2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class Review

　　

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class Review

byRonald MontoyaSenior Consumer Advice Editor & Content Strategy

　　Ronald Montoya has worked in the automotive industry since 2008. He has written over a thousand car related articles and bought and sold over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Ronald is a senior consumer advice editor and content strategy at zzdcar and has also contributed to the Associated Press. He has also been featured on ABC, NBC and NPR on a number of car shopping topics. He got his start in the auto industry by taking a part-time job at a car dealership, where he worked in the service and accounting department.

　　The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS is Mercedes' large three-row luxury SUV. It received a thorough redesign last year, and it has earned a top spot in our rankings due to its high levels of luxury, refinement and technology. This year, Mercedes has expanded the GLS lineup with the performance-focused AMG GLS 63 S. Sure, there are plenty of luxury three-row SUVs out there. But few of them make 600 horsepower.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class GLS 450 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$217/mo  for GLS-Class GLS 450 4MATIC

　　GLS-Class GLS 450 4MATIC

　　GLS 450 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) (Most Popular) - $76,000 MSRPGLS 580 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) - $98,850 MSRPAMG GLS 63 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) - $132,100 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　The GLS offers a genuinely comfortable space for six or seven adults, making it ideal for chauffeuring a growing family around or driving partners at the firm out to lunch. Adding the AMG GLS 63 trim just means that there's no ceiling to the expectations Mercedes buyers have of their SUVs, or how much they're willing to pay. Interested? Get our full in-depth analysis on the 2021 GLS by reading our Expert Rating below.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.6

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.5/10

　　How does the GLS-Class drive? The raw numbers are frankly astounding and, on paper, suggest a much smaller and far sportier vehicle. Our GLS 450 test vehicle sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, which is more than adequate for a luxury SUV with a base engine. It feels strong too, no matter what situation you're driving in. The engine's mild hybrid system improves both performance and efficiency and makes for super-smooth power delivery. Our biggest complaint: occasional hiccups from the transmission.

　　Stops from 60 mph came in just 105 feet, one of the best results we've seen from any SUV. That's genuine performance-car territory. Part of that comes courtesy of the no-cost summer tires that our test SUV had, which help provide plenty lateral grip too. The steering is light and makes the GLS easy to maneuver in a parking lot or in traffic.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the GLS-Class? Mercedes-Benz nailed it when it comes to on-road comfort. The seats are supportive and hugely adjustable, and optional massagers help keep you comfortable after a few hours behind the wheel. The heated and ventilated seats work well, and the automatic climate control quickly evens out cabin temperatures.

　　There's little intrusion from the outside world, with just a bit of road noise on rough pavement. The ride quality is excellent with the optional E-Active Body Control suspension. It's smooth and composed, ironing out most road imperfections without floating or wallowing. Large wheels can hurt ride quality in many SUVs, but our test vehicle with optional 21-inch wheels didn't seem fazed.

　　

Interior

9.0/10

　　How’s the interior? The GLS' interior is excellent from almost every perspective. The driving position is upright and commanding, but you always feel comfortably ensconced in the GLS. There's plenty of room in all three rows, and 6-foot-plus adults can fit comfortably in the easy-to-access third row. The large windows help all-around visibility and make passengers in the rear feel less claustrophobic.

　　The controls are all well placed and easy to reach, but there's a lot of them and the small text means you have to take your eyes off the road until you work up the muscle memory. Separating the seat controls between the door and the infotainment system is a bit frustrating too.

　　

Technology

9.5/10

　　How’s the tech? Mercedes' infotainment system is a marvel and benchmark for the class even if the learning curve is a bit steep. The navigation system in particular is a standout, and the augmented reality overlay and turn-by-turn directions in the instrument cluster and head-up display are compelling reasons to ditch the apps on your phone. That said, both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. All three rows have USB-C ports, and a standard wireless charging pad sits in front of the cupholders.

　　The driver aids are equally impressive. The adaptive cruise control is among the best we've tested. In traffic, the system maintains a reasonable gap and can slow the GLS down to a complete stop, then start going again when traffic moves.

　　

Storage

8.0/10

　　How’s the storage? With the seats down, the GLS' cargo area offers up to 84.7 cubic feet of cargo area behind the front seats. Space drops to 17.4 cubes with all the rows upright, which isn't enough to haul luggage for every passenger. Space is decent enough for the class, though the GLS trails the cavernous Navigator, which offers up 103.3 cubic feet behind the front seats.

　　The second and third row seats fold flat and can be dropped with buttons in the hatch. Small-item storage is great, with lots of pockets, bins and cupholders spread throughout the cabin. The GLS 450 is rated to tow 7,700 pounds, which places it ahead of its main rival, the BMW X7. Should towing be a high priority, the Lincoln Navigator is again superior, capable of towing 8,300 pounds.

　　

Fuel Economy

8.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The EPA puts fuel economy at 21 mpg combined (19 city/23 highway), impressive numbers for a vehicle this big and capable. On our evaluation loop, the GLS matched the 21 mpg combined rating. The GLS returned 19 mpg over extended driving distances through mixed traffic and loaded with passengers and cargo.

　　

Value

8.0/10

　　Is the GLS-Class a good value? The GLS isn't cheap, but nothing at this price point can match its impressive build quality. Options can add up quickly, but the GLS is no worse than other luxury SUVs. No other competitor puts together such a well-appointed package for less money. The four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty is average for the class.

　　

Wildcard

8.5/10

　　The GLS delivers everything you expect from a Mercedes-Benz vehicle. It packs a clean, understated design, and it's loaded with the latest and greatest tech. Luxury vehicles shouldn't make you work, and the engine provides smooth, effortless power. It sounds good too, especially at full acceleration. It's easy to drive and just a generally nice place to spend an hour or 10 behind the wheel.

　　

Which GLS-Class does zzdcar recommend?

We think that most people should opt for the GLS 450. Its six-cylinder engine has sufficient power and nets better fuel efficiency than the V8 models. It's also generally available with the same standard and optional features. The main reason to consider the V8-powered GLS 580 or AMG GLS 63 is if you plan on doing a lot of towing. Either way, make sure to get the Driver Assistance Package Plus since it adds some desirable features, including adaptive cruise control.

　　

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class models

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is a three-row luxury SUV available in three main versions: GLS 450, GLS 580 and AMG GLS 63. Each has a robust set of standard features, with plenty more available as options. The trim levels mainly differ by the engine. We review the ultra-luxurious Maybach GLS separately on zzdcar. Feature highlights include:

　　GLS 450

　　The base trim GLS comes equipped with:

　　Turbocharged six-cylinder (362 hp) Nine-speed automatic transmission All-wheel drive Adaptive air suspension system (can raise or lower the ride height of the vehicle and adjust to improve ride comfort and handling) Seating for seven people Sunroof Heated and ventilated front seats Adaptive LED headlights Customizable ambient interior lighting Four-zone climate control Simulated leather upholstery (MB-Tex)Technology features include:

　　MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch displays Burmester surround-sound system Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Wireless charging pad Nine USB ports Navigation Keyless entry and ignitionEvery GLS also comes with:

　　Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Blind-spot monitoring (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot) 360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the GLS and its surroundings for tight parking situations) Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)GLS 580

　　Adds the following features:

　　Twin-turbo V8 (483 hp) Five-zone climate control Leather upholstery Upgraded multi-contour front seats with massageAMG GLS 63

　　Focuses on performance with:

　　More powerful twin-turbo V8 (603 hp) High-performance brakes Sport suspension More supportive seats with AMG badging Heated and cooled front cupholdersThe GLS comes well equipped on its own, but Mercedes-Benz offers an assortment of styling, comfort and technology options. Be on the lookout for:

　　Driver Assistance Package Plus Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front) Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane) Evasive steering assist (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance) Speed limit assist (detects and displays posted speed limit signs on the instrument panel,  alerting you if the limit is exceeded) E-Active Body Control (upgraded suspension that can lean the GLS into turns to improve passenger comfort; GLS 580 only) Second-row captain's chairs (six-passenger capacity) Upgraded second-row seating (Executive Rear Seat package) Rapid-heating front seats with heated front armrests and upper door panels Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield) Enhanced insulation from cabin noise (Acoustic Comfort package) Upgraded Burmester sound system Panoramic sunroof

　　

2021 GLS-Class Highlights

Type: AMG GLS 63SUVSUV

　　Trim: GLS 450 4MATICGLS 580 4MATICAMG GLS 63GLS 450 4MATIC

　　

Base MSRP	$76,000
Engine Type	Mild hybrid
Combined MPG	21 MPG
Cost to Drive	$217/month
Seating	7 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	17.4 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles