Used 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class SUV Consumer Reviews
Used GLS-Class for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
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)
61 of 64 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.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
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)
16 of 16 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.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class for sale near you
Showing 3 of 47 listings
- GLS 450 4MATIC 4dr SUVMSRP: $35,99589 mi away
- GLS 450 4MATIC 4dr SUVMSRP: $38,99589 mi away
- GLS 450 4MATIC 4dr SUVMSRP: $53,99877 mi away
See all 47 listings
Spaceship look & comfortable ride, it goes down af
C Frye, 09/28/2021
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class GLS 450 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)
36 of 38 people found this review helpful
Windshield wipers auto does not work, Trying to get into Neutral takes an act of god, easy trunk kick function doesn't work, trunk button you have to hold down & that doesn't guarantee trunk is closed, slowing down breaking is very jerky, map shuts down for days, center mouse pad too sensitive, the safety hatch feature never worked. Been in shop 5 times since December. Cost $97k. Look for another vehicle, not worth the headache.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Electrical gremlins
Bill, 06/30/2021
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class GLS 450 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)
38 of 42 people found this review helpful
We recently bought a 2021 GLS 450. The warning systems work some of the time, but not consistently. We had all the driver assist features malfunction so into the dealer. They found a severed sensor wire which Mercedes said normally wouldn't be covered (The car had 1800 miles on it), but they decided to cover it anyway. Sometimes we get an audible parking assist warning sometimes we don't. My wife managed to back it into another car and never got a warning. I understand it was her fault for relying on the back up warnings, but it is so unreliable that it is really useless. We have had multiple cars with parking assist and never had any problems. It was inspected after the fender bender by the dealer , but they couldn't find any issues. They gave us Mercedes Benz USA contact info. We have collected multiple videos of the system not working to show the Mercedes rep. When we called MB USA, they were confused as to why we were calling them and told us that there are plenty of warnings not to trust the system. Great! Does that mean we shouldn't trust the adaptive cruise or any of the lane assist features? What is the point of having these systems if they don't work. Add in to those issues the incredibly loud drivetrain (also checked by dealer, but told it was normal due to high pressure system like a diesel), I can't recommend this car. It's nice when it works, but no better than competing vehicles. Stay away.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Not good
Captain, 06/20/2021
updated 12/21/2022
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class GLS 450 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)
58 of 65 people found this review helpful
Purchased new 2021 GLS 450 $92000, the SUV is in the shop more than in my garage. Major computer dash problems. After 4 attempts, they can’t solve the problems. MY SUGGESTION!! Stay away from the GLS 450 SUV.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Would have kept it except….
LL, 02/10/2024
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class GLS 450 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
We have owned many luxury vehicles, and traded our 2015 ML350 for the 2021 GLS450. Adored my ML - loved certain things about the GLS, but ultimately gave up on it. The good - comfort was astounding, climate control superb, technology and cameras were stellar, fuel economy surprisingly good (V8 engine and still got 21+mpg). The bad - at 800 miles would not start - spent 2 weeks in service waiting on particular part. Had to have tow-trailer take it from my street in my neighborhood. Wipers constantly “chattered”…very, very annoying especially on trips. Horrible wet, moldy odor from AC in summer that MB knows about and still forces consumer to pay $250 flushing fee. THREE TIMES to dealership for wipers, and final straw was when service tech came to me and said, “you know - you do live in a rural area…”. That’s it - I had had it. Traded immediately for a competitors model. Really truly a shame. Area dealers have shared with us that “after 50k miles MB doesn’t want to deal with you”. I traded a 2021 GLS450 in late 2023 with 8900 miles on it. I will never again deal with the condescending people at a Mercedes dealership. So sad - the product can be truly worth it’s price if the support weren’t so inferior.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Utility wrapped in Luxury
LW Perry, 06/17/2021
updated 12/20/2022
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class GLS 450 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)
13 of 15 people found this review helpful
The redesigned GLS is truly a spacious, luxurious SUV. The 450 has plenty of power and refinement for totally enjoyable driving. The turning radius is extraordinary, and makes for easy parking. Drives smaller and more nimble then it’s size. So far, I’m very happy with this SUV. I upsized from an Audi Q7 and while I loved my Audi, this size was a better fit. Well done Mercedez. UPDATE: after driving this great SUV for a year and a half, I still love it. I’ve had no issues or problems and have only done normal maintenance. I’m very happy with the 450 GLS.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
My favorite gas GLS yet
Mercedeslady, 10/16/2021
updated 04/24/2023
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class GLS 450 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)
10 of 12 people found this review helpful
