Mercedes-Benz GLS450 is a stylish, spacious, and dynamically sound take on a family SUV. It may not have as much cargo space as a GMC Yukon XL, but there’s no denying the touch of glamour that a three-pointed star brings to a vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz GLS450 is a stylish, spacious, and dynamically sound take on a family SUV. It may not have as much cargo space as a GMC Yukon XL, but there’s no denying the touch of glamour that a three-pointed star brings to a vehicle. The GLS-class feels much smaller than its size on the road; it’s surprisingly quick and nimble and, unlike many others in the class, it isn’t onerous to park. Those are the qualities that helped the GLS claim a 10Best Trucks and SUVs title in 2017, and since it’s virtually unchanged for 2018, it remains at the top of the class. Almost nothing. Mercedes added a new no-cost 19-inch wheel design to the GLS450, but otherwise the GLS-class sails into 2018 unchanged. Even without a significant refresh, though, it’s still head and shoulders above many other SUVs in its class. GLS-class buyers are confronted with the choice of two powerful, competent powertrains. The base engine in the GLS450 is a stout 362-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6, while a muscular 449-hp twin-turbo 4.7-liter V-8 powers the GLS550. Both engines mate with a smooth nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Thanks in part to its standard air suspension, the GLS-class rides like the luxury cruiser it is. Although it sometimes betrays its size—long braking stops and soft suspension are the main culprits—it is respectably agile on the road. The GLS isn’t designed for hard cornering, so drivers will notice body roll when pushing it hard, but for everyday driving it delivers the coddling ride we expect from a Mercedes. EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars. While the GLS hasn’t quite achieved the level of opulence of the Mercedes-Benz S-class sedan, it has an appropriately luxurious cockpit for one of the brand’s best SUVs. Although it has plenty of standard features, other items that should be standard at this price point cost extra, such as leather seats, a power-adjustable front-passenger’s seat, ventilated seats, and three-zone climate control. Other innovative upgrades, including massaging front seats and heated and cooled cupholders, add the luxury touch we’d like to see in this Benz. The GLS-class is an excellent choice for those who want to transport cargo in style, but there are other SUVs that can carry even more, if that’s a priority. In between the acres of passenger space, there aren’t many places in the GLS cabin to store small items. The GLS-class can be outfitted with the latest version of the Mercedes COMAND infotainment system. It’s mostly a successful application, although the touchpad can impede access to the rotary dial. The standard infotainment system in the GLS450 is bare bones compared with the setups in other luxury vehicles. It has an 8.0-inch screen, two USB ports, eight-speaker audio, and Bluetooth connectivity. Available on the 450 but standard on the 550 are such features as the touchpad interface, SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, all of which we’d like to see as standard in a vehicle this expensive. For more information about the Mercedes-Benz GLS-class’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer’s Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer’s CPO program.Mercedes-Benz GLS450
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Fuel Economy
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Infotainment and Connectivity
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Warranty
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