The 2022 GLS-class is the most luxurious and powerful Mercedes-Benz SUV. It sits at the top of the lineup and fits in with other high-end Benzes thanks to its high-tech and luxurious cabin. A 48-volt hybrid system works with a 362-hp turbocharged inline-six engine to make the ride silky smooth, and the GLS’s handling is balanced and fluid, which makes it surprisingly fun to drive.
All-wheel drive and air suspension come standard on the GLS, and it can be upgraded with cool features like a camera system that looks for potholes on the road ahead. There’s room for up to seven people, but if you get the optional second-row captain’s chairs, you can only fit six.
The GLS’s interior is roomy and comfortable for everyone. The GLS doesn’t get very good gas mileage, but it’s about the same as other large SUVs like the Land Rover Range Rover and the Lincoln Navigator, which can’t match the GLS’s sporty driving style.
What’s New for 2022?
The GLS-class can now come with both an AMG Line appearance package and a Night appearance package that makes the car look black. Cirrus Silver is now an option, as is Espresso Brown with black leather seats. Buyers can also now order floor mats that can be used all year.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
There are two models, the GLS450 with six cylinders and the GLS580 with eight cylinders. Both have some hybridization. The GLS450’s 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine runs smoothly and makes 362 horsepower. The GLS580 is much more powerful. Its twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 gives it 483 horsepower.
At our test track, it took the GLS450 only 5.5 seconds to get to 60 mph, and it only took 154 feet to stop from 70 mph. Even though it’s big, the GLS-class is easy to drive quickly on a winding road. It’s also not too sporty or rough over bumps. Air suspension comes standard on all models, but Mercedes also has a cool new system called E-Active Body Control. It has a camera on the front that looks for bumps in the road and adjusts the suspension so that riders don’t feel them. It’s a cool technology, but it’s pricey, and we think most people will be happy with the standard setup.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
According to the EPA, the GLS-class doesn’t get very good gas mileage. The GLS450 gets 19 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, for a total of 21 mpg. The GLS580 gets 16 mpg, 21 mpg, and 18 mpg, which is worse. The GLS450 did a little better than its rating in our real-world tests, getting 24 mpg on our 200-mile highway loop.
In the same test, the GLS580 got an awful 18 mpg. If getting good gas mileage is important to you, the BMW X7 will be a better luxury SUV for you. In our highway test, a six-cylinder X7 xDrive40i got a great 28 mpg, while an eight-cylinder X7 xDrive50i only got 24 mpg. Visit the EPA’s website to learn more about the GLS-gas class’s mileage.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
This new generation of GLS is much more modern than the one it replaces. It takes its dashboard and cockpit layout from the new GLE-class SUV, which is also new. It can fit up to seven people, but captain’s chairs can be added to make it fit only six. The first and second rows have a lot of room for passengers, and even though the third row isn’t as big as the second, an adult can sit there without too much trouble. This isn’t true of the X7’s wayback.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The dashboard is mostly made up of two huge digital displays that are 12.3 inches each. One is a display for the driver’s gauges that can be changed, and the other is for entertainment and runs Mercedes-new Benz’s MBUX software, which has a virtual assistant like the one on the iPhone.
Standard features include the ability to use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation in the dashboard, and a Wi-Fi hotspot on board. All GLS models come with a 13-speaker Burmester Surround Sound stereo, but if that isn’t enough for you, you can get a crazy 26-speaker Burmester 3D audio system.
