Used 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 GLS-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the GLS-Class since its last redesign.
Beautiful combined with no QC
John Gamble, 12/22/2020
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class GLS 450 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)
39 of 39 people found this review helpful
The ride is absolutely stunning and the interior is downright beautiful. We love the tech and features... kids can’t get enough of the ambient lighting options. But there’s a catch. The build quality just plain sucks. We’re had the car for 2ish months, and it’s already spent 9 days in the shop. First, the high fan made a crazy loud noise. Then the rain sensing wipers didn’t sense rain. Now we have a window that sounds like it is going to fail when we roll it down. Also there appears to be a subtle fit issue on the rear bumper. These cars are built in the US, and I get the sense that they have no idea how to put them together. There is so much tech, and so many points of failure. I feel like we are going to have a very close relationship with the dealer over the life of this car. At least it’s pretty and drives well. Update on 1/4/2020 - Two more issues after getting the car back last week... a check engine light and a warning that the collision avoidance system is disabled because the sensor is dirty (the sensor does not appear to be dirty). A word to the wise... think long and hard before buying this car.
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Hey Mercedes!
Bret, 03/13/2020
updated 09/22/2022
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class GLS 450 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)
34 of 34 people found this review helpful
I just bought this SUV so I am just learning all it can do. The coolest thing about it is the voice-activated commands. I’ve had earlier voice-activated interfaces but they didn’t work that well. This one works. If you have an Apple you’re familiar with Siri. Here you say “Hey Mercedes”. The voice says how can I help you? You say navigate to (wherever) and the navigation routes you to (wherever). You say turn on heated seats, the car turns on the heated seats. You say call (someone in your contacts), the call calls that person. Etc, Etc. Very Cool. Six month update: I still love the car. It gets great gas mileage for a big SUV. One odd thing I could do without is when the Nav route is programmed and you come to a turn, the dash shows the view in front of the car. So the dash shows the same thing as looking through the window. It’s kinda annoying and utterly unnecessary. Just came back from a coast to coast road trip in my GLS. I still like the car, but here a a few shortcomings: Nav system wanted to route us off the interstate and through the city to put us back on the interstate?? We ended up just ignoring the nav system and continuing on the interstate. This happened multiple times. Adaptive cruise control was very aggravating. On posted 70 mph interstates, I set cruise control @ 75 mph to keep with traffic flow. The car would often catch a signal and slow to 70 mph. Additionally, car would slow around curves. Both instances very aggravating as rest of traffic continued at constant speed. Finally, the steering seemed to get squishy, or loose when the cruise control was engaged. Not sure I would get adaptive cruise control again. Positives: very comfortable ride and 26 mpg. Two year update. I still really like the ride and comfort of this vehicle. The biggest annoyance I have is the Navi guidance. It often makes nonsensical routings. I previously mentioned how it would want me to get off the interstate to go thru the city just to get back on. Another example: I wanted to find a Home Depot. It found one < 5 miles ahead on the same street I was on. The Navi wanted me to turn right, jump on the freeway, exit the freeway to put me back on the street I was already on. I ignored the Navi, just went straight down the street. I do this often and let the Navi recalculate the route from my better route. For a system that has ‘learning’ capabilities, it’s pretty dumb. Google directions is much better and gives multiple routes to choose from. Update: don’t like how message appears ‘2nd row right & 2nd row left seats not locked’ when you have the 2nd row seats down. Message appears in place of odometer read out and you have to manually toggle twice (once for each seat) every time the car is started.
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GLS580 issue
GLS 580 owner, 12/22/2019
updated 06/26/2020
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class GLS 580 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)
41 of 42 people found this review helpful
Our new GLS580 with just 108 miles is back at dealer with severe heat issue in center console. So hot, we were worried about fire. Very disappointed that it is now laid up till issue is found and resolved. Driving it was great, but short lived for now sadly. Update - false alarm, it turns out second row system was set at factory on high heat and the second row vents were closed so all the heat that goes under console could not get out. Stupid problem that was easy to resolve. This is our third GLS and WOW what a difference in ride and technology!
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4.74 Stars, Almost perfect, but...
Jay Poocha, 03/23/2021
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class GLS 450 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)
48 of 50 people found this review helpful
Over the years, we have owned many Luxury SUVS and a few mini-vans. We purchased a 2021 GLS 450 in early November 2020. As of today, we have driven 25,402 miles! That's not a typo. In a very short period of time, we have discovered the strengths and weaknesses of the GLS. The strengths: 1. Overall comfort, especially the front seats, is awesome. 2. The added massaging seats is a nice option (get it, you won't be disappointed on long trips). 3. The ride is smooth on the highway and around town; however, I prefer to use the individualized setting option for the sports suspension on the highway to firm up the ride, otherwise it can be a tad floaty. I prefer a stiffer, more controlled ride. 4. Passing is done with ease at speed; however the 450 holds gears a bit long when rapidly accelerating. It eventually finds its place after a brief struggle. Not bad, but not perfect. After driving 25K in a very short period of time, I would like MB to strongly consider improving a few areas in the cabin: 1. The cell phone ports (only usb c type) must be better placed. They are extremely difficult to plug cords into, plus need some type of ambient lighting to see at night. The wireless charging pad is a pain in the rear to use with a case on a telephone. The space is extremely tight. This must be corrected at some point. The power outlet in the second row is horribly placed. In fact, MB get a F- for its placement, and another F for the amount of space allocated for any charging bases larger than standard size. Just the worst of anything we have ever owned. Outside of these minor issues, my wife wishes MB would add a place for cellphones besides the cupholders or wireless charger area. This is an obvious deign oversight. Second row comfort in the captain's chairs is good, but I would strongly considering getting it with the bench in the future for the center armrest. Although the captain's seats are comfortable, again MB needs to add more places for storage. The third row works for smaller adults and children. We occasionally use it, it works for the occasional trip when are children are traveling with us. The real trick is placement of luggage; three suitcases and a duffle is tight - this requires folding one of the third row seats flat. Although not ideal, it works. For ultimate convenience, I would suggest either a Cadillac ESV or, bite my tongue - a fully loaded Chrysler Pacifica. Having owned both these other vehicles, I can say luggage space is rarely an issue. This leads me to my final thoughts on the GLS, I really like it a lot, its almost perfect except for the few issues I outlined. If MB can address the charging issues, phone placement issues and tweak the trans on shifting on the middle range when accelerating, it is hands down a superior SUV for long trips, daily comfort and drivability around town. It feels rock sold on the highway and does extremely well in rain. If you desire luxury, a very solid feeling ride, solid handling and decent MPG (I'm averaging about 23 MPG) I highly recommend the GLS.
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No issues first year
MarkG, 11/28/2021
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class GLS 580 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)
14 of 14 people found this review helpful
Bought the 580 version fully loaded. Have about 12,000 miles on it, with no real issues. Had to top off coolant, and replenish cabin fragrance. Delivers on interior , versatility and quiet ride. Only nit I would have is ride quality over choppy road. The E-Active body control is suppose to scan road and adjust accordingly. My old GL was as smooth, without the $6,500 option. That said, curve mode probably makes it worth it. Ding one star for ride quality.
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