The 3-row GLS-Class is at the top of the Mercedes-Benz luxury SUV fleet. It offers four distinct trims, although one is a high-performance AMG model. Another is an extension of the ultra-luxury Maybach brand.
In typical Mercedes-Benz style, the GLS can be many things to many people. In standard form, it’s a 3-row SUV capable of carrying six or seven passengers, depending on the configuration. However, opt for the Executive Rear Seat Package, and the GLS transforms into a luxury limousine.
Direct competitors to the GLS include the BMW X7, Audi Q7, Cadillac Escalade, and Lexus LX. Those seeking a greener alternative might choose the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, Tesla Model X, or a hybrid like the Lincoln Aviator, Volvo XC90, and Land Rover Range Rover PHEV.
Prices provided are current at the time of publishing.
What’s New:
The entire GLS line gets modest styling revisions inside and out. New standard features include a capacitive-touch steering wheel, augmented video for the navigation system, and updated MBUX software. Last year’s Driver Assistance Package is now standard.
Due to global capacity issues, the AMG 63’s ceramic brake package is no longer offered.
The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 gains ambient lighting with animated projection and new diamond-stitched upholstery.
Our Recommendation:
We recommend the GLS 450 with the options of your choice. The mild-hybrid powertrain is outstanding, both amply powered and exceptionally smooth.
GLS 450
Starting at $87,000 | See listings
- Turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 with 375 horsepower
- Dual 12.3-inch digital screens
- Driver Assistance Package
- Airmatic suspension
- 4Matic all-wheel drive
- 360-degree monitor
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- 4-zone climate control
- Burmester audio
- Panoramic power sunroof
- See more
GLS 580
Starting at $112,000 | See listings
- 510-hp V8
- Adaptive suspension
- Soft-close doors
- Leather upholstery
- Multicontour massaging front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- 5-zone automatic climate control
- See more
AMG GLS 63
Starting at $145,850 | See listings
- 603-hp hand-built V8
- AMG suspension
- AMG exhaust
- AMG electronic limited-slip differential
- AMG Drive unit
- AMG high-performance brakes
- See more
Maybach GLS 600
Starting at $174,350 | See listings
- 550-hp V8
- E-Active Body Control
- Burmester High-End 3D audio
- Head-up display
- Massaging rear seats
- See more
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450: $87,000
Let’s start with the mechanical highlights.
All GLS-Class SUVs feature Mercedes-Benz 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD). This sophisticated system remains permanently engaged, sending power to the wheels (or wheel) with the best traction.
Powering the GLS 450 is a turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine combined with a mild-hybrid starter/generator producing a combined 375 horsepower. The hybrid system’s contribution to the powertrain comes in the form of pure torque, which helps with rapid off-the-line acceleration and passing.
The GLS 450 rides on an Airmatic air suspension and come fitted with 21-inch wheels, which can be upgraded to 22s or 23s.
Among the cleverer features, Car Wash Mode raises the vehicle for better access to the wheel wells when activated. It also rolls the front camera for a better view when entering the wash, suspends the rain-sensing wipers, closes the windows and sunroof, and sets the climate control to recirculate.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 comes packed with advanced driver-assist systems. In addition to forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking (with pedestrian and cyclist detection), a blind-spot monitor with exit warning, and automatic high-beam headlights, the GLS 450 has crosswind assist, which helps the vehicle stay centered in its lane during gusty conditions.
Last year’s Driver Assistance Package comes standard this year, bringing adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, front cross-traffic detection with emergency braking, active blind-spot assist, active lane-change assist, and speed limit sign recognition. If the driver becomes incapacitated, Active Emergency Stop Assist brings the vehicle to a stop, activates the hazard lights, and calls for help.
A driver attention monitor warns of inattentive driving, and the Active Parking Assistant can parallel or perpendicularly park the GLS. It also detects cross-traffic when backing up.
The standard Surround View Monitor shows a 360-degree view around the GLS, while a downhill speed regulator holds the big Benz to a crawl when descending steep, off-road terrain.
The GLS 450’s handsome exterior features rain-sensing wipers, a rear wiper with auto-on in reverse, power heated side mirrors with driver’s side auto-dimming feature, a hands-free power liftgate, and Intelligent LED headlights that can vary beam intensity and direction.
