2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

　　

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class Video Shorts

by zzdcar Test Team

　　

2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class Review

byChristian WardlawCorrespondent

　　Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at zzdcar and was the first editor-in-chief of zzdcar.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.

　　, rating written byChristian WardlawVehicle Test Editor

　　Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at zzdcar in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.

　　When you're ready to buy the best Mercedes-Benz SUV you can get, the three-row GLS awaits. Granted, you could make a case that in fact the vaunted G-Class or ritzy Maybach GLS are the "best" but Mercedes assigns the G and GLS models to completely different missions. The GLS is all about maximum luxury, comfort and convenience, while the G-Class specializes in maximum off-roading capability and social currency.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 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

　　$228/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) - $77,850 MSRPGLS 580 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) - $101,250 MSRPAMG GLS 63 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) - $135,400 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　For 2022, Mercedes increases the amount of standard equipment that you'll find on the base GLS 450 4Matic, adding 20-inch wheels, ventilated front seats, and a four-zone automatic climate control system. New upholstery choices are also available. Early in the model year, the V8-powered GLS 580 4Matic and AMG GLS 63 were unavailable, but Mercedes tells zzdcar that both versions will return for the second part of 2022. Be sure to check with your local dealer.

　　The BMW X7, Infiniti QX80 and the redesigned Lexus LX 600 are the GLS model's main competitors, but this Benz is a credible alternative to a Cadillac Escalade, GMC Yukon Denali, Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Lincoln Navigator too. True, those rivals are larger inside, but what the Mercedes-Benz GLS lacks in size it makes up for in sophistication. Check out our test team's Expert Rating to see our evaluation of the GLS' comfort, technology features and more.

　　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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below