** Update 4/23 Well, this Mercedes is also plagued by stinky HVAC like my 2017. I am not sure why Mercedes cannot get this under control. We have owned many other makes and have NEVER had this problem with any except Mercedes. This is my third MB SUV. I previously owned a 2017 GLS450 and a 2013 GL350 diesel. I would buy another diesel if they still made them but of the gas models, this one is best. The issues I have are first, with the black plastic around the wheel wells. I hate that, it looks like something that would be on a Honda Pilot. I realize I could avoid that by getting the 580 or the AMG model but I did want to spend $30+ grand to avoid some chepo plastic, I shouldn't have to. Hopefully that goes away with subsequent models. The other issue, I had with my 2017 also, is stinky air conditioning system. Mercy, it smells like gym socks. There is a class action lawsuit for the 2017 so hopefully that will compel them to come up with a fix and apply it to the new ones too. It smells like a new vehicle when it's cool and a locker room when it's hot. An $80k+ vehicle should not have this issue. Apart from these two things, the car handles and drives great for such a big vehicle. It hauls all that we need and the V6 has sufficient power. My husband drives an AMG GLE and it's quicker but the power mine has is sufficient for me. I agree with the previous reviewer about the Driver Assistance package and the massage seats. Great additions especially for road trips. I have had it a year and it has functioned properly the whole time. If Mercedes gets rid of the black plastic and figures out how to keep their AC fresh, I will buy a fourth when I am ready for a new vehicle.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
The Very Best SUV ride available
Dave Sanborn, 09/26/2021
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class GLS 450 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)
9 of 11 people found this review helpful
We purchased a 2020 GLS450 when they first came out and drove it for almost two years. The tech took a little while to get used to and the stereo was a little disappointing given it was a Burmester. The ride was outstanding with really comfortable seats. Zero issues with the vehicle other than a the proximity for the key didn't always work and the nav would route you poorly. The GLS has one of the best 3rd row seats available for space without being an enormous vehicle. We thought we wanted an upgrade and my wife wanted something where she was up higher with a better stereo. We traded ours in on a Range Rover Supercharged. What a mistake! Yes - we were up higher and the Meridian stereo is excellent. That’s about it. The seats were uncomfortable and the ride was poor in comparison. On top of that, nothing worked reliably! Like nothing - the screens would lock up continuously and one time the car wouldn’t start at all. The service at Land Rover was horrible. They couldn’t get us a loaner for 60 days! Needless to say, the Rover lasted 18 days and we decided to go back to the GLS and purchased a 2021 that was optioned significantly better than our first and it really makes a difference. A couple of highly recommended upgrades to get. 1. You must get the Acoustic Comfort Package. Don’t buy this vehicle without it. Absolutely worth the cost. It enhances the stereo and the interior is like a vault. Very little outside sound. 2. Get the all leather multi contour seats with massage - they are fantastic 3. Get the Driver Assistant Plus Package - it’s incredible and works very well. It has to be one of the safest adds available. It will recognize if you fall asleep or pass out, pull over safely, turn the hazards on and call 911! 4. HUD - one of the best Heads Up Displays available There are significant improvements made in 2021. Everything works better. The nav is better, the cameras are out of this world and all of the tech seems to work better. We couldn’t be happier to be back in a GLS and Mercedes has really outdone themselves with this SUV. It’s hard to explain but the ‘21 just works better. First year models are always a little quirky. A word of warning. Our dealer said, like everywhere, the supply chain has been disrupted and they are only getting in low optioned GLS’s. They even had one that had zero options on the lot. The options on ours are going to be very hard to find but don’t settle and hold out for the right one. We bought it the day it arrived at the dealership and there were 5 other people in line behind us to look at it.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Unreliable.
Joe Kozak, 07/23/2022
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class GLS 450 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)
12 of 16 people found this review helpful
I have lost track of how many times this has been in for warranty work.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Former MB customer
JM, 09/19/2022
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class GLS 580 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
Drives out well. Transmission is undecided 30%, of the time. Twice during highway driving releasing the accelerator the auto stop seem to engage. Gages dropped out, engine went limp. It came back to life with accelerator engaged. Rather alarming. Went to trade it MB dealer in Denver wanted another 10k for market adjustment. Got a new SVR, at msrp. MB lost another loyal customer.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Forever Mercedes Benz
Lou, 05/06/2021
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class GLS 450 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)
7 of 11 people found this review helpful
I bought a new 2021 GLS 450 in March 2021. 20 inch Michelin tires.. this is my 4th Merc. and the best one yet..I like the size not too big, easy to drive in town or on the interstate.. Technology is great takes 2 days to learn ..I drive in the sport setting..very nice.. my only suggestions...tighten up the suspension more and smooth out the road even more..and it should be std. Gas mileage add minimally plus two.. I drive MB because of safety and I am 74 yrs old. I need all the help I can get as the yrs roll forward...continue to keep us between the lines..p.s. my 1989 560 SL. Is still a gas to drive.. the g look s 450 is outstanding..
iPhone 12 Doesn’t Charge on charge pad
Raymond Zdradzinski, 10/30/2021
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class GLS 450 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)
5 of 17 people found this review helpful
I recently purchased a 2021 GLS 450 My iPhone 12 will not stay connected to the charger… is it the phone or the charger??
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
so powerful
bom3ath, 11/09/2021
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class GLS 450 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)
2 of 8 people found this review helpful
complete car
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort