Used 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The Mercedes-Benz GLS is the flagship crossover SUV from the German luxury brand. Often called the “S-Class of SUVs,” the GLS is a full-fledged utility vehicle with a go-anywhere nature yet nearly as comfortable as Mercedes’ executive sedan.

This third generation of the Mercedes GLS debuted just last year and is its most sophisticated and impressive yet. It is packed with Mercedes’ best technology and amenities, and comfortable seating for seven or six, depending on configuration. With either the standard 6-cylinder engine or V8, the Mercedes-Benz GLS drives like a dream. For the adventurous, there’s even a package that gives the GLS legit off-road chops.

Debuting for 2021 is the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63, a high-performance model with over 600 horsepower. For the multimillionaires, Mercedes is also introducing a Maybach variant, the first SUV from the ultra-luxury brand.

As you might guess, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS’ indulgent nature doesn’t come cheap. Just getting in the door is over $75,000, and an AMG variant can cost twice that, while the Mercedes-Maybach GLS is higher still. These figures are hardly cheap, but they’re also not out of line with rival full-size luxury 3-row SUVs such as the BMW X7, Lincoln Navigator, and Cadillac Escalade.

Whether you opt for the “base” $75,000-plus GLS 450 and its 6-cylinder engine or spend nearly $100,000 for the V8, you can’t go wrong. The GLS 450’s turbocharged inline-6 is a marvel. It is exceptionally smooth and easily moves this full-size Mercedes SUV. Part of the magic is the GLS’ new 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which can instantly add 184 lb-ft of torque and 21 horsepower to the output of either engine.

As such, the 6-cylinder Mercedes GLS can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds. Step up to the V8-powered GLS 580, and get even quicker acceleration — 0-60 mph arrives in 5.2 seconds — and gutsier passing power.

If you crave yet more power and have the deep pockets to fulfill that desire, the new Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 delivers with a hand-crafted twin-turbo V8 boosted to make 603 horsepower. It reduces this luxury SUV’s 0-60 mph time to 4.1 seconds – equivalent to a sports car. Of course, Mercedes’ AMG performance division also blesses this specialty GLS with a slew of go-fast upgrades that touch the transmission, exhaust, brakes, and suspension.

But the GLS is far more than just its impressive engines. With selectable drive modes, its ride is shockingly chameleon-like. Most drivers will be content to leave this rig in Comfort mode, its 9-speed automatic transmission smoothly ticking through gears as you waft along. Toggle the Dynamic Select to Sport, and it firms up the standard air suspension and tweaks throttle response and other vehicle characteristics for a change you can really feel — it’s livelier and more athletic.

An Eco mode aids efficiency, while an Off-Road mode tailors the GLS’ standard 4Matic all-wheel-drive system for venturing off the beaten path. If you’re among the exceptionally few who would willingly take your 6-figure luxury SUV off-road, the GLS 580 offers an off-road package that adds a 2-speed transfer case and added off-road prowess. We ventured deep into off-road territory at altitude around Park City, Utah, and were quite amazed at its capability.

The Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG GLS models have three rows and seating for seven. As a no-cost option, the 2nd-row bench seat can be replaced with two captain’s chairs, making the GLS a 6-seater. If you need to seat up to eight passengers, however, that’s still the domain of the Lincoln Navigator, Cadillac Escalade, and Infiniti QX80.

Room has been improved in the second and third rows of this latest-gen GLS, and access to the last row is easier if you opt for the 2nd-row captain’s chairs. Executive rear-seat packages on 7-passenger models can add indulgent features like heated and cooled 2nd-row seats with massaging functionality, wireless charging, and a tablet to control multimedia.

In general, the GLS is awash in premium materials and cutting-edge tech. Up front are twin 12.3-inch digital displays. One acts as the instrument cluster and the other as the infotainment display for navigation, audio, phone connectivity, and the like. As the S-Class of SUVs, the front seats are commendably comfortable and supportive, and if you can spring for the Multicontour massaging front seats, do it.

Cargo room is also laudable. Behind the rear seats is now 17.4 cubic feet — enough for a few suitcases. Folding the third row creates up to 48.7 cubic feet, and with both rows folded, you get 84.7 cubes of space.

For those in the extremely rarified air who can afford a Mercedes-Maybach GLS, you’ll be treated to a private jet-like experience. The Maybach GLS has just two rows and seating for five or – even more opulent – four thanks to two reclining, massaging, and climate-controlled rear seats. As with other Maybachs, this one can rival the best vehicles in the world thanks to the absolute finest materials and craftsmanship.

At 205 inches, the Mercedes-Benz GLS is big, but not gargantuan. That’s a smidge longer than the current Cadillac Escalade, but still far less than the long-wheelbase Escalade ESV that stretches 224.3 inches. In everyday terms, this means the GLS has the size and presence that will meet or exceed most needs without feeling like a locomotive to park and maneuver.

