When is large not fairly large sufficient?
Effectively, within the case of the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup, you’ll be able to have the already-big GLE massive SUV with as much as three rows of seating and hulking exterior dimensions, or you may get the even bigger GLS full-size SUV with three roomier rows.
Measuring an entire 5020mm lengthy, 2030mm broad and 1798mm tall, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS is an enormous beast. Providing seven seats that ought to cater to a full automobile of adults, it dwarfs most different automobiles on the highway this facet of an American pickup truck.
Just like the BMW X7 with which it competes, the GLS is assembled in the USA and serves because the SUV flagship for the Three Pointed Star. The model has even labelled it because the “S-Class of SUVs” previously.
The mannequin on check is the ‘entry-level’ GLS450d 4Matic, which sneaks in slightly below $200,000 earlier than on-road prices; and is now the only real non-AMG or Maybach variant accessible following the discontinuation of the 450 petrol.
WATCH: Paul’s video evaluation of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS400d 4MATIC
So, when you’re searching for one of many greatest and fanciest methods to move seven individuals, is the Mercedes-Benz GLS a prime pic?
Learn on to search out out…
How a lot does the Mercedes-Benz GLS value?
Essentially the most attainable GLS is the limited-run 450d Version 7, which dropped the worth of entry by $17,000 earlier this yr however in “strictly restricted” numbers.
| Mannequin | Value earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS450d Version 7 4Matic | $171,000 |
| 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS450d 4Matic | $189,100 |
| 2025 Mercedes-AMG GLS63 4Matic+ | $307,100 |
| 2025 Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 4Matic | $419,900 |
The car you see right here is the common 450d AMG Line, which for mannequin yr 2025 (MY25) is priced from $189,100 earlier than on-road prices. Drive-away, you’re taking a look at a base worth over $200,000.
By comparability, the BMW X7 begins from $171,300 for the petrol 40i, and $178,300 for the diesel 40d. Nonetheless, the GLS is properly beneath the bottom sticker of the Vary Rover, which kicks off from $257,404 earlier than on-road prices.
To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLS strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
What’s the Mercedes-Benz GLS like on the within?
Not an entire lot has modified within the cabin of the GLS since its 2019 debut, although a light mid-life refresh has introduced some delicate modifications to the seems and know-how.
There’s a brand new steering wheel with double-decker touch-capacitive spokes, in addition to revised 12.3-inch twin shows working the second-generation MBUX software program interface seen in different Benz fashions.
In comparison with the earlier iteration, it’s faster and is much less menu dense. Extra voice activated performance in addition to the re-introduction of contact inputs additionally makes it simpler to make use of.
We discovered wi-fi Apple CarPlay labored properly, and we think about the identical goes for Android Auto. If you happen to don’t wish to use your cellphone’s software program, the native interface has heaps of performance together with augmented actuality navigation and different related companies, in addition to the clever ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice assistant.
The motive force’s cluster can be vastly customisable, with a number of layouts and widgets to personalise to your tastes. Controlling these shows with the touch-sensitive steering controls is usually a bit finicky, although.
You’ll discover the upholstery in our tester is a extra commonplace grained leather-based somewhat than smoother Nappa cover, which on first look doesn’t really feel worthy of the GLS450d’s near-$200,000 price ticket. Nappa upholstery optionally available.
The grained surfaces proceed on the Artico (Benz-speak for man-made leather-based) trimmed dashboard and door playing cards, however not like the finishes in Audis and BMWs it simply doesn’t really feel as high-end because the sticker suggests.
Mercedes-Benz provides just a few totally different colors for the inside which gown it up a bit – Macchiato Beige, Catalana Beige and Bahia Brown in addition to Black – in addition to 4 totally different trim inserts together with three woods and a pinstriped piano black. I personally suppose any of the opposite inside choices would make a world of distinction.
At the very least the switchgear is tactile and useful, although the central touchpad which acts as a secondary display controller will be fiddly on the transfer. The cooled entrance cupholders are a pleasant contact, although.
There’s additionally heaps of storage too, from the cupholders and cellphone slot forward of the centre console to the massive door bins and centre cubby beneath the front-centre armrest – there are many locations to cover your stuff.
As you’d think about, the second row may be very massive. The lengthy wheelbase and excessive roofline affords good head and leg room for taller passengers, and the rear seats electrically slide and recline, together with a rear entry perform.
They’re fairly sluggish, although, notably the rear entry perform which feels prefer it takes an eternity. On this occasion I’d be proud of handbook operation or a fast hydraulic launch.
Children will love the massive panoramic sunroof, which lets heaps of sunshine in with out impeding on head room. That stated, it stops on the second row, that means third-row passengers can really feel somewhat boxed in with the darkish inside color scheme of our check car.
As commonplace the rear seats are heated on the outboard positions which is sweet, with cooling optionally available. Further zones for local weather management with directional vents within the rear are additionally good, as is the array of USB-C energy factors in rows two and three.
Talking of, row three isn’t fairly as large because the second row however you’ll be able to match decent-sized adults again there with good head and knee room.
The third row will get two particular person seats that additionally electrically increase or decrease (once more, slowly), and so they get properly trimmed armrests with cupholders, USB-C cost shops and distant switches to fold the second row out of the best way.
Boot area is quoted at a minimal 355 litres with the third row in play, increasing to a capacious 2400 litres with each rear rows of seating folded. For reference, the GLS’s boot with seven seats is about the identical as a VW Polo.
A collapsible area saver spare is beneath the rear, in addition to an air compressor to pump it up.
| Dimensions | Mercedes-Benz GLS450d |
|---|---|
| Size | 5215mm |
| Width | 2030mm |
| Top | 1798mm |
| Wheelbase | 3135mm |
| Cargo capability | 355-2400 litres |
To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLS strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
What’s beneath the bonnet?
On the coronary heart of the GLS450d is a turbocharged inline-six diesel engine with ‘EQ Increase’ 48V mild-hybrid help.
| Specs | Mercedes-Benz GLE 450d 4MATIC |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L 6cyl turbo-diesel 48V MHEV |
| Energy | 270kW at 4000rpm |
| Torque | 750Nm at 1350-2800rpm |
| Electrical motor | 15kW + 250Nm |
| Transmission | 9-speed auto |
| Pushed wheels | AWD |
| Weight | 2719kg – tare |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 6.1 seconds |
| Gas economic system (claimed) | 7.8L/100km |
| Gas economic system (as examined) | 8.5L/100km |
| Gas tank capability | 90 litres |
| Gas requirement | Diesel |
| CO2 emissions | 206g/km |
| Emissions commonplace | Euro 6 |
| Braked tow capability | 2700kg |
To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLS strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
How does the Mercedes-Benz GLS drive?
As you’d count on, the GLS seems like a big, substantial car on the highway.
Pictured: Abroad mannequin proven
It’s hulking dimensions means it towers over typical passenger autos, and driving in peak-hour visitors can really feel like different motorists are darting round you and snapping at your heels.
This 2.7-tonne luxurious bus is, nonetheless, very clean, refined and comfy for commuting. 750Nm from simply 1350rpm makes for easy efficiency, and it’ll get shifting briskly when you step on it.
Mercedes-Benz claims an nearly sizzling hatch-like 6.1-second 0-100km/h sprint for the 450d, which is not any imply feat. It’s about half a second off the smaller GLE SUV with the identical drivetrain.
Talking of the drivetrain, the massive diesel engine with 48V mild-hybrid help may be very clean at low speeds, although it’s not fairly as aggressive an MHEV system as another manufacturers.
Until you pop it in Eco mode, the three.0-litre six-cylinder diesel solely turns off early as you come to a cease, then fires up nearly immediately while you wish to set off once more. In Eco mode although, it’ll shut off when coasting too.
That helped us to realize a still-impressive 8.5L/100km indicated economic system readout regardless of an excellent mixture of peak-hour driving blended in with freeway stints. For reference, I stay about 22km from the CarExpert Melbourne workplace with my each day commute combining ~18km of freeway with the rest crossing the CBD and its surrounds.
Common consolation is excellent, with the usual adaptive air suspension providing a soft trip and the optionally available E-Energetic Physique Management working onerous to minimise physique actions. It might probably typically have an odd lateral motion which might really feel a bit odd, but it surely additionally makes this 5.2m-long and a pair of.0m-wide SUV really feel extra wieldy than it should be.
The sunshine steering makes the GLS straightforward to put, but it surely’s not as direct or communicative as an X7 when you like a extra feelsome drive. I’d argue the usual air-sprung chassis will probably be greater than ample, and can prevent a reasonably penny upfront, too.
It’s superbly quiet on the town and at a cruise, with nice insulation from highway, wind and powertrain noise. Whereas decked out in AMG look gear, Mercedes-Benz has carried out properly to provide the GLS a comfort-focused trip somewhat than making an attempt too onerous to be ‘sporty’.
Outward visibility is sweet due to the tall glasshouse and commonplace encompass cameras, although the very chunky shoulderline and bluff sides could make this really feel greater and tougher to park. Tight manoeuvres is usually a little difficult given the immense size and lengthy 3135mm wheelbase, too.
As you’d count on the GLS is decked out with a collection of Benz’s newest help methods, permitting this large Mercedes to supply semi-autonomous driving functionality on the open highway and in visitors jams.
Benz’s ‘Distronic’ adaptive cruise combines with energetic lane retaining and steering assists to maintain the GLS centred inside its lane an a set distance from a lead car. Mercedes’s help software program is likely one of the higher calibrated and intuitive within the enterprise, and the lane change help perform feels properly sorted, if somewhat bizarre the primary time you attempt it.