Specifications
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS450
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 6-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE AS TESTED
$96,835 (base price: $76,195)
POWERTRAIN
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve 3.0-liter inline-6, 362 hp, 369 lb-ft + AC motor, 21 hp, 184 lb-ft (combined system 362 hp, 369 lb-ft; 0.9-kWh lithium-ion battery)
TRANSMISSION
9-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): control arms/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 14.8-in vented, cross-drilled disc/13.6-in vented disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4 PNCS, F: 275/45R-21 107Y MO-S R: 315/40R-21 111Y MO-S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 123.4 in
Length: 205.0 in
Width: 77.0 in
Height: 71.8 in
Cargo volume: 17 cu ft
Curb weight: 5594 lb
C/D
TEST RESULTS
Rollout, 1 ft: 0.3 sec
60 mph: 5.5 sec
100 mph: 14.4 sec
120 mph: 22.6 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 6.2 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.4 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 4.5 sec
¼-mile: 14.1 sec @ 99 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 129 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 154 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.92 g
C/D
FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 17 mpg
75-mph highway driving: 24 mpg
Highway range: 570 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 21/19/23 mpg
| Engine Name | 6-Cyl Turbo 3.0 Liter |
| Trim | GLS450 4MATIC |
| Horsepower | 362@5,500 |
| Torque | 369@1,600 |
| Number Of Cylinders | 6 |
| Standard MPG | 18/24 |
| Transmission | 9G-TRONIC 9 Speed Automatic Mode Select with Manual Mode |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Front Headroom | 39.4 in |
| Rear Headroom | 40.2 in |
| Front Legroom | 40.3 in |
| Rear Legroom | 41.9 in |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.3 in |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.5 in |
| Length | 205.0 in |
| Width | 84.9 in |
| Height | 71.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 123.4 in |
| Ground Clearance | 7.9 in |
| Fuel Capacity | 23.8 |
| Cargo Capacity | 17.4/84.7 cu-ft |
| Curb Weight | 5,467 lb |
| Towing Capacity | 7,700 lb |
| GVWR | N/A |
| Payload Capacity | 1,808 lb |
| Tonnage | N/A |
| Availability | MSRP | |
|---|---|---|
PACKAGE
|
||
Acoustic Comfort PackageINCLUDES: Increased Cabin Insulation, Windshield and Side Windows with Acoustic and Heat Absorbing Membrane; Infrared-Reflecting Glass; Windows, Laminated Side |
Optional | $1100 |
AMG Line ExteriorINCLUDES: AMG Floormats; AMG Front Apron; AMG Rear Apron with Diffuser-Look Insert in Black and Trim Strip in Chrome; Flared Wheel Arches at Front and Rear, Painted in the Vehicle Color; Pedals, Sports; Side Body Skirts; Sport Brake System with Perforated Brake Discs and Brake Calipers with “Mercedes-Benz” Lettering; Steering Wheel, Sports |
Optional | $4350 |
Driver Assistance Package PlusINCLUDES: Active Steering Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, PRE-SAFE® PLUS with Rear-End Collision Protection; Autonomous Drive Lane Changing (Level 2) with Traffic Sign Recognition; Brake Assist With Preview; Collision Warning System, Active Brake Assist; Cruise/Speed Control, Adaptive, with Stop-And-Go; Front Cross-Traffic Alert, Active Brake Assist With Cross-Traffic Function Radar & Camera; Intelligent Speed Assist; Lane Departure Warning System; Overtaking Sensor, Active Blind Spot Assist; Traffic Sign Recognition |
Optional | $1950 |
Night PackageINCLUDES: Black Trim, Around Side Windows; High-Gloss Black: Louvre in Radiator Grille, Front Apron Trim Strip, Simulated Underguard, Rear Apron; Mirror, Toned Driver; Mirror, Toned Passenger; Roof Rails |
Optional | $400 |
Warmth and Comfort Package
