GLS [Official] Mercedes-Benz GLS (X167)
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The Mercedes-Benz GLS, formerly Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, is a full-size luxury crossover SUV produced by Mercedes-Benz since 2006. The GLS is considered the flagship of the marque's SUV lineup, although the body-on-frame G-Class (originally intended for military off-roading but also offered in luxurious trims) is more expensive and has been in production longer.
Autoexpress review is positive:
The new Mercedes GLS claims to offer the ultimate luxury SUV experience. We find out if it does
Verdict
4 Stars ****
The Mercedes GLS takes a huge leap over its predecessor. It has superb comfort and refinement, while offering more space than nearly anything else for the money. We think E-Active Body Control will be worth the wait: the ride quality is sublime. We can nitpick that the dash looks too much like the cheaper GLE’s and that the car might be a bit big for urban UK roads, but otherwise the GLS is a hit.
This is the all-new GLS, a car that Mercedes has dubbed “the S-Class of SUVs”. The luxury limousine is considered to be the best in the business, so the brand’s latest model has a lot to live up to.
Of course, Mercedes has form when it comes to large luxury SUVs, with its GL and later GLS predecessors, and in many ways this version achieves jacked-up executive-class travel better than any of its ancestors.
While the previous GLS architecture could be traced back to the 2005 M-Class, the latest model shares a platform with the new GLE. It therefore starts with a lighter, more rigid structure – one that can accommodate the brand’s latest driver-assistance systems and infotainment. It’s grown in size, too; at 5,213mm overall, it’s 83mm longer than the old GLS and 62mm more than the BMW X7.
The dash in the new car is lifted virtually wholesale from the smaller GLE. But while that means it uses the same brilliant twin 12.3-inch MBUX infotainment set-up, we’d hoped for something rather more special.
Arguably, though, the back seats matter more in a car such as this, and here the GLS really hits the spot. There are six or seven-seat layouts to choose from; the former offers two captain’s chairs in the second row, the other a three-person bench. The latter can be enhanced with the optional Rear Comfort Package Plus, in which the centre seat folds down into a large armrest with a removable tablet for controlling the comfort and entertainment functions. It’s also possible to add a pair of 11.6-inch touchscreens to the front seat-backs, so passengers can watch movies and browse the web.
Where the GLS really excels is in the third row. Mercedes claims anyone up to six feet four inches will fit here, so the GLS is easily the roomiest seven-seat SUV you can buy. Seven-up, it offers a 470-litre boot – 144 litres more than the X7. In five-seat mode, space grows to 890 litres, and with all rear seats dropped (at the flick of a switch) there’s a van-like 2,400 litres.
One of the GLS’s real tricks is its advanced E-Active Body Control suspension set-up. Various modes alter the car’s suspension to suit specific conditions. Off-Road mode allows the driver to adjust the ride height of each wheel independently, but it’s the two cameras that scan the road ahead to preload the suspension in order to smooth out bumps that are more impressive.
On the move, this transforms the ride comfort remarkably over and above the standard set-up, which can occasionally thump into large dips and rock from side to side over undulations. The system won’t be offered on UK launch models, but it will make its way here eventually. It’s worth the wait.
The new Mercedes GLS claims to offer the ultimate luxury SUV experience. We find out if it does
Verdict
4 Stars ****
The Mercedes GLS takes a huge leap over its predecessor. It has superb comfort and refinement, while offering more space than nearly anything else for the money. We think E-Active Body Control will be worth the wait: the ride quality is sublime. We can nitpick that the dash looks too much like the cheaper GLE’s and that the car might be a bit big for urban UK roads, but otherwise the GLS is a hit.
This is the all-new GLS, a car that Mercedes has dubbed “the S-Class of SUVs”. The luxury limousine is considered to be the best in the business, so the brand’s latest model has a lot to live up to.
Of course, Mercedes has form when it comes to large luxury SUVs, with its GL and later GLS predecessors, and in many ways this version achieves jacked-up executive-class travel better than any of its ancestors.
