2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class Review

Name: 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class Review
Brand: Mercedes-Benz

Price Range: $40,995 - $61,990

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class AMG GLS 63 4dr SUV Exterior

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The GLS quickly impresses with its excellent combination of comfort, performance and technology. It takes everything we enjoy about the top-rated GLE SUV and puts it into a larger, more potent package, and it might just be one of the most well-rounded vehicles on sale today.

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AMG GLS 63

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class Review

by Ronald Montoya^{Senior Consumer Advice Editor & Content Strategy
Ronald Montoya has worked in the automotive industry since 2008. He has written over a thousand car related articles and bought and sold over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Ronald is a senior consumer advice editor and content strategy at Edmunds and has also contributed to the Associated Press. He has also been featured on ABC, NBC and NPR on a number of car shopping topics. He got his start in the auto industry by taking a part-time job at a car dealership, where he worked in the service and accounting department.}

Pros

Best in comfort and easily seats adults in all three rows
Plenty of helpful technology and safety features
Responsive engines and stable handling give the feel of driving a smaller SUV
Flexible cargo capacity

Cons

Some interior controls and buttons are too small or hard to find

What's new

New AMG GLS 63 model
Minor revisions to standard feature content
Part of the third GLS generation introduced for 2020

Overview

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS is Mercedes' large three-row luxury SUV. It received a thorough redesign last year, and it has earned a top spot in our rankings due to its high levels of luxury, refinement and technology. This year, Mercedes has expanded the GLS lineup with the performance-focused AMG GLS 63 S. Sure, there are plenty of luxury three-row SUVs out there. But few of them make 600 horsepower.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class GLS 450 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 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 $3.79 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$217/mo

$220/mo

Avg. Large SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

The GLS offers a genuinely comfortable space for six or seven adults, making it ideal for chauffeuring a growing family around or driving partners at the firm out to lunch. Adding the AMG GLS 63 trim just means that there's no ceiling to the expectations Mercedes buyers have of their SUVs, or how much they're willing to pay. Interested? Get our full in-depth analysis on the 2021 GLS by reading our Expert Rating below.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Great

8.6

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

8.5/10

How does the GLS-Class drive? The raw numbers are frankly astounding and, on paper, suggest a much smaller and far sportier vehicle. Our GLS 450 test vehicle sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, which is more than adequate for a luxury SUV with a base engine. It feels strong too, no matter what situation you're driving in. The engine's mild hybrid system improves both performance and efficiency and makes for super-smooth power delivery. Our biggest complaint: occasional hiccups from the transmission.

Stops from 60 mph came in just 105 feet, one of the best results we've seen from any SUV. That's genuine performance-car territory. Part of that comes courtesy of the no-cost summer tires that our test SUV had, which help provide plenty lateral grip too. The steering is light and makes the GLS easy to maneuver in a parking lot or in traffic.

Comfort

8.5/10

How comfortable is the GLS-Class? Mercedes-Benz nailed it when it comes to on-road comfort. The seats are supportive and hugely adjustable, and optional massagers help keep you comfortable after a few hours behind the wheel. The heated and ventilated seats work well, and the automatic climate control quickly evens out cabin temperatures.

There's little intrusion from the outside world, with just a bit of road noise on rough pavement. The ride quality is excellent with the optional E-Active Body Control suspension. It's smooth and composed, ironing out most road imperfections without floating or wallowing. Large wheels can hurt ride quality in many SUVs, but our test vehicle with optional 21-inch wheels didn't seem fazed.

Interior

9/10

How’s the interior? The GLS' interior is excellent from almost every perspective. The driving position is upright and commanding, but you always feel comfortably ensconced in the GLS. There's plenty of room in all three rows, and 6-foot-plus adults can fit comfortably in the easy-to-access third row. The large windows help all-around visibility and make passengers in the rear feel less claustrophobic.

The controls are all well placed and easy to reach, but there's a lot of them and the small text means you have to take your eyes off the road until you work up the muscle memory. Separating the seat controls between the door and the infotainment system is a bit frustrating too.

Technology

9.5/10

How’s the tech? Mercedes' infotainment system is a marvel and benchmark for the class even if the learning curve is a bit steep. The navigation system in particular is a standout, and the augmented reality overlay and turn-by-turn directions in the instrument cluster and head-up display are compelling reasons to ditch the apps on your phone. That said, both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. All three rows have USB-C ports, and a standard wireless charging pad sits in front of the cupholders.

The driver aids are equally impressive. The adaptive cruise control is among the best we've tested. In traffic, the system maintains a reasonable gap and can slow the GLS down to a complete stop, then start going again when traffic moves.

Storage

8/10

How’s the storage? With the seats down, the GLS' cargo area offers up to 84.7 cubic feet of cargo area behind the front seats. Space drops to 17.4 cubes with all the rows upright, which isn't enough to haul luggage for every passenger. Space is decent enough for the class, though the GLS trails the cavernous Navigator, which offers up 103.3 cubic feet behind the front seats.

The second and third row seats fold flat and can be dropped with buttons in the hatch. Small-item storage is great, with lots of pockets, bins and cupholders spread throughout the cabin. The GLS 450 is rated to tow 7,700 pounds, which places it ahead of its main rival, the BMW X7. Should towing be a high priority, the Lincoln Navigator is again superior, capable of towing 8,300 pounds.