In design, this new model doesn’t stray far from the handsome looks of the prior-gen. The Mercedes-Benz GLS has more rounded edges, a revamped front fascia, and now rides on wheels up to 23 inches in size.

The high-performance Mercedes-AMG GLS has a slightly more aggressive look with a unique grille, large lower intakes, and quad exhaust outlets. It is slightly longer, and its overall height in a bit lower. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS distinguishes itself with a lovely chrome grille, mesh lower fascia, and Mercedes star atop the hood.

AUGMENTED-VIDEO NAVIGATION SYSTEM
This add-on feature makes the GLS’ standard navigation system incredibly more helpful. When following directions, the augmented system uses live video from two front cameras and overlays direction markers and symbols, so you won’t miss a turn. For only $300 extra, it’s a no-brainer.

CARWASH MODE
With this standard feature, all it takes is one selection to prepare the GLS for a trip through the wash. When engaged, it disables the rain-sensing windshield wipers, closes the windows and moonroof, folds in the exterior mirrors, and even raises the SUV’s height so the wheelwells can be cleaned.

When choosing a GLS, your first and biggest consideration will be which model. The GLS 450 is considered the base model with its 6-cylinder engine, while the GLS 580 packs the V8 and has even more standard features. Yet the $75,000-plus GLS 450 is hardly a pauper. As standard, you get a hands-free power tailgate, remote start via the Mercedes me mobile app, sunroof, heated front seats, power-folding 3rd-row seats, surround-view camera system, and air suspension. New for 2021, all GLS models include quad-zone climate control and a Parking Damage Detection system than can notify you remotely if the vehicle has been damaged or moved.

The standard infotainment system is impressive. It bundles two 12.3-inch screens that spread across the dash, has Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, a wonderful Burmester audio system, navigation, and nine USB-C ports throughout the cabin. Safety systems include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and a driver-attention monitor.

With the GLS 580, you gain the V8 engine and more amenities like a genuine leather interior instead of the synthetic MB-Tex of the 450. It also includes front seats with massage functionality and ventilation, soft-close doors, 5-zone climate control, and an adaptive damping suspension. Options for both models are long and varied. They range from an acoustically sealed cabin and the aforementioned executive rear-seating package to the Energizing system that adjusts climate, audio, lighting, and even in-cabin fragrance to set a certain mood.

One package we highly recommend is Driver Assistance Plus. It bundles adaptive cruise control, active lane-keeping assist, and active stop-and-go assist, which enabled the GLS to resume cruise control after even a minute stopped in traffic. Pricey but exceptionally cool is the E-Active Body Control ($6,500), an innovative system that can adjust each individual wheel’s suspension for everything from better ride and handling to getting unstuck from sand. Speaking of, the GLS 580 model also offers the Off-Road Package with a 2-speed transfer case with low-range gearing.

The new Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 arrives packing the 603-horsepower engine and numerous performance upgrades, along with 21-inch wheels, and many of the amenities of the GLS 580.

The ultra-luxury Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 has a 550-horsepower V8 engine and an extravagant 2-row interior with seating for four or five. It coddles rear passengers with their own tablet-based infotainment system, heated/ventilated/massaging seats, and can be had with airline-style folding tables in the 4-seat variant.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS offers a choice of two new engines to this flagship luxury SUV. GLS 450 models use a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 that makes 362 horsepower, while the GLS 580 has a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that makes 483 horsepower.

The performance model, the Mercedes-AMG GLS, also uses a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, but it is tuned to make 603 horsepower. The ultra-high-end Mercedes-Maybach 600 has a 4.0-liter V8 that is tuned for ultimate refinement and makes 550 horsepower.

The engines are supplemented by Mercedes’ EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology. This 48-volt electrified system and integrated starter generator improve efficiency by running power-intensive functions such as the water pump and air-conditioning compressor. Moreover, it also provides a jolt of power when needed. Over short periods, the system can supplement the engine with an additional 21 horsepower and an impressive 184 lb-ft of torque.

All GLS models have all-wheel drive standard, which Mercedes calls 4Matic. They all use a 9-speed automatic transmission that performs better than many other 9-speed automatics we’ve tested. As with many new vehicles, the engine uses a start/stop system that cuts power at idle to save fuel. It can be disabled if desired. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS is rated to tow up to 7,700 pounds with either engine.

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 w/EQ Boost electrical system (GLS 450)
362 horsepower @ 5,500-6,100 rpm
369 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/24 mpg

4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (GLS 580)
483 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
516 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/21 mpg

4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (Mercedes-AMG GLS 63)
603 horsepower @ 5,750-6,500 rpm
627 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/18 mpg

4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600)
550 horsepower @ 6,000-6,500 rpm
538 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/19 mpg