2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class Review
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class Review





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Used GLS-Class for sale
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class model years
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class types
- SUV
- GLS 63 AMG
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Edmunds' Expert Review

byCalvin Kim
Vehicle Test Engineer
Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.Pros
- Spacious third-row seat can accommodate adults
- Ample acceleration with any powertrain choice
- Quiet cabin with luxurious trim
- Available off-road package gives it true capability in the dirt
Cons
- Large price jump from GLS 450 to GLS 550
- Many desirable features don't come standard
Vehicle overview
The 2018 GLS-Class is Mercedes-Benz's flagship SUV. It's available with three engines, a twin-turbo V6 (362 horsepower, 369 pound-feet of torque) in the GLS 450; a twin-turbo V8 (449 hp, 516 lb-ft) in the GLS 550; and an even more powerful V8 (577 hp, 561 lb-ft) in the barnstorming GLS 63 AMG variant. The GLS 450 and GLS 550 are equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission, while the GLS 63 AMG comes with a seven-speed automatic. All GLS models feature Mercedes-Benz's all-wheel-drive system called 4Matic.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class GLS 450 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.32 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$281/mo for GLS-Class GLS 450 4MATIC
GLS-Class GLS 450 4MATIC
vs
$258/mo
Avg. Large SUV
Still, outright performance is not what the GLS is about. Rather, the GLS is designed to accommodate passengers and cargo with features such as second-row seats with adjustable recline. And, in a pinch, seats can be stowed and moved for flexible cargo requirements. With optional features, all of this can be done electronically at the touch of a button.
Thanks to its street-oriented suspension, the GLS rides smoothly over the road, giving drivers and passengers one of the most serene experiences in its class. And yet an available body roll control system and sport-oriented suspension can firm up the handling.
Some buyers may hesitate once they see the price, particularly if it's a well-equipped example. And others may find the size and dynamics too big and too soft, respectively. But the GLS is levels above the cutthroat midsize SUV and crossover market, and it dominates in the full-size segment by bringing an S-class to the SUV fight.
Notably, we picked the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class as one of Edmunds' Best Luxury SUVs for 2018.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is a three-row, full-size luxury SUV. It's a people and gear hauler that combines Mercedes-Benz's luxury DNA with a smooth ride, quiet interior, expert craftsmanship and highly flexible interior.
Trim tested
Edmunds has not yet driven a recent version of this vehicle, but we have limited experience with its predecessor. The following is our first take on what's significant about it and what you can expect.
Driving
Straight-line performance is admirable, but handling on twisty roads is less refined.
Comfort
The GLS-Class is designed to deliver a luxurious feel and succeeds admirably. Virtually no noise or harshness enters the cabin.
Interior
Our test car was equipped with Mercedes' Designo leather interior that offers Bentley quality at about half the price. Truly terrific.
Utility
With the third row up, there's ample space in the GLS-Class. Thanks to folding second and third rows, the GLS is quite utilitarian.
Technology
The GLS includes a number of standard features, but the good stuff is optional. You'll pay extra for satellite radio, navigation, keyless entry, etc.
Which GLS-Class does Edmunds recommend?
Most buyers will be well-served by the GLS 450. It delivers solid performance along with its luxurious cabin, plus it leaves room for customization with numerous options packages.
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class models
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is a seven-passenger, large luxury SUV that's offered in three models. The GLS 450 is the base model that's well equipped but doesn't include many of the higher-end features you might expect in an luxury SUV. The GLS 550, ups the power and includes many features that are optional on the GLS 450. Finally, performance aficionados will be drawn to the ultra-powerful AMG GLS 63. All three feature standard all-wheel drive.
The GLS 450 comes with a turbocharged V6 engine (362 hp, 369 lb-ft), 19-inch alloy wheels, a self-leveling air suspension, power-folding and auto-dimming side mirrors, LED running lights and taillights, roof rails, a power liftgate and Mbrace Connect remote vehicle access (via smartphone app; includes remote start).