The SmartKey keyless entry system allows locking or unlocking simply by touching the door handle. With the fob in hand, the driver can raise or lower the windows, open or close the sunroof, and open the rear liftgate. Once inside the car, a push of a button is all that’s needed to start the engine.
The GLS 450 has a panoramic power sunroof, power-folding side mirrors, and rear privacy glass. Side mirror logo projectors illuminate the pavement with a Mercedes-Benz logo whenever the vehicle is remotely locked or unlocked.
Opening the driver’s door reveals a luxurious cabin brimming with standard features. The mix includes heated and ventilated power front seats with power lumbar support and memory. MB-Tex synthetic leather covers all three rows, but buyers can opt for the real thing.
Ambient lighting in 64 colors lets the driver create a more personalized interior.
The GLS 450 offers a choice between a power-folding second-row split-bench seat or captain’s chairs; a 50/50 power-folding third-row seat comes standard. Additional amenities include a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel with capacitive touch controls, 4-zone automatic climate control, a 115-volt outlet, and a configurable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with three styles: Classic, Sporty, or Discreet.
Accessing the GLS 450’s Infotainment is as easy as reaching for the 12.3-inch touchscreen, using one’s finger on the console-mounted touchpad, or using voice commands. Included as standard are augmented video navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and a 2-way in-car communication system that makes it easier for the passengers in the rear seats to communicate with the driver.
Speaking “Hey, Mercedes” activates an onboard assistant to help you find, say, the nearest coffee shop, gas station, or attraction.
A wireless charging pad makes it easy to charge devices, as do the multiple USB-C ports. Giving a voice to this system is a 590-watt, 13-speaker Burmester sound system with twin front subwoofers for impressive bass reproduction.
The GLS 450’s optional equipment roster is long, offering several packages and standalone features.
The Exclusive Trim Package adds massaging multicontour rapid-heating front seats and heated rear seats.
The Pinnacle Package builds off the Exclusive, adding a head-up display, the Air Balance system, MBUX motion-activated interior assistant, heated and cooled cup holders, and Mercedes star pattern logo projectors.
Two AMG exterior appearance packages add AMG-inspired wheels, exterior trim, and an AMG sport steering wheel. In contrast, the Warmth and Comfort Package adds heated front and second-row armrests and rapid-heating front seats.
Among the many available upgrades are Nappa leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, additional sound insulation, second-row power sunshades, and 5-zone automatic climate control.
Soft-close doors, second-row side-impact airbags, a dash-mounted camera, heated windshield washer fluid, a trailer hitch, illuminated running boards, and a 1,610-watt 29-speaker Burmester High-End 3D Surround Sound audio system are also available.
Mercedes me connected services allow owners to control their GLS via a smartphone-linked app, offering such services as remote start, vehicle maintenance schedules, a lost or stolen vehicle locator, and more.
With the $1,150 destination charge, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 costs $88,150. On a 60-month loan with 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to $1,664. See 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 models for sale near you
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 includes:
- Panoramic sunroof – This massive glass roof panel opens for exceptional overhead views.
- Burmester audio – The GLS 450’s Burmester audio system delivers outstanding sound, with 13 strategically placed speakers that guarantee every passenger a concert-like experience.
- Surround View Monitor – With cameras at the front, back, and sides, the GLS 450 gives the driver a 360-degree view of the vehicle, a nice feature when executing low-speed parking maneuvers.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580: $112,000
The GLS 580 ups the power quotient with a 510-hp twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine.
Building off the GLS 450, the GLS 580 gains AMG-inspired body styling, including 22-inch AMG twin 5-spoke alloy wheels. It also gets adaptive shock absorbers (that instantaneously adjust to changing road conditions), illuminated running boards, soft-close doors, and remote start via the Mercedes me app.
Luxury upgrades are highlighted by leather upholstery, multicontour massaging front seats, heated rear seats, rapid-heating front seats, a heated steering wheel, and 5-zone automatic climate control.
