Mercedes-Benz GLS Review 2026: Luxury for the Long Haul

from the experts at Invoice Pricing

2026

Mercedes-Benz

GLS

Mercedes | Premium | SUV

In this Mercedes-Benz GLS Review, we cover a full-size luxury SUV that emphasizes comfort, power, and three-row seating. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS continues to position itself as the plush, tech-rich choice for families who want a flagship Mercedes feel in SUV form, with standard air suspension, strong six- and eight-cylinder powertrains, and a cabin that still ranks among the most refined in the class. It may not be the sharpest driver in the segment, but for buyers who care more about smoothness, presence, and long-distance comfort, the GLS makes a very strong case.

Slip behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz GLS, and you first notice the satisfying thud of the solid door closing out the world. The subtle scent of hand-stitched leather fills the airy, spacious cabin, inviting you to sink into its plush seats. This is Mercedes’s largest SUV, with three rows that seat up to seven people. Because it is called the “S-class,” which means “high-end,” the letter “S” in its name emphasizes this even further. The cabin is beautiful, cozy, spacious, and equipped with high-tech gadgets.

The GLS450 features a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with 375 hp, while the GLS580 boasts a twin-turbo V-8 engine with 510 hp. We like both engines for their smooth power and quick acceleration, though neither is the fastest in its class. On the other hand, we like the standard air suspension the most. It helps this large SUV stay stable and balanced as it navigates sharp turns and rough terrain.

What's New?

There are no major changes for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS. This model year largely carries over the same overall package, so the focus remains on the GLS’s existing strengths rather than on any major updates. Buyers still get the same upscale three-row layout, standard air suspension, strong available engines, and polished cabin experience that define this SUV.

The 2026 GLS adds two high-end Manufaktur paint colors, but there are no meaningful mechanical upgrades or major feature additions. So if you already liked the current GLS, this is essentially more of the same. If you were waiting for a larger redesign or a major tech leap, this does not appear to be the year for it.

Infotainment and Connectivity

12.3-inch tablet for entertainment
Connectivity through Bluetooth and WiFi. It works with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The sound system features a Burmester stereo with 13 speakers as standard and an optional Burmester stereo with 26 speakers.

Two huge 12.3-inch digital screens take up most of the GLS center. One is for infotainment and runs Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX software, which features a virtual assistant similar to Siri. The other is for the driver’s customizable gauge display. An onboard WiFi hotspot, built-in mapping, and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are all standard features. All GLS models come equipped with a Burmester stereo system featuring 13 speakers. If that’s not enough, Benz also makes a Burmester setup with 2x as many speakers.

Engine and Performance

A 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engine with 375 horsepower and a 4.0-liter V-8 twin-turbo engine with 510 horsepower are the engines.
Automatic gearbox with nine speeds.
All-wheel drive is built into the engine.

You can choose between the eight-cylinder GLS580 and the six-cylinder GLS450. The GLS450 delivers 375 horsepower from its 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engine, while the GLS580’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 produces 510 horsepower. Both engines impress with their smoothness and strong acceleration.

Although it’s large, the GLS-class isn’t very fast, but it’s easy to drive on winding roads. All of the models come with air suspension as standard. Mercedes also added a high-tech feature to the GLS580 called E-Active Body Control. This system uses a forward-facing camera to detect road bumps and adjust the suspension to mitigate their impact. The technology is impressive, but it’s also very expensive, and we believe that the basic setup will be sufficient for most buyers.

The GLS450 took 5.5 seconds to test at 60 mph, while the GLS580 took 4.7 seconds.

Although it’s fast enough for a three-row SUV, the GLS doesn’t quite match its main rival. The BMW X7 M60i with 375 hp can reach 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, while the BMW X7 with 375 hp needs 4.6 seconds. You’ll need to opt for the high-performance AMG GLS to surpass that.