Interior highlights include premium vinyl upholstery, heated front seats, a 10-way power driver seat (with four-way power lumbar adjustment), driver-seat memory settings, a power-adjustable leather-wrapped steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, genuine wood trim and dual-zone automatic climate control. Technology highlights include the COMAND infotainment interface (with both a control knob and a touchpad), an 8-inch central display, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, a 115-volt household-style power outlet, and a sound system that features HD radio and dual USB ports.
An available Premium package adds keyless entry and ignition, a power front passenger seat with memory settings, lighted door sills and multicolor ambient lighting, a navigation system with real-time traffic, voice controls, Apple CarPlay and satellite radio, as well as lane keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring.
The Lighting package bundles adaptive LED headlights and automatic high beams. The Parking Assist package adds front and rear parking sensors, an automated parallel parking system and a surround-view camera system. Also available are three-zone automatic climate control, ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, a 13-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with a CD/DVD player, an SD card reader, and multicontour front seats that add a massaging feature and adjustable side bolsters and shoulder supports.
The GLS 550 starts with all of the above as standard, but it uses a twin-turbo V8 engine (449 hp, 516 lb-ft). It also adds 21-inch alloy wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, sporty exterior styling cues, soft-close doors and upgraded interior trim (including wood steering-wheel inserts). The optional Night package throws in 21-inch black wheels and gloss-black exterior accents.
Optional items on both the GLS 450 and GLS 550 include a panoramic sunroof, heated second-row seats, diamond-quilted leather upholstery and the Driver Assistance package, which adds adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and front and rear collision mitigation. Also available is an Off-Road package that includes an upgraded multimode terrain selector, a dual-range transfer case and front underbody protection; on the GLS 450, it also adds the GLS 550's standard adaptive dampers.
The high-performance AMG GLS 63 starts with most of the above and adds an even more powerful turbocharged V8 (577 hp, 561 lb-ft), a sport exhaust, exclusive 21-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, adaptive stabilizer bars (the Active Curve System in Mercedes-speak), AMG-specific styling elements inside and out, enhanced bolstering for the front seats, upgraded leather upholstery and a flat-bottom sport steering wheel.
All three GL models can also be outfitted with a trailer hitch, a heated steering wheel, power-sliding second-row seats for improved third-row access, rear side-window sunshades, a rear entertainment system, a Wi-Fi hotspot and a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.
5 star(65%)
4 star(12%)
3 star(15%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(8%)
26 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
It's the road trip king
S. Shows, 07/05/2016
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class GLS 550 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (4.7L 8cyl Turbo 9A)
Traded in my 2014 GL 450 for the 2017 GLS 550. The GL was the best SUV that I have owned (Range Rover, Navigator, Yukon Denali XL). On the surface the GLS seemed to be very similar, but I have found it to be more comfortable with an even better ride. The seat comfort (in the front) is a step up from the GL. Operating this SUV is a pleasurable experience akin to driving a large … automobile. I don't need the third row seats as often as I did (kids are grown), but the rear space is fantastic. I especially like the lockable under floor storage in the rear. The programmable driving modes are a nice feature as is the steering assistant. I also got the off-road package this time with the extra height adjustment and the low-range feature. This gives you some undercarriage protection and low-end torque that the standard 4 matic does not have. The 550 has quite a bit more power than the 450 did. The 9 speed automatic transmission is very smooth. The technology is great however, the ECO engine cutoff is automatically activated even time you start the vehicle, or when changing the driving mode. If you dislike this feature, you have to remember to manually de-activate it every time you start up. The interior has been upgraded a bit, but still needs to be more like the S-Class. Although the new center screen is bright and easy to read. GL's was a bit small. It is more at home on the highway than my Range Rover was and more comfortable. It's too early to tell about the reliability yet, but my previous GL was outstanding in that department. With the cost at around $100k, the GLS 450 is probably a better value. The 550 represents about $20k worth of extra horsepower, leather seating and bells & whistles. If I still had kids to haul around, I would have gotten another 450.
5 out of 5 stars
Simply amazing. Test drive it and you will know.