Optional equipment beyond the GLS 450’s listing includes the Executive Rear Seat Package Plus that adds heated and ventilated multicontour massaging second-row seats, second-row side airbags, a second-row wireless charging pad, and a second-row MBUX tablet.
The Night Package adds gloss black exterior accents and 21-inch AMG alloy wheels.
The E-Active Body Control Package adds a forward-facing camera that scans the road ahead and adjusts the adaptive suspension before the vehicle crosses road imperfections. The system may be deployed to help break free the GLS if it’s stuck in deep sand by rapidly pumping the suspension.
The GLS 580 also offers several wood and leather accents and 21-, 22-, and 23-inch wheels.
With the $1,150 destination charge, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 costs $113,150. On a 60-month loan with 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to $2,135. See 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 models for sale near you
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 includes:
- Soft-close doors – Once the latch catches the door post, the GLS 580’s doors automatically pull themselves shut.
- Multicontour front seats – The GLS 580’s front seats offer more comfort with additional adjustments and a massaging feature.
- 5-zone climate control – Gives passengers in the third row the ability to regulate their own air temperatures.
2024 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63: $145,850
The AMG GLS 63 is a high-performance variant featuring modifications from Mercedes-Benz in-house tuner, AMG.
Building off the GLS 580, the GLS 63 adds a 603-hp hand-crafted twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine. AMG works its magic on the GLS 63’s transmission, 4Matic AWD, Airmatic suspension, adaptive shocks, and brakes.
The GLS 63 gains a performance exhaust, an electronic limited-slip rear differential, and computer-controlled magnetic fluid-filled dynamic engine mounts. Dynamic Select modes include Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Slippery, Trail, and Sandy settings.
The GLS 63 rides on 21-inch AMG 10-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in performance tires. It features additional AMG-styling accents, such as a distinctive vertical grille.
The GLS 63 adds an AMG sport steering wheel with AMG Drive Unit, Nappa leather upholstery, a trailer hitch, and heated second-row seats.
Unique options for the GLS 63 include red-painted brake calipers, an AMG performance steering wheel in Nappa leather or microfiber, red seat belts, carbon-fiber interior accents, 22- or 23-inch AMG wheels, trailer stability assist, and diamond-stitched seats.
With the $1,150 destination charge, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 costs $147,000. On a 60-month loan with 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to $2,774. See 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 models for sale near you
2024 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 includes:
- Hand-crafted V8 – The GLS 63’s custom-built V8 has an astounding 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, giving this massive SUV a 0-60 mph time of just 4.1 seconds.
- AMG upgrades – Everything on the GLS 63, from its 4Matic AWD to its suspension, brakes, exhaust, and transmission, is tuned for high-performance driving.
- AMG Drive Unit – These steering wheel-mounted controls let you quickly adjust performance settings.
2024 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600: $174,350
Maybach is the exclusive high-end brand for Mercedes-Benz. It’s intended to rival ultra-luxury models such as the Bentley Bentayga, Aston Martin DBX, and Land Rover Ranger Rover Autobiography.
The GLS 600 comes with a 550-hp twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8. Building off the GLS 580, the GLS 600 adds E-Active Body Control and an exclusive Maybach mode for the Dynamic Select system.
Every available safety and driver-assist system comes standard, as do all the GLS 580’s best features, including massaging rear seats, the Burmester High-End 3D Surround Sound audio system, and a head-up display.
Unique to the GLS 600 are 12-way adjustable power front seats, 4-passenger seating featuring power reclining executive rear seats with calf rests, a Nappa leather ceiling liner, and electrically extending running boards.
The few luxury options include a rear-seat refrigerator, handcrafted silver champagne flute holders, rear-seat folding tables, 2-tone paint, and a 5-passenger seating configuration.
With the $1,150 destination charge, the 2024 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 costs $175,500. On a 60-month loan with 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to $3,312. See 2024 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 models for sale near you
2024 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 includes:
- Executive rear seats – With room for two persons, the GLS 600’s rear seats offer the ultimate luxury travel, separated by a built-in console with an available refrigerated storage box.
- Burmester High-End 3D Surround Sound audio – With 29 speakers driven by 1,610 watts, the GLS 600’s standard sound system shames most home audio setups.
- Available silver champagne flute holders – What more can we say?