Fuel Economy

At 75 mph on the highway, the GLS450 got 24 mpg.
The EPA reports 14–19 mpg for city driving.
The EPA rates highway gas mileage between 19 and 24 miles per gallon.

Fuel economy numbers for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class have not been released by the EPA yet, but they are expected to remain the same. That being said, the statistics aren’t particularly impressive. Based on its scores, the 2025 GLS 450 is expected to achieve 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The GLS580 did worse. It only got 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway.

The 2020 GLS 450 pre-update achieved 24 mpg, which was slightly better than its 23 mpg rating. We haven’t tried a new GLS-class on our 75-mph fuel-economy route yet. Visit the EPA website to learn more about the GLS’s fuel efficiency.

If gas mileage is important to you, the BMW X7 is a better choice for a high-end SUV. A six-cylinder X7 xDrive40i got an amazing 28 mpg in our highway test. On the other hand, the GLS’s strengths shine in other areas. For drivers who value advanced comfort, a smoother ride from the standard air suspension, and a more luxurious interior with class-leading technology, the GLS still makes a compelling case. If plush refinement, impressive features, and a premium driving experience matter more than squeezing out a few extra miles per gallon, the GLS could be the better fit.

Safety Features

The GLS features all of the brand’s driver-assistance technologies, but hands-free driving technology has not yet been added. One standout feature is the advanced Pre-Safe system, which can sense an imminent collision, tighten seatbelts, and even adjust the seats to better protect passengers before impact. On a long family road trip, this kind of proactive safety brings real peace of mind, knowing your loved ones are surrounded by smart technology ready to respond when it matters most.

Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot tracking are all standard safety features.

Cargo and Towing Capacity

Cargo Space:

The GLS can hold 17 to 85 cubic feet of cargo, depending on how many rear seats are folded. To make this easier to picture, that’s about enough space for four carry-on suitcases with all seats up, or the equivalent of a week’s worth of camping gear, including large duffel bags and coolers, with the rear rows tucked away. That car doesn’t have very many of those specs for its class.

First Row:

Step inside the new GLS and you are greeted by an atmosphere of yacht-deck calm, where the hush of the outside world fades beneath rich, sculpted lines and a soothing ambiance. The dashboard and cabin take inspiration from the GLE-class SUV, but the GLS reinterprets it with an added sense of occasion. Though Mercedes offers a variety of leather and wood, even the standard leatherette upholstery and brushed aluminum trim exude an inviting tactile warmth, evoking the feeling of gliding across polished teak under soft ambient light. Every surface feels meticulously crafted and the fit and finish are as flawless as you’d hope in a luxury flagship.

Second Row:

The GLS can fit up to seven people if you add the extra captain’s chairs in the second row, but it can also fit six people. In the first and second rows, there is plenty of room for people.

Third Row:

The third row of the GLS sets a benchmark for adult comfort in this segment, offering enough space for grown passengers to settle in on longer trips. In contrast, the BMW X7’s rearmost seats are noticeably tighter, making them less suitable for adults over long distances. If you routinely carry passengers in all three rows, the GLS’s spaciousness in the back is a clear advantage over its closest rival.

Towing

Tow up to 7700 pounds of weight.

People who purchase the GLS should request the Class 4 trailer hitch if they plan to tow a trailer. It can hold up to 7700 pounds.

Price and How to Choose

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class can cost between $91,400 and $119,100, depending on the options and specifications chosen. This is our choice: the base engine. The GLS450’s turbocharged inline-six is just as smooth and powerful as the GLS580’s V-8. We would also choose the Exclusive package because it includes leather seats, heated rear seats, and massaging front seats.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Exceptionally refined cabin with high-end materials and a true flagship feel.
Standard air suspension delivers a smooth, composed ride for a large SUV.
Strong six- and eight-cylinder engine options provide effortless power.
Spacious second- and third-row seating make it one of the more usable luxury three-row SUVs.
Impressive towing capacity for buyers who need real utility.