2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class Review
Price Range: $50,590 - $70,998





+256
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.
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What's new
- Panoramic sunroof and metallic paint now standard
- Part of the third GLS generation introduced for 2020
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Missouri
$214/mo for GLS-Class GLS 450 4MATIC
GLS-Class GLS 450 4MATIC
vs
$210/mo
Avg. Large SUV
Reliability Ratings 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
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
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.
No issues first year
4 out of 5 starsMarkG, 11/28/2021
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class GLS 580 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)
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.
Spaceship look & comfortable ride, it goes down af
1 out of 5 starsC Frye, 09/28/2021
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class GLS 450 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)
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.
Transmission Blew Out in 12 Months
2 out of 5 starsCarGuy_Cambridge, 01/19/2024
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class GLS 450 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)
I should have heeded the advise of a colleague who warned about serious quality issues with Mercedes brand. Transmission of my new 2023 GLS blew out completely without any warnings in exactly 12 months, leaving me and my wife stranded in the middle of a busy street. They had to order a new transmission and took a total of 3 weeks to get the car back. While it didn't cost anything out of … pocket thanks to factory warranty, this is not what I had expected from a $100k MB which at one point used to be synonymous with "high quality and reliability". I am going back to BMWs (I have owned 3 of them for a total of 15+ years) or Audi (owned 1, for a total of 6 years).
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the GLS-Class since its last redesign.
2023 GLS-Class Highlights
SUV
GLS 450 4MATIC
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $81,800 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Mild hybrid |
Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $214/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:
- Emergency Call Service
- Standard and complimentary for as long as you own the GLS, this is an automatic collision notification system with an SOS emergency call button.
- Pre-Safe Sound
- When a collision is about to happen, Pre-Safe Sound emits a special tone through the stereo speakers to protect your hearing during the impact.
- Active Emergency Stop Assist
- When using adaptive cruise control and active lane keeping assist, this feature can recognize an unresponsive driver and bring the GLS to safe stop.
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