Review of the Mercedes-Benz GLS

The Mercedes-Benz GLS is a full-size luxury SUV at the top of the German automaker's SUV range. It offers a combination of luxury, practicality, and performance that few other SUVs can match.

Rivals to the Mercedes-Benz GLS include the Audi Q7, BMW X7 and Range Rover.

Our Mercedes-Benz GLS review covers:

• The exterior has an imposing stance with its sleek lines and chrome accents
• Luxurious interior with ambient lighting that creates a serene and inviting atmosphere
• Boot space ranges from 355 litres to a massive 1,470 litres
• Choose between a petrol or a diesel engine
• Three trim levels are available: AMG Line, Business Class and Night Edition

Pros:

• Massive boot space 
• Comfortable to drive
• Spacious seven-seater

Cons:

• High price
• Thirsty engines
• Rivals are more fun to drive

The Mercedes-Benz GLS exudes an imposing presence, boasting a commanding stance and elegant lines that seamlessly blend luxury with athleticism. Its muscular haunches, sculpted contours, and chrome accents exude sophistication, while its expressive grille, sharp headlamps, and LED taillights accentuate its refined character. The GLS's exterior design is not merely about aesthetics; it also serves a functional purpose. Its expansive grille and air intakes efficiently channel air to the powerful engine, while its aerodynamic profile ensures a smooth and efficient ride.

Stepping inside the GLS is akin to entering a luxurious haven where spaciousness, comfort, and versatility converge. The cabin accommodates up to seven occupants with ample legroom and headroom throughout, ensuring a comfortable journey for all.

With seven seats installed, the available boot space is 355 litres, roughly equivalent to that of a compact hatchback. In the configuration with five seats, the capacity increases to 890 litres, and folding down the second row expands it significantly to a vast 1,470 litres.

The new Mercedes-Benz GLS's interior is one of the most luxurious and technologically advanced on the market. It offers a spacious, comfortable, and well-appointed environment for all occupants. The seats are plush and supportive, and they offer a wide range of adjustments to ensure that you can find a comfortable driving position. The cabin is also well-equipped with the latest technology, including a large touchscreen infotainment system, a head-up display, and a panoramic sunroof.

The GLS's interior is available in a range of colours and materials, so you can choose the option that best suits your taste. The standard upholstery is leather, but you can also opt for Nappa leather or even Maybach-style leather. The GLS also offers a variety of wood and metal trim options to further personalize your interior.

Technology is a major focus for Mercedes-Benz, and the GLS is no exception. It comes standard with a large touchscreen infotainment system that is easy to use and provides access to a wide range of features. You can also upgrade to the Burmester high-end audio system, which produces truly amazing sound quality. The GLS also offers a head-up display that projects important information onto the windshield, such as your speed and navigation directions.

There are three trim levels available: AMG Line, Business Class and Night Edition.

The Mercedes GLS AMG Line is equipped with 22-inch alloy wheels, adaptive air suspension, sporty AMG bumpers, LED headlights, a panoramic glass roof, and metal-effect running boards. Inside the vehicle, you'll find seven electrically adjustable seats, 64-colour ambient lighting, a Nappa-leather sports steering wheel, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring on the dual-screen dashboard display. Standard features also include Mercedes' latest voice-controlled MBUX infotainment system, wireless phone charging, a Burmester stereo, cruise control, and various driver assistance systems such as lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking.

For those opting for the Business Class, the higher of the two available GLS specs, a range of petrol and diesel power options are available. Business Class cars come with a heated steering wheel, luxury headrests for the outer rear seats, heated and climatized seats in all three rows, an MBUX rear tablet, and two wireless headsets.

If you desire a Mercedes GLS with a power output matching its substantial size, consider the 611hp AMG Night Edition model. This variant features AMG-tuned brakes and suspension to handle the high performance. As a GLS, it includes luxuries like a panoramic sunroof, an augmented head-up display unit, and power adjustment for all seven seats. Additionally, every seat, including the front and rear armrests, comes with heating controls.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS is a commanding presence on the road, offering a range of powerful and responsive engines to suit a variety of driving styles. The entry-level GLS 450 4MATIC is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine that produces 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This engine delivers ample power for everyday driving, while also being efficient enough to achieve a fuel economy of up to 25 mpg on the highway.

For those who demand more power, the GLS 580 4MATIC is equipped with a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine that generates 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. This engine provides effortless acceleration and a thrilling driving experience while also being relatively fuel-efficient for its size. The GLS 580 is also equipped with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that improves fuel economy and enhances overall performance.

At the pinnacle of the GLS lineup is the AMG GLS 63 4MATIC, which boasts a monstrous 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque from its 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine. This engine is capable of propelling the GLS from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, making it one of the quickest SUVs on the market. The AMG GLS 63 is also equipped with a comprehensive suite of performance features, including an adaptive suspension, a limited-slip differential, and active exhaust valves.

Regardless of your chosen engine, the GLS delivers an exceptional driving experience. The steering is precise and communicative, the handling is surprisingly agile for such a large vehicle, and the ride is comfortable and composed. The GLS's nine-speed automatic transmission seamlessly shifts gears, providing smooth and effortless transitions between acceleration and cruising speeds.

A wide range of advanced driver-assistance systems complements the GLS's exceptional power and performance. These systems include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. These features help ensure all occupants' safety while reducing the driver's workload and making the GLS a more relaxing and enjoyable vehicle to drive.

Overall, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS is a powerhouse of an SUV that delivers exceptional power, performance, and refinement, making it a great luxury leasing option.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS is now available for purchase at a starting on-the-road price of £105,000.00*, or it can be leased with monthly payments starting from Price On Request.

If you're considering leasing a Mercedes-Benz GLS, we proudly offer excellent car leasing services in the UK. Our leasing deals include a manufacturer's warranty, road tax, breakdown insurance, and free delivery to most areas of the UK mainland (excluding specific regions).

Leasing a Mercedes-Benz GLS can often be a more financially advantageous option compared to purchasing outright, thanks to the fixed monthly payments, variable mileage options, low initial rental, and flexible contract durations.

It's important to note that the 'on-the-road' price mentioned includes a year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee, and a number plate fee. Please be aware that this price is accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change. To get the most up-to-date information, we recommend contacting your nearest retailer.