Fuel Economy

8/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA puts fuel economy at 21 mpg combined (19 city/23 highway), impressive numbers for a vehicle this big and capable. On our evaluation loop, the GLS matched the 21 mpg combined rating. The GLS returned 19 mpg over extended driving distances through mixed traffic and loaded with passengers and cargo.

Value

8/10

Is the GLS-Class a good value? The GLS isn't cheap, but nothing at this price point can match its impressive build quality. Options can add up quickly, but the GLS is no worse than other luxury SUVs. No other competitor puts together such a well-appointed package for less money. The four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty is average for the class.

Wildcard

8.5/10

The GLS delivers everything you expect from a Mercedes-Benz vehicle. It packs a clean, understated design, and it's loaded with the latest and greatest tech. Luxury vehicles shouldn't make you work, and the engine provides smooth, effortless power. It sounds good too, especially at full acceleration. It's easy to drive and just a generally nice place to spend an hour or 10 behind the wheel.

Which GLS-Class does Edmunds recommend?

We think that most people should opt for the GLS 450. Its six-cylinder engine has sufficient power and nets better fuel efficiency than the V8 models. It's also generally available with the same standard and optional features. The main reason to consider the V8-powered GLS 580 or AMG GLS 63 is if you plan on doing a lot of towing. Either way, make sure to get the Driver Assistance Package Plus since it adds some desirable features, including adaptive cruise control.

Compare 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class models

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is a three-row luxury SUV available in three main versions: GLS 450, GLS 580 and AMG GLS 63. Each has a robust set of standard features, with plenty more available as options. The trim levels mainly differ by the engine. We review the ultra-luxurious Maybach GLS separately on Edmunds. Feature highlights include:

GLS 450
The base trim GLS comes equipped with:

Turbocharged six-cylinder (362 hp)
Nine-speed automatic transmission
All-wheel drive
Adaptive air suspension system (can raise or lower the ride height of the vehicle and adjust to improve ride comfort and handling)
Seating for seven people
Sunroof
Heated and ventilated front seats
Adaptive LED headlights
Customizable ambient interior lighting
Four-zone climate control
Simulated leather upholstery (MB-Tex)

Technology features include:

MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch displays
Burmester surround-sound system
Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Wireless charging pad
Nine USB ports
Navigation
Keyless entry and ignition

Every GLS also comes with:

Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Blind-spot monitoring (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the GLS and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)

GLS 580
Adds the following features:

Twin-turbo V8 (483 hp)
Five-zone climate control
Leather upholstery
Upgraded multi-contour front seats with massage

AMG GLS 63
Focuses on performance with:

More powerful twin-turbo V8 (603 hp)
High-performance brakes
Sport suspension
More supportive seats with AMG badging
Heated and cooled front cupholders

The GLS comes well equipped on its own, but Mercedes-Benz offers an assortment of styling, comfort and technology options. Be on the lookout for:

Driver Assistance Package Plus

Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Evasive steering assist (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance)
Speed limit assist (detects and displays posted speed limit signs on the instrument panel, alerting you if the limit is exceeded)

E-Active Body Control (upgraded suspension that can lean the GLS into turns to improve passenger comfort; GLS 580 only)
Second-row captain's chairs (six-passenger capacity)
Upgraded second-row seating (Executive Rear Seat package)
Rapid-heating front seats with heated front armrests and upper door panels
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
Enhanced insulation from cabin noise (Acoustic Comfort package)
Upgraded Burmester sound system
Panoramic sunroof

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

3.5/5Above Average

#5 out of 20 among Luxury Fullsize SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class from 2008-2022.}

$937/yr

vs. $735/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.59x/yr

vs. 1.83x/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

14.7%

vs. 16.5%
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class Reviews

Owner Reviews

3.8

32 reviews

5(53%)

4(9%)

3(9%)

2(16%)

1(13%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

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)

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. …

Hey Mercedes!

Bret, 03/13/2020

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class GLS 450 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)

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. Update: I've owned the vehicle 4.5 years now. I really enjoy it. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a luxury SUV. I would NOT recommend getting the adaptive cruise control. I was short sighted in not getting the towing package.

GLS580 issue

GLS 580 owner, 12/22/2019

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class GLS 580 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)

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 …

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)

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.

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the GLS-Class since its last redesign.

See all 32 reviews of the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

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2021 GLS-Class Highlights

Type:

SUV

Trim:

GLS 450 4MATIC

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$76,000
Engine Type	Mild hybrid
Combined MPG	21 MPG
Cost to Drive	$217/month
Seating	7 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	17.4 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the GLS-Class models:

Active Brake Assist: Alerts driver is a front collision is imminent and applies the brakes if the driver fails to respond.
Blind-Spot Assist: Warns if a vehicle is hiding in the GLS' blind spot and alerts passengers to approaching cars or cyclists before they open their door.
Active Steering Assist: Helps center the vehicle in its lane, even on tight or curvy roads.

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2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class Review

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2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-ClassGLS 450 4MATIC 4dr SUV

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-ClassGLS 580 4MATIC 4dr SUV

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-ClassGLS 450 4MATIC 4dr SUV

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which GLS-Class does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Beautiful combined with no QC

Hey Mercedes!

GLS580 issue

4.74 Stars, Almost perfect, but...

2021 GLS-Class Highlights

Safety

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2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
GLS 450 4MATIC 4dr SUV

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
GLS 580 4MATIC 4dr SUV

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
GLS 450 4MATIC 4dr SUV