450 took 5.5 seconds to test at 60 mph, while the GLS580 took 4.7 seconds. Although it’s fast enough for a three-row SUV, the GLS doesn’t quite match its main rival. The BMW X7 M60i with 375 hp can reach 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, while the BMW X7 with 375 hp needs 4.6 seconds. You’ll need to opt for the high-performance AMG GLS to surpass that. Towing And Payload Capacity Tow up to 7700 pounds of weight. People who purchase the GLS should request the Class 4 trailer hitch if they plan to tow a trailer. It can hold up to 7700 pounds. Price and How to Choose The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class can cost anywhere from $91,400 to $119,100, depending on the chosen options and specifications. This is our choice: the base engine. The GLS450’s turbocharged inline-six is just as smooth and powerful as the GLS580’s V-8. We would also choose the Exclusive package because it comes with leather seats, heated back seats, and massaging front seats.