|
Optional | $1900 |
ENGINE
|
||
6-Cyl Turbo 3.0 Liter
|
Standard | |
TRANSMISSION
|
||
9G-TRONIC 9 Speed Automatic Mode Select with Manual Mode
|
Standard | |
EXTERIOR COLOR
|
||
Black
|
No Charge | |
Brilliant Blue Metallic
|
No Charge | |
Cirrus Silver Metallic
|
No Charge | |
Emerald Green Metallic
|
No Charge | |
Lunar Blue Metallic
|
No Charge | |
Manufaktur Cardinal Red Metallic
|
No Charge | |
Manufaktur Diamond White Metallic
|
No Charge | |
Mojave Silver Metallic
|
No Charge | |
Obsidian Black Metallic
|
No Charge | |
Polar White
|
No Charge | |
Selenite Grey Metallic
|
No Charge | |
BRAKES
|
||
4 Wheel Disc w/ABS
|
Standard | |
Brake Assist System
|
Standard | |
Electronic Brake Distribution
|
Standard | |
Hand Brake, Electronic
|
Standard | |
CONVENIENCE
|
||
5-Zone Climate ControlINCLUDES: Automatic Climate Control; Secondary Ventilation Controls |
Optional | $400 |
Air Conditioning: Four-Zone Climate Control
|
Standard | |
Air-Balance with Fragrance
|
Optional | $350 |
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
|
Standard | |
Apps Control
|
Standard | |
Bluetooth®
|
Standard | |
Built-In Apps, MBUX
|
Standard | |
Cargo Hooks
|
Standard | |
Coming Home Device
|
Standard | |
Connection to External Entertainment Devices
|
Standard | |
Cupholders, Front, Rear and 3rd Row
|
Standard | |
Door Entry Light
|
Standard | |
Engine Start Button
|
Standard | |
Entry System, Illuminated
|
Standard | |
Garage Door Opener
|
Standard | |
Hatch/Trunk Closer, Automatic
|
Standard | |
Heated/Cooled Cupholders
|
Optional | $180 |
Internet Connection, Mbrace® Connect
|
Standard | |
Magic Vision ControlINCLUDES: Heated Washer; Windscreen Wiper/De-Icer; Wiper Blades with Laser-Cut Holes That Emit a Highly Precise Spray of Washer Fluid |
Optional | $350 |
MBUX Augmented Reality for Navigation
|
Optional | $350 |
MBUX Interior Assistant
|
Optional | $250 |
Media Control with Touch Pad, Touch Screen
|
Standard | |
Memory Adjustment: Mirror, Steering Wheel
|
Standard | |
Mobile Phone Prep with Charger
|
Standard | |
Multi-Function Display Screen, 12.3-Inch with Touch Pad
|
Standard | |
Navigation System, MB Navigation Multi-Touch Screen with Internet and Traffic Info
|
Standard | |
Power Locks, With Passive Access (Card Key)
|
Standard | |
Power Outlet, 12v: Cargo Area(1)
|
Standard | |
Power Trunk/Hatch Pull-Down
|
Standard | |
Power Windows
|
Standard | |
Remote Engine Starter
|
Standard | |
Secondary Ventilation Controls
|
Standard | |
Smart Card/Key
|
Standard | |
Soft Close Doors
|
Optional | $550 |
Telematics
|
Standard | |
Text to Speech / Speech to Text
|
Standard | |
Trip Computer
|
Standard | |
Trunk Release, Foot Operated
|
Standard | |
Trunk/Hatch Release, Remote
|
Standard | |
Ventilation System With Micro Filter
|
Standard | |
Voice Activating System, MBUX User Interface, with Radio Settings, Phone, Navigation System
|
Standard | |
Wireless Charging Pad
|
Standard | |
DRIVE
|
||
Drive: 4MATIC® Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive with Descent Control System AWD
|
Standard | |
ENGINEERING
|
||
Auto Start-Stop
|
Standard | |
Battery, 1.0 Kwh Lithium Ion
|
Standard | |
Compass
|
Standard | |
Driver Modes: Engine Mapping, Stability Control, Steering, Suspension, Traction Control
|
Standard | |
Electrical System, 48v
|
Standard | |
Energy Recuperation, Engine
|
Standard | |
Power Supply, Mains
|
Standard | |
Traction Control, Electronic
|
Standard | |
EXTERIOR
|
||
Bumpers, Front and Rear Body-Colored
|
Standard | |
Chrome Door Handle Inserts (PIO)
|
Optional | $100 |
Chrome/Bright Trim, Window Surround Bumpers
|
Standard | |
Cornering Lights/Curb Illumination
|
Standard | |
Door Handles (Exterior), Body Color
|
Standard | |
Doors, Front-Hinged Front and Rear
|
Standard | |
Illuminated Running Boards
|
Optional | $650 |
Illuminated Star (PIO)
|
Optional | $500 |
