Mercedes-Benz GLS (2026)

The GLS 450 has enough speed for relaxed highway driving without turning family transport into a spectacle. Its 375-hp turbocharged inline-six works with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and a nine-speed automatic, delivering smooth acceleration and a tested 0–60-mph time around 5.7 to 5.8 seconds. Standard all-wheel drive supports confident traction. V8, AMG, and Maybach versions add substantially more performance, but they bring higher prices and fuel use, while the base model remains the sensible balance.

The GLS makes three-row luxury genuinely practical, though the rearmost seats are not equally generous. Seating for up to seven gives families useful flexibility, while powered-folding seats and clever electric adjustments make changing layouts unusually easy. Reviews generally praise the spacious second row and usable third row, with some testers accommodating adults, but others find third-row legroom better suited to children. Stiff second-row bolsters can also limit comfort, so passenger space is a strength with important caveats.

The GLS feels stable and confident, but its full-size footprint is an everyday consideration rather than a minor detail. A 205-inch-long, roughly 85-inch-wide body provides a commanding ride and generous cabin space, yet tight garages, narrow streets, and crowded car parks can be genuinely awkward. Steering is smooth rather than sporty, and reviewers generally prefer its calm cruising character to aggressive cornering. Excellent cameras help, but the lack of rear-axle steering makes maneuverability less impressive than some rivals.

The cabin feels convincingly premium in several important areas, though not every touch point matches the price. Three 12.3-inch displays provide a polished digital interface, and MBUX navigation, excellent cameras, Burmester audio, open-pore wood, and soft surfaces reinforce the flagship feel. Reviewers also like the tactile climate controls and panoramic roof. Still, some noted cheap-feeling touch points, distracting ambient-light reflections, finicky capacitive steering controls, and screens that heat in sunlight, tempering the luxury impression.

The GLS is at its best when comfort matters more than sporty responses. Standard AIRMATIC air suspension smooths most road imperfections, and reviewers consistently praise its quiet, composed ride on long journeys. The seats, including available massage functions, add to the relaxed feel. However, Edmunds noticed some pitching in Comfort mode, while smaller sharp bumps can still register. The suspension strongly supports Mercedes’ comfort-focused positioning, although the BMW X7 may feel more settled to drivers who prioritize composure.

The GLS combines serious passenger capacity with useful everyday flexibility. Powered-folding rear seats let owners switch quickly between people and cargo, while the air suspension includes a loading function that lowers the vehicle for easier access. Cargo behind the third row is limited compared with the SUV’s exterior size, but folding the rear seats opens substantially more room, and reviewers praise the spacious luggage area. Its up-to-3,500-kg towing capacity further supports travel and utility beyond ordinary school-run duties.

The GLS makes its case as a quiet luxury family hauler: AIRMATIC suspension, plush seats, and confident road manners make long trips easy, while the flexible three-row cabin and powered-folding seats add real usefulness. Its 375-hp inline-six delivers smooth, ample acceleration, and the tech-rich interior feels premium—though panel-fit concerns, fussy capacitive controls, and occasional cheap-feeling touch points dilute the flagship impression. Cargo flexibility and towing ability are strong, but the limited space behind the third row and tight third-row legroom matter for larger families. Its full-size footprint can be awkward in urban settings, despite excellent cameras, and it favors composed cruising over agile handling. This is a sensible choice for affluent buyers prioritizing comfort, space, and prestige, but its high price, fuel costs, and reliability concerns make it less compelling for value-focused shoppers—leaving it polished and desirable, though not an easy recommendation.