Jlo, 10/24/2017
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class GLS 550 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (4.7L 8cyl Turbo 9A)
Is this a car or a magic carpet? Truly it’s like an escalator that effortlessly lifts you along. We test drove and put a deposit on an Audi Q7. We didn’t want the stigma of a Mercedes and to hear comments from family or neighbors. My wife just wasn’t in love with the idea of the Q7 and neither was I. It was too small and lacked a spare tire. We finally said the heck with it and test … drove the Benz. We knew immediately it was the right car for us and cancelled the Q7 order. I drive a Dodge Durango that is built on the same platform as the GLS. There is no comparison, the interior or the Benz is smaller because the body is made with more high-strength steel. This car is a vault and safety is my highest priority. I’m a cheapskate. But I will spend money for safety. Everything about this car is impeccable. The LED headlights amazing. Air suspension amazing, go off road and it raises the car 5 inches. Put it in sport mode and it keeps the car flat on winding roads. My wife is amazed by this car. She feels confident and assured. The only thing I don’t care for is the electronic interface and that is just a matter of reading the manual. I have no other complaints. It was expensive. But it is worth it to protect my family and to reward my wife for putting up with me. Test drive this car before you buy anything else. It is so easy and fun to drive.
3 out of 5 stars
Great Luxury SUV - Dangerous Halogn Lights
VAMSIDHAR POKALA, 01/17/2018
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class GLS 450 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 9A)
I have been using this SUV past 3 years. Here is my experience.
Past 3 years enjoyed driving the SUV for all errands, road trips. It is great to drive with family. Driving comfort for long journey is great for all passengers. The SUV is able to maintain a quiet cabin and driving experience is amazing and stress free. Improvements with Apple Car play let us avoid the not so friendly Merc … Navigation.
Reason for 3 start Review
There is no lighting package in this SUV and it was not in my shopping list thought that car will be fine with out fancy headlights. Never imagined my investment went to wrong route. The headlights are so dim that i had to rely on other vehicles bright headlights. Driivng in rain or fog is out of question. I rather take my other vehicle or rent than relying on this vehicle. I ended up into close accidents in bad weather situations. I reported to Mercedes, Dealers, NHA and ended up no luck and the Friendly answer from Merc that you have the lights that is what you have to use.
i decided to go for after market and planning to go for alternate.
Note- if you are buying without a lighting package, give a second thought.
The following features are must to get best out of Mercedes.
Driver Assistance Package
Lighting Package
Improvements needed - No Music Track change option on steering wheel, have to rely on multi-function button.
No wireless charging pad or space for keeping phones. Need some space improvements.
Access to 3 rd row is not friendly.
4 out of 5 stars
great car, except for poor information system
L. G., 09/20/2016
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class GLS 450 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 9A)
I have been driving the new GLS 450 for 2 months. I used to drive a Cadillac CTS and this new Truck gives me a similar driving experience (except that I don't want to do a quick/sharp turn) and sometimes it even gives me even more confidence in handling. It is very spacious; I keeps the 3rd row folded during most of time and carried lots of stuff in the truck (e.g. two large palm … trees!). The interior is also very good for the price. The only major downside is the information system: if I had it 10 years ago I would probably have liked it lot, but in the year of 2016, this system is way too old fashioned. The information does not even have a TOUCH SCREEN! Instead, it uses a gigantic control knob with technology already invented in the 90's. Furthermore, some of the common controls are hard to find (e.g. turning on/off bluetooth) - one should be able to push a button to do it. If you connect your phone to the car via bluetooth, it can be very very annoying, so does the AirPlay feature, because the car will stop the music for any notification coming from your phone. And only two USB ports? Overall, I still like to drive this car without its old-fashioned information system, but I hope Mercedes can improve it in the next model - after all, if I could just replace that screen with my iPad, it would give me a much better information system already.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the GLS-Class since its last redesign.
2018 GLS-Class Highlights
SUV
GLS 450 4MATIC
Base MSRP | $69,550 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $281/month |
Seating | 7 seats |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the GLS-Class models:
- Crosswind Stabilization
- Helps drivers keep their car going straight down the road by monitoring vehicle sensors and reacting to crosswinds.
- Active Parking Assist
- Lets you know when a parking spot is big enough for the car and helps the driver parallel park into the space.
- Active Blind-Spot Assist
- Warns you when a vehicle is in your blind spot. Can also help prevent accidents by steering back into the lane.
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