While the previous GLS architecture could be traced back to the 2005 M-Class, the latest model shares a platform with the new GLE. It therefore starts with a lighter, more rigid structure – one that can accommodate the brand’s latest driver-assistance systems and infotainment. It’s grown in size, too; at 5,213mm overall, it’s 83mm longer than the old GLS and 62mm more than the BMW X7.
The dash in the new car is lifted virtually wholesale from the smaller GLE. But while that means it uses the same brilliant twin 12.3-inch MBUX infotainment set-up, we’d hoped for something rather more special.
Arguably, though, the back seats matter more in a car such as this, and here the GLS really hits the spot. There are six or seven-seat layouts to choose from; the former offers two captain’s chairs in the second row, the other a three-person bench. The latter can be enhanced with the optional Rear Comfort Package Plus, in which the centre seat folds down into a large armrest with a removable tablet for controlling the comfort and entertainment functions. It’s also possible to add a pair of 11.6-inch touchscreens to the front seat-backs, so passengers can watch movies and browse the web.
Where the GLS really excels is in the third row. Mercedes claims anyone up to six feet four inches will fit here, so the GLS is easily the roomiest seven-seat SUV you can buy. Seven-up, it offers a 470-litre boot – 144 litres more than the X7. In five-seat mode, space grows to 890 litres, and with all rear seats dropped (at the flick of a switch) there’s a van-like 2,400 litres.
One of the GLS’s real tricks is its advanced E-Active Body Control suspension set-up. Various modes alter the car’s suspension to suit specific conditions. Off-Road mode allows the driver to adjust the ride height of each wheel independently, but it’s the two cameras that scan the road ahead to preload the suspension in order to smooth out bumps that are more impressive.
On the move, this transforms the ride comfort remarkably over and above the standard set-up, which can occasionally thump into large dips and rock from side to side over undulations. The system won’t be offered on UK launch models, but it will make its way here eventually. It’s worth the wait.
Serpens
Torque Titan
Not in these trims, no. May appear on the AMG 63 model but even then I doubt it. It's not a feature commonly included in this class of vehicle despite the size.
Ralfd
Tarmac Traveler
Quite the contrary : X5, X7, Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q8 ..... they all have rear-wheel steering (optional).
Maybe rear-wheel steering is not compatible with the fancy suspension of the GLE/GLS or maybe they will add it as an option at a later time.
Serpens
Torque Titan
The GLS is not in the same class as the Cayenne, Q8, or X5. The X7 and Q7 do yes, but when you look at other players in this segment that includes American vehicles (given this is the primary market) it is not as common.
In any event, I'm curious to see how this hurts (if at all) from a day-to-day basis. I think it'd be a very valuable feature.
Ralfd
Tarmac Traveler
That maybe true for the GLS. But the GLE does not have it either. And the GLE definitely competes with the other cars mentioned.
Serpens
Torque Titan
Ralfd
Tarmac Traveler
Good review by Autocar
Mercedes-Benz GLS 400d 4Matic 2019 review
From £70,615
4 stars ****
The latest version of the self-styled S-Class of SUVs is bigger and more luxurious than ever. Can it finally live up to its billing?
What is it?
When the seven-seat GL-Class was renamed the GLS as part of a mid-life facelift in 2015, it was done, in part, in order to define it as ‘the S-Class of SUVs’.
Given Mercedes-Benz fancies the S-Class as the best car in the world, that’s a lofty goal – and one that, regardless of moniker, the outgoing GLS simply couldn’t live up to.
With the competition growing increasingly fierce in the premium SUV category, from the new BMW X7 to the Audi Q7 and the ever-popular Range Rover, Mercedes-Benz has set out to ensure that this new third generation of the GLS lives up to the strapline created for it.
It has done so with a focus both on improving the driving dynamic of the large SUV and by cramming in the latest tech and even more luxurious comfort.
What's it like?
Mercedes has been especially keen to improve the sense of luxury inside the car, particularly for those in the back. The firm has certainly packed in the S-Class-esque luxury features, with five-zone automatic climate control, touchscreens available in the second row and a whopping 11 USB ports. Mercedes claims up to 87mm more leg room in the second row, which can be fitted with either a three-seat bench or two luxury seats. Even the optional third row (which, Mercedes says, can fit adults up to 1.94m tall) features heated seats.
