A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.4/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
4.2
Comfort & Interior
4.8
Running Costs
3.2
Practicality
4.5
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a luxury SUV that makes a serious statement? The Mercedes Benz GLS Class delivers commanding presence with uncompromising comfort for up to seven passengers. This flagship SUV combines Mercedes’ renowned build quality with impressive space and advanced technology. The GLS excels at effortless long distance cruising while offering genuine off road capability when needed. Whether you’re transporting family or entertaining clients, the GLS provides a premium experience that rivals like the BMW X5 or Range Rover Sport struggle to match. The interior feels like a luxury lounge with premium materials throughout and cutting edge infotainment systems. While running costs reflect its premium positioning, the GLS offers exceptional refinement and versatility. For those seeking the ultimate in luxury SUV motoring, the GLS Class represents Mercedes at its most accomplished. This is a vehicle that delivers on both practicality and prestige in equal measure.
What's the Mercedes Benz GLS Class Like to Drive?
The Mercedes Benz GLS Class offers a range of potent engines that prioritise refinement over outright sportiness. The entry level GLS 350d diesel produces around 286 horsepower and delivers impressive torque for effortless overtaking and towing. For those wanting more power, the GLS 450 petrol engine offers 367 horsepower with silky smooth acceleration. The range topping AMG models push performance into supercar territory while maintaining the comfort expected from a luxury SUV.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
3.0L V6 Diesel / 3.0L V6 Petrol / 4.0L V8 Petrol
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Power Output
286 - 630 bhp
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0-60 mph
7.8 - 3.8 seconds
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MPG Combined
28 - 35 mpg
- Boot Space
- 355 - 2400 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Mercedes Benz GLS Class: Comfort & Features
Step inside the GLS and you’re immediately struck by the sheer quality of everything around you. The dashboard design is modern and sophisticated, dominated by the latest MBUX infotainment system with its crisp dual screen setup. Materials throughout feel genuinely premium, from the soft leather upholstery to the real wood trim and brushed metal accents. Every control operates with the precision you’d expect from Mercedes, creating an atmosphere of uncompromising luxury.
The Mercedes Benz GLS Class excels in comfort and interior quality, offering a plush, tech-laden cabin that sets a high bar for luxury SUVs. Its refined engines deliver smooth power, though outright performance isn’t its forte. The AMG variants punch above their weight, blending sportiness with comfort. Practicality shines with ample space, but running costs are steep. A commanding presence on and off-road, it’s a premium cruiser with occasional compromises in efficiency
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Mercedes Benz GLS Class?
As you’d expect from a large luxury SUV, the GLS comes with substantial running costs that reflect its premium positioning. Fuel economy varies significantly depending on your chosen engine, with diesel versions achieving around 32-35 mpg in real world driving, while the powerful AMG variants can see consumption drop into the low twenties. Insurance costs are high due to the car’s value and repair costs, so it’s worth shopping around for competitive quotes.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Mercedes GLS
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BMW X7
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Audi Q7
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| Starting Price | £73,000 | £75,000 | £70,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 3.0L V6 286hp | 3.0L V6 340hp | 3.0L V6 286hp |
| Power | 286 bhp | 340 bhp | 286 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 7.8 seconds | 6.1 seconds | 7.1 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 32 mpg | 30 mpg | 34 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 355 litres | 326 litres | 295 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Air suspension, MBUX system, Luxurious interior | Sporty handling, Premium materials, Advanced tech | Quattro AWD, Virtual cockpit, Efficient engines |
Mercedes Benz GLS Class Practicality & Boot Space
For such a luxurious vehicle, the GLS is remarkably practical for everyday use. The boot offers 355 litres with all seven seats in place, which expands to a massive 2,400 litres with the rear seats folded flat. This makes it ideal for large families who need to carry everything from shopping to holiday luggage. The split folding seats and electric operation make reconfiguring the space simple and convenient.
Absolutely love our GLS 450. The comfort levels are incredible and it swallows our family of six with ease. Yes it’s expensive to run but the quality and luxury make it worthwhile. Best car we’ve ever owned.
The Mercedes Benz GLS Class represents luxury motoring at its finest, wrapping exceptional comfort, advanced technology, and genuine seven seat practicality into one impressive package. It successfully delivers on Mercedes’ promise of creating the S Class of SUVs, with build quality and attention to detail that justifies its premium positioning. Every aspect feels carefully considered to enhance the ownership experience.