Panorama Sliding SunroofINCLUDES: Glass Roof; Sunroof, Glass Power |
Optional | $1000 |
Privacy Glass
|
Standard | |
Rear Door, Lifting Gate with Hands-Free Release
|
Standard | |
Roof Rails
|
Standard | |
Roof Spoiler (PIO)
|
Optional | $600 |
Sunroof, Glass Remote
|
Standard | |
Window, Rear
|
Standard | |
Windows, 3rd Row
|
Standard | |
Windows, Laminated Side
|
Standard | |
Windows, Rear Side
|
Standard | |
INTERIOR
|
||
All-Season Front/Rear Floormats
|
Optional | $160 |
Aluminum with Longitudinal Grain H46
|
No Charge | |
Aluminum with Longitudinal Grain H46INCLUDES: Interior Color/Fascia; Luxury Trim, Alloy On Console; Doors And Instrument Panel |
No Charge | |
Armrest, Front Seat Center
|
Standard | |
Cargo Area Cover (/Rear Parcel Shelf)
|
Standard | |
Dashcam
|
Optional | $200 |
Designo® Black Flamed Natural Grain Ash Wood H35
|
Optional | $850 |
Designo® Brown Linden Wood Flowing Lines H34
|
Optional | $850 |
Electric Rear Side-Window Sunshades
|
Optional | $580 |
Floor Covering, Carpet In Passenger And Load Area
|
Standard | |
Floor Mats
|
Standard | |
Grey Linden Wood H18
|
No Charge | |
Grey Linden Wood H18INCLUDES: Interior Color/Fascia; Luxury Trim, Wood/Woodgrain On Console; Doors And Instrument Panel |
No Charge | |
Head-Up Display
|
Optional | $1100 |
Heated Steering Wheel
|
Optional | $250 |
Light, Cargo Area
|
Standard | |
Load Sill Protector (PIO)
|
Optional | $175 |
Lower Dashboard & Door Beltlines in MB-TexINCLUDES: Luxury Trim, Synthetic Leather On Doors And Instrument Panel; MB-Tex Lower Dash and Door Trim |
Optional | $350 |
Luxury Trim, Wood/Woodgrain On Console; Doors And Instrument Panel
|
Standard | |
Main Dashboard Display
|
Standard | |
Metal Weave H64
|
Optional | $600 |
Natural Grain Brown Walnut
|
Optional | $160 |
Natural Grain Brown Walnut WoodINCLUDES: Interior Color/Fascia; Luxury Trim, Wood/Woodgrain On Console; Doors And Instrument Panel |
No Charge | |
Natural Grain Grey Oak
|
Optional | $160 |
Natural Grain Grey Oak WoodINCLUDES: Interior Color/Fascia; Luxury Trim, Wood/Woodgrain On Console; Doors And Instrument Panel |
No Charge | |
Steering Wheel: Alloy & Leather-Trimmed, Tilt Telescoping Steering Wheel
|
Standard | |
Vanity Mirror: Illuminated Driver And Passenger Vanity Mirror
|
Standard | |
Wood/Leather Steering Wheel
|
Optional | $600 |
LIGHTING
|
||
Ambient Lighting
|
Standard | |
LED Lights: High Beams, Daytime Running Lights, Rear Lights, Brake Lights, Low Beams, Side Indicator
|
Standard | |
Reading Lights, Front and Rear
|
Standard | |
MIRRORS
|
||
Body-Color Heated Driver Power Door Mirrors With Turn Signals, Body-Color Heated Passenger Power Door Mirrors With Turn Signals
|
Standard | |
Foldable Mirrors
|
Standard | |
Rear View Mirror, Automatic
|
Standard | |
PAINT
|
||
Gloss
|
Standard | |
Manufaktur Cardinal Red Metallic
|
Optional | $1750 |
Manufaktur Diamond White Metallic
|
Optional | $1750 |
Metallic Paint
|
Optional | $750 |
SAFETY
|
||
Active Lane Keeping Assist
|
Optional | $550 |
Airbag, Front
|
Standard | |
Airbag, Side
|
Standard | |
Airbag, Side Curtain
|
Standard | |
Airbags, 7
|
Standard | |
Airbags, Knee
|
Standard | |
Brake Lights, Active
|
Standard | |
Center High Mount Stop LightINCLUDES: Interior Color/Fascia; Luxury Trim, Wood/Woodgrain On Console; Doors And Instrument Panel |
Standard | |
Collision Warning System, Pre-Safe Plus
|
Standard | |
Electronic Stability Program (ESP®)
|
Standard | |
First-Aid Kit (PIO)
|
Optional | $35 |
Headlight Control, Dusk Sensor Active Headlights
|
Standard | |
Headlights, LED
|
Standard | |
Hill Holder
|
Standard | |
Isofix Preparation
|
Standard | |
Lights, Daytime Running
|
Standard | |
Low Tire Pressure Indicator
|
Standard | |
Overtaking Sensor, Blind Spot Assist
|
Standard | |
Parking Assistance
|
Standard | |
Parking Camera, 360 Degrees
|
Standard | |