Certainly, the rear of the cabin feels spacious, with the caveat that adults might find the rearmost two seats a bit of a squeeze for long periods. Still, those buying the GLS to be chauffeured in comfort will probably stick to the second row, which is offered with a three-seat bench or two individual seats.
In seven-seat form, the GLS houses a 355-litre load bay, rising to 2400 litres with the second and third rows folded (which can be done at the touch of a button).
Predictably, increasing the interior space has involved Mercedes making an already big SUV even bigger: at 5213mm long, the new GLS has grown by 51mm, making it 62mm larger than the BMW X7.
Thankfully, Mercedes didn’t feel the need to supersize the grille of the GLS as BMW did with the X7 – with the GLS looking very much like a larger version of the recently revamped GLE. It’s well proportioned, but its sheer presence is hard to disguise when you see one up close.
Still, in the wide open spaces of our test location in Utah, and on roads generally built to accommodate supersized pick-up trucks, the GLS hides its size surprisingly well. You quickly become adjusted to it when behind the wheel, helped by the machine’s phalanx of cameras, sensors and other driver assistance systems. That said, we suspect its dimensions might cause some nervous moments on the UK’s tighter roads.
Although there has been considerable focus on passenger comfort, Mercedes hasn’t forgotten about the driver. Given its size and kerb weight (2490kg), the GLS handles relatively nimbly, aided by the smooth ride of the air suspension, a system suited to a car of this bulk.
It likely helped that our test car was fitted with 21in tyres and Mercedes’ E-Active body control system, which constantly scans the road and can adjust the suspension settings to suit. Neither will make it to the UK, with 22in tyres standard and the E-Active system not being offered on right-hand-drive cars yet.
A run in a GLS 580 without the E-Active system (and powered by the 4.0-litre V8 mild-hybrid petrol engine that sadly won’t be offered in the UK, either) suggested that the ride was marginally hampered without when tackling sharper corners or rougher roads.
The sole engine destined for Britain at launch will be a 325bhp 3.0-litre diesel. Once the initial effort of getting the hefty GLS moving is done, it offers brisk progress, with plentiful power and torque on tap when needed. It’s quiet, and well suited to the sort of mileage GLS buyers are likely to be doing. European fuel economy ranges from 28.9 to 32.8mpg on the WLTP cycle (the final UK figures are yet to be determined).
Although the GLS 580 won’t reach the UK, the 450 version, powered by a 362bhp 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line petrol engine, is due next year.
Regardless of powertrain, we suspect GLS buyers are unlikely to do too much off-roading, although Mercedes engineers have expended considerable effort on ensuring it can tackle tough trails with aplomb. Selecting the optional £1495 Off-Road pack gives the GLS extra drive modes, a low-range transmission option and a torque on-demand inter-axle locking system, which made relatively easy work of the mountainous Utah ATV trails we were invited to try it on.
Should I buy one?
Predictably, the GLS doesn’t offer the last word in dynamic on-road performance, simply because it’s a huge, heavy SUV, and for all the gadgetry fitted to it, Mercedes-Benz’s engineering whizzes have yet to fully overcome the laws of physics. But as a luxurious, mile-munching and spacious cruiser, it certainly delivers.
The greatly upgraded interior alone brings this new GLS closer to realising its billing as the S-Class of SUVs, even if it isn't rounded enough to fully achieve that. And, with the caveat that we’ve yet to drive it in the exact spec in which it will be offered to UK buyers, Mercedes has done a good job of making it feel nimbler to drive than its size suggests.
If you’re looking for a cavernous slice of on- and off-road luxury, this new GLS is certainly at the sharp end of an ever-growing cast of rivals. UK buyers might just want to pause to ensure it will fit down your street, though.