Blind-spot and rear cross-traffic assists provide you with an additional set of eyes in visitors and tight areas, serving to negotiate small gaps in visitors or metropolis automobile parks.
The augmented actuality perform for the MBUX infotainment system additionally makes use of the ahead digicam feed and overlays graphics with instructions and avenue names which is fairly cool. It additionally has a visitors mild view in case you’ll be able to’t see the lights change because of the A-pillars or chunky facet mirrors.
To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLS strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
What do you get?
Whereas the cheaper Version 7 supplied a decrease stage of normal tools, the 450d AMG Line is the mainstay entry-level mannequin within the native GLS lineup.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS450d tools highlights:
- AMG Line
- 22-inch AMG multispoke alloy wheels
- AMG exterior physique stying
- AMG flooring mats
- Bigger entrance brakes
- Multifunction sports activities steering wheel
- Premium Plus Bundle
- Double sunblind
- Climatised entrance seats
- MBUX augmented actuality navigation
- Energy closing doorways
- Air Stability
- Burmester encompass sound
- Head-up show
- Heated outer rear seats
- Handsfree entry
- Keyless begin
- MBUX Inside assistant
- Multi-contour entrance seats
- Multibeam LED headlights
- Panoramic sunroof
- 360-degree cameras
- Energetic Parking Help
- Clear bonnet digicam
- Temperature managed cupholders
- Thermotronic local weather management – 4 zone
- Wi-fi cellphone charger
- Rear privateness glass
- Aluminium-look working boards – illuminated
- Mirror Bundle
- Ambient lighting incl. emblem projection
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- 5+2 seating
- Anthracite open-pore wooden trim
- Artico leatherette dashboard, door trim
- Simple-Pack auto tailgate
- Reminiscence Bundle – entrance seats
- Roof liner in black cloth
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12.3-inch MBUX infotainment system
- DAB radio
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
- Wi-fi Android Auto
- Airmatic adaptive air suspension
To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLS strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
Choices
A handful of value choices and packages can be found on the GLS450d AMG Line.
Out there add-ons embrace:
- 23-inch AMG alloy wheels: $2100
- E-Energetic Physique Management: $13,000 – fitted
- Rear Consolation Bundle: $9900
- Towbar Bundle: $2900
- Electrical rear sunblinds: $1300
- Manufaktur paint: $2200-2900
The E-Energetic Physique Management fitted to our check car is totally energetic suspension combining the usual adaptive air suspension and damping with a 48V electro-hydraulic anti-roll bar system which reduces pitch, roll and shock sensations; in addition to the bouncy off-road restoration function.
To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLS strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLS protected?
The GLS is at the moment unrated by ANCAP or Euro NCAP, although the smaller GLE wears a five-star ranking.
Discover out extra
Discover out extra concerning the automobile
Normal security options embrace:
- 9 airbags – incl. front-side, driver knee
- Energetic Steering Help – centring
- Adaptive cruise management incl. cease/go
- Adaptive excessive beam
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Pedestrian detection
- Junction help
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Driver consideration monitoring
- Evasive Steering Help
- Exit warning
- Lane change help
- Lane departure warning
- Lane-keep help
- Parking sensors – entrance, rear
- Pre-Protected system
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Encompass-view digicam
- Site visitors jam help
- Site visitors signal help
- Trailer Manoeuvring Help
- Tyre strain monitor
- Velocity Restrict Help
To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLS strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
How a lot does the Mercedes-Benz GLS value to run?
The Mercedes-Benz GLS is roofed by a 5 yr, limitless kilometre new car guarantee.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Mercedes-Benz GLS450d |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | 5 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 25,000 kilometres |
| Capped-price servicing | As much as 5 years – Service Plan |
| Complete capped-price service value | $8140 – 5 yr plan |
Whereas Mercedes-Benz provides lengthy 25,000km service intervals, the five-year Service Plan prices an astonishing $8140. For reference, each the Audi Q7 and BMW X7 value about half that over the identical interval.
To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLS strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
CarExpert’s Tackle the Mercedes-Benz GLS
Just like the GLE I reviewed final yr, the GLS’s many good factors are outshone considerably by its lofty pricing and austere cabin in as-tested specification.
At $190,000 earlier than choices, the GLS doesn’t really feel like a $10,000+ higher car than the equal BMW X7 xDrive40d – notably in its lush Pure Excellence spec.
Even then, it nonetheless requires just a few costly choices to deck it out with the most effective Mercedes-Benz has to supply and prices an absolute fortune to service.
Sure, the 450d’s mild-hybrid-assisted inline diesel six is a peach, and the comfort-focused trip fits the vibe of this large, luxurious family-hauler properly, however there are many different SUVs that may do pretty much as good a job for a lot much less coin.
Interested by shopping for a Mercedes-Benz GLS? Let CarExpert discover you the most effective deal right here
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