2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The Mercedes-Benz GLS is luxury writ large. Mercedes-Benz was one of the pioneers of the grand experiment of the luxury SUV, and the flagship GLS translates the experience of the iconic S-Class into SUV form. It has the top-notch interior quality and satisfying driving manners you’d expect from the brand, plus the convenience of 3-row seating and adventurous off-road capabilities.

The closest rivals to the Mercedes-Benz GLS are the admirable BMW X7 and the long-wheelbase version of the Range Rover. You could also compare it to bigger American full-size luxury SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator, but this is arguably in a different category.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of large luxury SUVs, including the Mercedes-Benz GLS.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS gets an aesthetic refresh for 2024 with updated bumpers and lighting. The interior gets a minor update with a new steering wheel. Other design updates include new paint, wheels, leather, and interior trim options.

The GLS also gains a new Off-Road Engineering Package with underbody protection and a revised suspension that can give the GLS an extra 1.2 inches of ground clearance.

The engines under the hood of the GLS are enhanced with an additional 13 horsepower for the GLS 450 and 27 more horsepower for the GLS 580.

The GLS is priced similarly to its closest competitor, the BMW X7. The Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator are bigger and more affordable than the GLS.

Before buying a GLS, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Mercedes-Benz GLS resale value is about average for the segment.

In classic Mercedes-Benz fashion, the driving character of the GLS exemplifies luxury. The 6-cylinder engine delivers adequate thrust for any driving situation, but the available V8 gives it more muscle.

We enjoyed the smooth and gentle ride quality in testing the GLS, but its personality can change thanks to its standard adaptive air suspension and Dynamic Select drive modes. Comfort, Sport, and Off-Road modes speak for themselves, and we found that switching between modes actually made a big difference in how this SUV drives.

The AMG GLS 63 is a serious, high-performance luxury SUV, as long as you can stomach the price at the dealer and the fuel pump. It makes over 600 horsepower and delivers an authentic AMG experience but doesn’t compromise comfort.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS has the supremely luxurious interior we expect from the brand’s flagship SUV. We’re impressed with the rich quality of the materials, and we love the customizability with various options for interior leathers and trim options ranging from natural grain ash wood to real aluminum.

Depending on how your SUV is optioned, the second row can get even more luxurious than the first. Optional second-row captain’s chairs make the second row more comfortable and the third row easier to access. However, for a first-class experience in the back, you’ll want the Executive Rear Seat Package Plus with heated, ventilated, massaging seats, a wireless charging pad, and an MBUX tablet in the second row.

Third-row legroom is adequate for children and shorter adults; we found it a little tight back there for an SUV this size. If you’re looking for an adult-friendly third row, the Lincoln Navigator and Jeep Grand Wagoneer are the leaders in that category.

The cargo room in the GLS is good; it has more space behind the third row than the BMW X7. Like any big SUV, you get more cargo space if you fold down the third-row seats.

For SUV shoppers with deeper pockets, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS takes luxury to the next level. The third row is gone to accommodate more room for the second row, and it adds exclusive materials, massaging rear seats, heated armrests, and even heated and cooled cupholders.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS is a luxury SUV with a presence. It does an admirable job applying the corporate Mercedes-Benz design language to a full-size SUV, adding ruggedness without losing any panache. A slight facelift for 2024, updating the bumpers, wheels, and light signature, keep it fresh.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS is the biggest SUV in the brand’s lineup. It’s about the same size as the BMW X7 and long-wheelbase Range Rover. Its American counterparts, like the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, and Jeep Grand Wagoneer, are bigger, especially in their respective long-wheelbase variants.

Mighty engines
The GLS has a standard 375-horsepower turbocharged 6-cylinder and a stronger V8 option making more than 500 horsepower.

MBUX infotainment system
This system integrates a customizable digital gauge cluster and a user-friendly infotainment system in one sleek display. It also responds to “Hey, Mercedes” voice prompts.

Luxurious seating
The GLS has comfortable 3-row seating, and the second row can get supremely luxurious with the Executive Rear Seat Package Plus with massaging seats, an MBUX tablet, and much more in the back.

Burmester audio system
The GLS comes standard with a Burmester 13-speaker audio system. It’s more than sufficient for most drivers, but a 26-speaker Burmester 3D audio system is available if your budget allows it.

Driver Assistance Package Plus
This option package does what its name implies by adding features like adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, blind-spot assist, active lane-change assist, and much more.

Off-Road Engineering Package
This new option package improves this SUV’s off-road chops with skid plates and a unique suspension tuning that can add an extra 1.2 inches of ground clearance.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS is available with a 6-cylinder or V8 engine, both turbocharged. The 6-cylinder is the most efficient option, but the more powerful V8 is available in three different tunings. None are especially efficient, but the V8 rewards the driver with confident acceleration and a satisfying sound.

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 (GLS 450)
375 horsepower @ 5,800-6,100 rpm
369 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: (2023 figures) 18/23 mpg

4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (GLS 580)
510 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
538 lb-ft of torque @ 2,250-5,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: (2023 figures) 16/21 mpg

4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (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: (2023 figures) 14/19 mpg

4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (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: (2023 figures) 15/20 mpg

More GLS fuel economy information is available on the EPA’s website.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

The Mercedes-Benz GLS is covered by a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and powertrain warranty. That matches the BMW X7, but the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator both have longer warranties.