Review, pricing and specifications Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class 2023

The Executive Rear Seat Plus package transforms the second row of seats into a Sybarite zone with massage chairs, wireless smartphone charging docks, tablet controls for the GLS infotainment system and more advanced headrests. It also enhances safety with side-impact airbags. Ordering that package requires you to equip the leather seats, which, surprisingly, is not standard.

Engine, transmission and performance

Two models are offered-model six cylinder GLS450 and GLS580 eight-cylinder—And both have some hybrid features. The GLS450’s turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six is ​​as smooth as polished granite and good for 362 horsepower. The GLS580 is much more powerful, making 483 hp from its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8. On our test track, the GLS450 sprinted 5.5 seconds to 60 mph and stopped from 70 mph in a short 154 feet. Despite its large size, the GLS-class is easy to plunge into twisty roads, but it is not too sporty. All models come standard with air suspension, but Mercedes also offers a trick system called Electronic active body control. It uses a forward-facing camera to scan for bumps and adjust the suspension accordingly so the driver is less likely to feel road imperfections. It’s a great but expensive technology and we think most buyers will find the standard setup to work well.

Real-world fuel economy and MPG

EPA fuel economy estimates for the GLS class aren’t great. The GLS450 earns 18 mpg in the city, 23 mpg on the highway and 20 mpg combined. The GLS580 is even worse, at 16 mpg, 21 mpg and 18 mpg respectively. In our real-world testing, the GLS450 performed slightly better than its rating, managing 24 mpg in our 75 mph highway test. The GLS580 returned a dismal 18 mpg in the same test. If fuel economy is your top priority, BMW X7 would be a better choice in the luxury SUV segment. The six-cylinder X7 xDrive40i achieved an impressive 28 mpg in our highway test while the eight-cylinder xDrive50i hit 24 mpg. For more information on GLS-class fuel economy, visit EPA’s website.

Furniture, amenities and merchandise

Borrowing the dashboard and cockpit layout from the similar new GLE-class SUV, this generation of the GLS is much more modern than the one it replaces. It can accommodate up to seven passengers but can be assigned to six with the optional captain’s seat. Passenger space is generous in the first and second rows, and the third row, while not as spacious as the second, can accommodate an adult without too many complaints—something Not to mention in the back seat. X7.

Infotainment and connectivity

Two huge 12.3-inch digital screens take up most of the dashboard. One serves as a reconfigurable gauge display for the driver, while the other handles infotainment tasks and runs Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX software, which features an iPhone-like virtual assistant. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, in-dashboard navigation, and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot are all standard. All GLS models come with a 13-speaker Burmester Surround Sound stereo system, but if that’s still not enough for you, there’s a Burmester 3D sound system available with an insane 26-speaker layout.

Safety and driver assistance features

Mercedes-Benz offers several different types of driver assistance feature on this SUV, but the coolest things — like the semi-autonomous driving modes — come at an extra cost. For more information on GLS-Class crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) web pages. Key safety features include:

• Standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Lane departure warning available with lane keep assist
• Adaptive cruise control available with semi-autonomous driving mode

Warranty and Maintenance

GLS-class buyers receive a standard four-year/50,000-mile warranty, far from the best in this class. The Cadillac Escalade provides an additional two years of powertrain coverage, and Navigate Lincoln comes with four years of free scheduled maintenance if you use the deluxe Black Label template.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• No free periodic maintenance

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