Parking Distance Sensors, Front Active Parking Assist with Surround View Camera and Radar ; Rear Active Park Assist with Surround View Camera and Radar ; Side Active Park Assist Camera and Radar
|
Standard | |
Rear Side AirbagsINCLUDES: Airbag, Side; Airbags, 9 |
Optional | $700 |
Roll Stability Control
|
Standard | |
Seatbelt Warning
|
Standard | |
Theft Deterrent System
|
Standard | |
Windshield Wipers, Automatic Intermittent Rain Sensor
|
Standard | |
SEATS
|
||
6-Seat Cabin ConfigurationINCLUDES: Delete: Rear Seat Center Armrest; Head Restraints; Rear Seats, Captain’s; Seatbelts, Rear; Seating, 6 |
No Charge | |
Active Multicontour Front Seats with Massage FunctionINCLUDES: Driver Seat, with Active Massage; Passenger Seat, with Active Massage |
Optional | $1100 |
Dual Front Ventilated 14-Way Power Heated Bucket with Memory
|
Standard | |
Heated Rear Seats
|
Optional | $580 |
Rapid-Heating Front Seats
|
Optional | $450 |
Rear Seats, Power Remote Folding
|
Standard | |
Seat Upholstery, Leather
|
Optional | $1620 |
Seat Upholstery, Premium Leather
|
Optional | $2990 |
Seat Upholstery, Synthetic Leather
|
Standard | |
Seat Upholstery/Color, Black Exclusive Nappa Leather Premium Leather
|
No Charge | |
Seat Upholstery/Color, Black Leather
|
No Charge | |
Seat Upholstery/Color, Black MB-Tex Synthetic Leather
|
No Charge | |
Seat Upholstery/Color, Espresso Brown / Black MB-Tex Synthetic Leather
|
No Charge | |
Seat Upholstery/Color, Espresso Brown/Black Leather
|
No Charge | |
Seat Upholstery/Color, Macchiato Beige/Black Leather
|
No Charge | |
Seat Upholstery/Color, Macchiato Beige/Black MB-Tex Synthetic Leather
|
No Charge | |
Seat, Power Folding Third Row Split Bench
|
Standard | |
Seating, 7
|
Standard | |
SOUND
|
||
Audio System, MBUX AM/FM Radio, Digital/Satellite Radio with Color Multi-Touch Screen
|
Standard | |
Remote Audio Controls
|
Standard | |
Thirteen Burmester Speakers Subwoofer, Surround Sound and Burmester
|
Standard | |
SUSPENSION
|
||
E-Active Body Control® w/ Air Springs
|
Standard | |
Responsive Suspension
|
Standard | |
Suspension Leveling
|
Standard | |
TIRES
|
||
P275/50R20 All Season BSW
|
Standard | |
Spare Tire, Limited Use w/Steel Rim
|
Standard | |
TOWING
|
||
Trailer Hitch
|
Optional | $575 |
Trailer Stability Program
|
Standard | |
WHEELS
|
||
20″ Alloy
|
Standard | |
20” 8-Spoke
|
No Charge | |
20” Twin 5-Spoke
|
Optional | $200 |
21-Inch AMG Twin 5-Spoke Wheels RWF
|
No Charge | |
21-Inch AMG Twin 5-Spoke Wheels RWH
|
No Charge | |
21” 5-Spoke
|
Optional | $1100 |
21” Triplet 5-Spoke
|
Optional | $1100 |
22-Inch AMG Multispoke Wheels
|
Optional | $1350 |
22-Inch AMG Multispoke Wheels w/Black Accents
|
Optional | $1350 |
23-Inch AMG Twin 5-Spoke Wheels w/Black Accents
|
Optional | $3150 |
Single Rear Wheels
|
Standard | |
Wheel Locking Bolts (PIO)
|
Optional | $150 |
| Full Warranty Months | 48 | Full Warranty Miles | 50,000 |
| Powertrain Warranty Months | 48 | Powertrain Warranty Miles | 50,000 |
| Maintenance Warranty Months | none | Maintenance Warranty Miles | none |
| Roadside Warranty Months | 48 | Roadside Warranty Miles | 50,000 |
| Corrosion Warranty Months | 48 | Corrosion Warranty Miles | 50,000 |
DescriptionMercedes-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. |
Recall Date04/08/2022 |
RemedyDealers 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. |
ConsequenceAn overheated electrical cable can increase the risk of a fire. |
Potential Units Affected21306 |
| IIHS Front Moderate Overlap | N/R | IIHS Overall Side Crash | N/R |
| IIHS Best Pick | 0 | IIHS Rear Crash | N/R |
| IIHS Roof Strength | N/R | IIHS Front Small Overlap | N/R |
| NHTSA Rating Front Driver | Not Rated | NHTSA Rating Front Passenger | Not Rated |
| NHTSA Rating Front Side | Not Rated | NHTSA Rating Rear Side | Not Rated |
| NHTSA Rating Overall | Not Rated | NHTSA Rating Rollover | Not Rated |
N/A