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.
Part of the third GLS generation introduced for 2020
What is it?
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS is Mercedes' large three-row luxury SUV. Mercedes redesigned it last year, and it's earned a top spot in our rankings because of its high levels of luxury, refinement and technology. Now Mercedes is expanding the GLS lineup with the performance-focused AMG GLS 63 S.
How much power and performance does it get?
The AMG GLS comes in one flavor (for now), and that's the GLS 63. Like the more sedate 483-horsepower GLS 580 SUV, the 63 uses a twin-turbocharged V8 that also features a small 48-volt electric motor attached to the crankshaft.
This isn't a hybrid — there's no separate battery pack that can power the car alone. Rather the GLS uses a mild hybrid assist (Mercedes calls it "EQ Boost") that not only aids engine starting but also delivers a jolt of low-speed power when needed. The result is a rather absurd 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque put to the pavement through a nine-speed transmission and standard all-wheel-drive system. Other typical AMG touches also abound, such as a performance-oriented adaptive air suspension with advanced body-roll control.
Why does it matter?
Sure, there are plenty of luxury three-row SUVs out there. But few of them make 600 hp. The GLS offers a real, comfortable space for six or seven adults, making it ideal for growing families or driving partners at the firm out to lunch. Adding the AMG 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.
What does it compete with?
The GLS 63 has the lock on high-powered three-row SUVs. But there are a few close contenders. The Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR cranks out up to 575 hp, but its third row is pretty small. The Tesla Model X has a roomy, adult-friendly third row and produces very quick acceleration from its all-electric powertrain, but it lacks the everyday versatility of most competitors.
There's also the oft-rumored but unconfirmed BMW X7 M, which could also easily adapt its twin-turbo V8 to seismic levels of power. Buyers simply looking for a blindingly fast SUV that can seat four or five passengers have several to choose from, including the Jaguar F-Pace SVR, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo or even the Lamborghini Urus.
How does it drive?
Behind the wheel of the AMG GLS 63 S, it's a bit of a tale of two SUVs. On one hand, it can be a pleasantly accessible and easy-to-drive SUV. In its default Comfort drive mode, there's little hint of the performance potential or raw theater that comes with 603 horsepower. Flick the drive mode switch to engage the Sport mode and the 63 S' character changes abruptly.
The engine goes from sounding like a typical V6 to a high-performance V8, which is precisely what you'd expect from AMG. The suspension stiffens slightly to enable more athletic cornering and the throttle response sharpens. We won't say the GLS 63 S drives like a sports car, but it definitely deserves a bold "S" for SUV.
Mercedes says it'll reach 60 mph in a scant 4.1 seconds, which is ridiculously quick for a large three-row SUV. Handling is equally impressive, with body roll managed by the Active Ride Control suspension system that allows the GLS to corner much flatter. Even better, in the stiffest suspension setting, the ride quality remains composed and comfortable. It's not quite as smooth as the base GLS, but considering the gains in handling, it's a minor sacrifice.
We have but a few complaints with the 2021 AMG GLS 63 S. The transmission occasionally makes some uncharacteristically rough gear changes, and the lane-keeping assist system is far too sensitive and heavy-handed in its steering corrections when it tries to keep you in your lane.Thankfully, you can disable the lane-keeping system if you want.
What's the interior like?
The standard GLS interior is attractively designed and smartly engineered. The AMG GLS 63 S' cabin is essentially the same, though you do get an AMG steering wheel, premium Nappa leather, and sport front seats that have larger side bolsters to keep you in place when carving through turns.
One notable option is the Executive Rear Seat package that adds multicontour massaging second-row seats that are heated and ventilated. You also get a large center console between those seats that features a 7-inch MBUX infotainment display and a wireless charging pad.
Other options include a head-up display, enhanced navigation system functionality (it creates augmented reality directions on a front live-video camera image shown on one of the GLS' display screens), a premium Burmester surround-sound system, and various other aesthetic and comfort items.
How practical is it?
In terms of transporting up to seven passengers, the GLS excels. It can even comfortably fit taller adults in the third-row seats. If you want to transport a lot of cargo, the GLS provides 84.7 cubic feet of capacity when you fold the second- and third-row seats down. That's more than what you get from Mercedes' GLE and about the same as from BMW's big X7 SUV.
Hauling both people and cargo is trickier. Luggage space behind the third rows is limited to a paltry 17.4 cubic feet, which means you probably won't have enough space for seven people and their stuff. If that's a regular occurrence for you, you might want to consider upsizing to an even larger SUV such as the Lincoln Navigator or new Cadillac Escalade.
Edmunds says
The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 combines the luxury, refinement and cutting-edge technology of the GLS class with rowdy German muscle. It promises performance, utility, a usable third row, and even off-road ability in a package with astonishing power.
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
Frequency
0.59x/yr
vs. 1.83x/yr for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
Severity
14.7%
vs. 16.5% for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
12 recalls found
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.