Mercedes-Benz GLS 400d 4Matic specification
Where Salt Lake City, Utah Price £74,075 On sale Now Engine 6 cyls in line, 2999cc, diesel Power 325bhp at 3600-4000rpm Torque 516lb ft at 1200-3000rpm Gearbox 9-spd automatic Kerb weight 2490kg Top speed 148mph 0-62mph 6.3sec Fuel economy 28.9 to 32.8mpg CO2 227-258g/km Rivals BMW X7, Range Rover
Mercedes-Benz GLS 400d 4Matic 2019 review
From £70,615
4 stars ****
The latest version of the self-styled S-Class of SUVs is bigger and more luxurious than ever. Can it finally live up to its billing?
What is it?
When the seven-seat GL-Class was renamed the GLS as part of a mid-life facelift in 2015, it was done, in part, in order to define it as ‘the S-Class of SUVs’.
Given Mercedes-Benz fancies the S-Class as the best car in the world, that’s a lofty goal – and one that, regardless of moniker, the outgoing GLS simply couldn’t live up to.
With the competition growing increasingly fierce in the premium SUV category, from the new BMW X7 to the Audi Q7 and the ever-popular Range Rover, Mercedes-Benz has set out to ensure that this new third generation of the GLS lives up to the strapline created for it.
It has done so with a focus both on improving the driving dynamic of the large SUV and by cramming in the latest tech and even more luxurious comfort.
What's it like?
Mercedes has been especially keen to improve the sense of luxury inside the car, particularly for those in the back. The firm has certainly packed in the S-Class-esque luxury features, with five-zone automatic climate control, touchscreens available in the second row and a whopping 11 USB ports. Mercedes claims up to 87mm more leg room in the second row, which can be fitted with either a three-seat bench or two luxury seats. Even the optional third row (which, Mercedes says, can fit adults up to 1.94m tall) features heated seats.
Certainly, the rear of the cabin feels spacious, with the caveat that adults might find the rearmost two seats a bit of a squeeze for long periods. Still, those buying the GLS to be chauffeured in comfort will probably stick to the second row, which is offered with a three-seat bench or two individual seats.
In seven-seat form, the GLS houses a 355-litre load bay, rising to 2400 litres with the second and third rows folded (which can be done at the touch of a button).
Predictably, increasing the interior space has involved Mercedes making an already big SUV even bigger: at 5213mm long, the new GLS has grown by 51mm, making it 62mm larger than the BMW X7.
Thankfully, Mercedes didn’t feel the need to supersize the grille of the GLS as BMW did with the X7 – with the GLS looking very much like a larger version of the recently revamped GLE. It’s well proportioned, but its sheer presence is hard to disguise when you see one up close.
Still, in the wide open spaces of our test location in Utah, and on roads generally built to accommodate supersized pick-up trucks, the GLS hides its size surprisingly well. You quickly become adjusted to it when behind the wheel, helped by the machine’s phalanx of cameras, sensors and other driver assistance systems. That said, we suspect its dimensions might cause some nervous moments on the UK’s tighter roads.
Although there has been considerable focus on passenger comfort, Mercedes hasn’t forgotten about the driver. Given its size and kerb weight (2490kg), the GLS handles relatively nimbly, aided by the smooth ride of the air suspension, a system suited to a car of this bulk.
It likely helped that our test car was fitted with 21in tyres and Mercedes’ E-Active body control system, which constantly scans the road and can adjust the suspension settings to suit. Neither will make it to the UK, with 22in tyres standard and the E-Active system not being offered on right-hand-drive cars yet.
A run in a GLS 580 without the E-Active system (and powered by the 4.0-litre V8 mild-hybrid petrol engine that sadly won’t be offered in the UK, either) suggested that the ride was marginally hampered without when tackling sharper corners or rougher roads.
The sole engine destined for Britain at launch will be a 325bhp 3.0-litre diesel. Once the initial effort of getting the hefty GLS moving is done, it offers brisk progress, with plentiful power and torque on tap when needed. It’s quiet, and well suited to the sort of mileage GLS buyers are likely to be doing. European fuel economy ranges from 28.9 to 32.8mpg on the WLTP cycle (the final UK figures are yet to be determined).
Although the GLS 580 won’t reach the UK, the 450 version, powered by a 362bhp 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line petrol engine, is due next year.
