2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class Review
Price Range: $23,987 - $75,956
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Great
8.6
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
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.
Price & Payment
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Average price: $45,694
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Price
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.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
32 listings
- $30,444great price$7,107 below market
- 64,924 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, personal use
- 7 Seats, 20 City / 24 Hwy MPG
- Auto Buying Service (18 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Fairfax, VA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
21 Combined MPG (20 City/24 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 4JGFF5KE0MA368673
Stock: ABS7749
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 01-23-2025 - $29,444good price$3,363 below market
- 78,685 miles
- 1 accident, 2 owners, personal use
- 7 Seats, 20 City / 24 Hwy MPG
- Auto Buying Service (18 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Fairfax, VA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
21 Combined MPG (20 City/24 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 4JGFF5KE0MA369287
Stock: ABS8131
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-23-2025
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
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Great
8.6
out of 10
We drove the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class trim level differences
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: Compare the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class trim levels in-depth.
Which GLS-Class trim 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.

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Edmunds Tested: Electric Car Range and Consumption
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$213/mo for GLS-Class GLS 450 4MATIC
GLS-Class GLS 450 4MATIC
vs
$218/mo
Avg. Large SUV
Reliability
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 12 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5, ranks it #5 out of 20 among Luxury Fullsize SUVs. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above 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
$937/yr
vs. $735/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
Frequency
0.59x/yr
vs. 1.83x/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
Severity
14.7%
vs. 16.5%
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
12 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 24V207000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2024040002
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 116020
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2024 GLE 350, 2020-2024 GLE 450, 2020-2023 GLS 580, GLE 580, 2019-2023 GLS 450, 2021-2023 Maybach GLS 600, AMG GLS 63, 2021-2024 AMG GLE 53, AMG GLE 53 Coupe, and AMG GLE 63 S vehicles. A 48-Volt ground connection under the passenger seat may not be secured properly, resulting in the ground connection overheating.
- Defect Consequence:
- An overheated ground connection can increase the risk of a fire.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will inspect and tighten the 48-Volt ground connection as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 3, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024040002.
- Recall Number:
- 24V118000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 105071
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2023 GLE 450 and GLS 450 vehicles. The transmission may not fully downshift in certain conditions, causing the engine to stall.
- Defect Consequence:
- An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will update the transmission control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
- Recall Number:
- 23V445000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2023070012
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 143551
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.
- Defect Consequence:
- A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 18, 2023. Owner notification letters with a remedy were mailed September 29, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070012.
- Recall Number:
- 23V177000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2023030014
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 61450
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 GLE350, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, 2021 AMG GLE53, AMG GLE63, Maybach GLS600, AMG GLS63, and 2020 GLE580 vehicles. The air conditioner drain hoses may have been incorrectly installed, causing water to drain into the passenger compartment.
- Defect Consequence:
- Water intrusion into the foot wells may cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components, increasing the risk of fire. In addition, the emergency call (eCall) feature may be disabled and the doors may not unlock, increasing the risk of injury. Also, the engine may not start or may enter a limp-home mode, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will inspect and reinstall the air conditioner drain hoses, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of recall numbers 21V-288 and 19V-587. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023030014 and 15.
- Recall Number:
- 22V732000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2022100011
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 59574
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 AMG GLS63, 2020-2022 GLS450 and GLS580 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the locks on the third-row seatbacks may fail in the event of a crash.
- Defect Consequence:
- A seat with a seatback lock failure may not properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will inspect and replace the third-row seatback, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022100011.
- Recall Number:
- 22V680000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2022090010
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 161000
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2022 GLE350, GLE450, GLS450, 2021-2022 AMG GLE53, 2020-2021 GLE580, GLS580, and 2021 GLE400e, AMG GLS63, AMG GLE63 S, and Maybach GLS600 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the rear door window trim bars may detach.
- Defect Consequence:
- Detached trim bars may cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will inspect and secure the rear window trim bars, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022090010.
- Recall Number:
- 22V365000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2022060005
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 234918
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
- Defect Consequence:
- A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
- Corrective Action:
- The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022060005.
- Recall Number:
- 22V231000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2022040017
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 21306
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2022 GLE450, GLS450, 2021-2022 AMG GLE53, 2020-2021 GLE580, GLS580, 2021 AMG GLE63, Maybach GLS600 and AMG GLS63 vehicles. A ground cable bolt for the 48V ground connection under the front passenger seat may not be secured properly, which can cause the electrical cable to overheat.
- Defect Consequence:
- An overheated electrical cable can increase the risk of a fire.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will inspect and tighten the ground cable bolt, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040017.
- Recall Number:
- 21V832000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2021110007
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 23
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLE 350, GLE 580, GLS 450, GLS 580, AMG GLE 53, AMG GLE 63 S, and AMG GLS 63 S vehicles. The rear window may be insufficiently bonded to the tailgate, which could allow the rear glass to detach.
- Defect Consequence:
- Detached rear glass can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will replace the rear window, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 8, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
- Recall Number:
- 21V354000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2021050012
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 343191
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Defect Consequence:
- A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Corrective Action:
- The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 28, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050012.
- Recall Number:
- 21V058000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2021020025
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 1292258
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
- Defect Consequence:
- Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 6, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
- Recall Number:
- 20V089000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2020030019
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 2101
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 CLA250, CLA250 4MATIC and CLA35 AMG 4MATIC, 2020-2021 GLE350, GLE350 4MATIC, GLE450 4MATIC, GLS450 4MATIC and GLS580 4MATIC and 2021 GLE53 AMG Coupe, GLE63S AMG 4MATIC, GLS63 AMG 4MATIC and Maybach GLS600 4MATIC vehicles. The instrument cluster software may deactivate the illumination of certain interior switches (switch bar, overhead control unit, steering wheel) if the hazard lights are turned on and the ignition switch is in the 'off' position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."
- Defect Consequence:
- If the interior switches are not illuminated, they may be more difficult to find and operate, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020030019.
Warranty
4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(55%)
4(9%)
3(9%)
2(15%)
1(12%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Hey Mercedes!
5 out of 5 starsBret, 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
5 out of 5 starsGLS 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 … 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!
Beautiful combined with no QC
2 out of 5 starsJohn 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. … 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.
4.74 Stars, Almost perfect, but...
5 out of 5 starsJay 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.
2021 GLS-Class Highlights
SUV
GLS 450 4MATIC
| Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $76,000 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Mild hybrid |
| Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $213/month |
| Seating | 7 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 17.4 cu.ft. |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
| Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
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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