2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class SUV

　　

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class Review

byMichael CantuCorrespondent

　　Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.

　　, rating written byMichael CantuVehicle 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.

　　If you're in the market for a large three-row luxury SUV, it's hard to go wrong with the highly rated GLS. The GLS is Mercedes' largest SUV, positioned above the smaller GLE. But the brand's most expensive SUV is its popular off-roader: the G-Class (or G-wagen). The GLS is a great choice for large families. It can seat six or seven passengers and provides a commendable amount of cargo space behind the third row. Folding down the third row, though, significantly expands the cargo area. The GLS excels in most categories, including comfort, technology, performance and build quality.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 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

　　$222/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) - $87,000 MSRPGLS 580 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) - $112,000 MSRPAMG GLS 63 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) - $145,850 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　

zzdcar spotlight: All the changes for 2024

The GLS was refreshed for 2024. Outside, Mercedes updated its look with a redesigned front bumper, grille and taillights. But the biggest changes took place inside with the GLS' tech. In addition to several new standard advanced driver aids, all GLS models get a surround-view camera system, Mercedes' latest infotainment system and augmented video guidance for the navigation system. The base engine in the GLS 450 gets 13 more horsepower, and the GLS 580's V8 gets an additional 27 hp. Mercedes also reworked the features in the 580's Off-Road package. The AMG GLS 63 also packs more standard features such as a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, a head-up display, and an air purification and fragrance system.

　　

Competitors to consider

The Mercedes GLS is an excellent choice for a three-row luxury SUV and is one of our favorites. But if your family needs something larger, the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator and Jeep Grand Wagoneer are compelling rivals that provide more cargo space. If luxury, comfort and tech are more of a priority, the BMW X7 and Land Rover Range Rover are worthy alternatives. As for an all-electric option, consider the impressive Rivian R1S. Check out the zzdcar Expert Rating below to get our test team's full review of the GLS' comfort, tech, performance 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? We tested the GLE 450. This might be the base version but there's little reason to feel like you'd need to upgrade. At our test track, it hustled from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds — that's impressively quick and, for context, about a second quicker than a Cadillac Escalade. Around town, acceleration is smooth and easy. We were also impressed with the GLS' powerful brakes and secure handling. The steering doesn't provide much feel for the road, but its light effort makes the GLS easy to maneuver in a parking lot or in traffic.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the GLS-Class? The GLS' front seats are supportive and highly adjustable. You won't have any trouble staying comfortable even after many 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