Regardless of powertrain, we suspect GLS buyers are unlikely to do too much off-roading, although Mercedes engineers have expended considerable effort on ensuring it can tackle tough trails with aplomb. Selecting the optional £1495 Off-Road pack gives the GLS extra drive modes, a low-range transmission option and a torque on-demand inter-axle locking system, which made relatively easy work of the mountainous Utah ATV trails we were invited to try it on.
Should I buy one?
Predictably, the GLS doesn’t offer the last word in dynamic on-road performance, simply because it’s a huge, heavy SUV, and for all the gadgetry fitted to it, Mercedes-Benz’s engineering whizzes have yet to fully overcome the laws of physics. But as a luxurious, mile-munching and spacious cruiser, it certainly delivers.
The greatly upgraded interior alone brings this new GLS closer to realising its billing as the S-Class of SUVs, even if it isn't rounded enough to fully achieve that. And, with the caveat that we’ve yet to drive it in the exact spec in which it will be offered to UK buyers, Mercedes has done a good job of making it feel nimbler to drive than its size suggests.
If you’re looking for a cavernous slice of on- and off-road luxury, this new GLS is certainly at the sharp end of an ever-growing cast of rivals. UK buyers might just want to pause to ensure it will fit down your street, though.
Mercedes-Benz GLS 400d 4Matic specification
Where Salt Lake City, Utah Price £74,075 On sale Now Engine 6 cyls in line, 2999cc, diesel Power 325bhp at 3600-4000rpm Torque 516lb ft at 1200-3000rpm Gearbox 9-spd automatic Kerb weight 2490kg Top speed 148mph 0-62mph 6.3sec Fuel economy 28.9 to 32.8mpg CO2 227-258g/km Rivals BMW X7, Range Rover
Attachments
Centurion
Apex Apex Predator
The GLS is getting more positive reviews by UK journalists than the GLE.
I forgot that it's 6cm longer than the X7. These full sized SUVs will sell very well in the US.
Once you add a few options to the GLE/X5, some of which are in different bundles, you are within reach of a GLS/X7 which have must haves like 360 degrees cameras standard and a third row.
I forgot that it's 6cm longer than the X7. These full sized SUVs will sell very well in the US.
Once you add a few options to the GLE/X5, some of which are in different bundles, you are within reach of a GLS/X7 which have must haves like 360 degrees cameras standard and a third row.
Mr. Mercedes
Premium
The price differential between comparatively equipped X5's and X7's in Australia is actually laughable, amounting to as little as AUD$5-$7K. It makes the X7 look like a bit of a bargain with it's more regal styling and obvious status upgrade. But you can get very carried away with the X7 and make it as plush as a 7-series which really rockets the price upwards.
It will be interesting to see what Mercedes Australia does with the GLE and GLS pricing.
hoffmeister_fan
Kraftwagen König
This has to be one of the ugliest engine bays and it says 6 cylinder, really???
It ain't pretty, but that's par for the course for most modern engine bays that are shrouded in plastic. At least there's some eye-candy with the CF reinforcement.
bum-man
Driving Dynamics Pro
This has to be one of the ugliest engine bays and it says 6 cylinder, really???
Hey, better to be brutally honest than slap some stupid shit marketing jargon on it.
Hey man, whats that thing got??? Its got a Twin POWER Turbo.
55tamperln
Precision Tuner
they didn't move the needle at all with that third row. same space as last gen, no moonroof.
that being said, if the styling is your cup of tea, seems to be an exceptional vehicle otherwise.
that being said, if the styling is your cup of tea, seems to be an exceptional vehicle otherwise.
Merc1
Premium
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Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz Group AG is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany.
Established in 1926, Mercedes-Benz Group produces consumer luxury
vehicles and light commercial vehicles badged as Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG,
and Mercedes-Maybach.
Its origin lies in Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft's 1901 Mercedes
and Carl Benz's 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen, which is widely regarded
as the first internal combustion engine in a self-propelled automobile.
The slogan for the brand is "the best or nothing".
Official website: Mercedes-Benz (Global), Mercedes-Benz (USA)
Official website: Mercedes-Benz (Global), Mercedes-Benz (USA)
