Mercedes GLS Review: The Luxury SUV That Turns Every Trip Into First Class
05.02.2026 - 09:34:08
It starts the same way for almost everyone: you’ve outgrown the compact SUV years ago. The kids are bigger, the gear is bulkier, the road trips are longer. You want space, comfort, and real presence on the road—but you don’t want to feel like you’ve signed up to drive a delivery truck. The daily grind already takes enough out of you; your car shouldn’t.
That’s the pain point the modern full-size SUV is supposed to solve. But the reality? Many of them feel like scaled-up crossovers with soft-touch plastic and a luxury badge slapped on the grille. You get the size, sure. The serenity, the tech, the sense that you’re in something genuinely special? Not always.
This is where the Mercedes GLS steps in and quietly changes the rules.
The Solution: Mercedes GLS as Your Daily First-Class Lounge
The Mercedes GLS is Mercedes-Benz’s flagship SUV, positioned as the “S-Class of SUVs” in the brand’s own lineup. It’s a three-row luxury SUV designed to do three things exceptionally well: move up to seven people in real comfort, make long distances feel short, and wrap everything in the sort of tech and refinement you usually only see in top-tier executive sedans.
On the official Mercedes-Benz site, the GLS is presented as a large, premium SUV with standard three-row seating, advanced driver-assistance systems, and MBUX infotainment with widescreen cockpit displays. Engine options (which vary by market and model year) typically include six- and eight-cylinder powertrains with 4MATIC all-wheel drive and a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, tuned for strong performance and smoothness rather than raw aggression. All of this is engineered to make a very simple promise: you’re never just getting somewhere—you’re arriving.
Why this specific model?
There are plenty of big SUVs. What makes the Mercedes GLS feel different in real life, beyond the spec sheet?
- Real adult space in all three rows
Unlike many 7-seat SUVs where the third row is basically a penalty box for kids, the GLS is designed so that even adults can sit comfortably in the back. That matters if you regularly travel with extended family or friends—no more awkward Tetris whenever you have more than four people on board. - MBUX that actually feels intelligent
Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system, with its large central display and digital instrument cluster (varying by trim and market), supports natural voice control ("Hey Mercedes"), navigation functions, and smartphone integration. In practical terms, you don’t have to dig through deep menus while driving; you can speak, tap, or swipe your way through your day, whether you’re searching for a charging station, a coffee stop, or your next meeting. - Comfort-first suspension and refinement
The GLS prioritizes smoothness. Suspension systems used in the GLS (depending on model and options, such as AIRMATIC air suspension in many trims) are tuned to filter out rough roads so the cabin remains calm. On a long highway cruise, that translates to less fatigue, fewer complaints from the back seats, and a sense that you’re gliding rather than grinding over the asphalt. - Serious towing and hauling without drama
Full-size SUVs are expected to do real work, and the GLS is engineered with that in mind. While exact towing figures depend on engine and configuration in each market, owners and testers often highlight that the GLS feels stable and composed when pulling a trailer or fully loaded with luggage. It’s not just a pretty face; it’s built to actually handle weight. - Tech that watches your back
Driver-assistance features available in the GLS, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and active brake assist (names and availability vary by market and package), are designed to quietly reduce your workload on long drives or in dense traffic. You’re still the driver—but the car is constantly scanning, warning, and sometimes intervening to keep you out of trouble.
Put simply, this is the SUV you buy when you want big, but you also want beautiful and effortless.
At a Glance: The Facts
| Feature | User Benefit |
|---|---|
| Three-row seating (up to 7 seats, depending on configuration) | Bring family, friends, or colleagues without sacrificing comfort or luggage space. |
| MBUX infotainment with digital displays (model- and market-dependent) | Intuitive access to navigation, media, and vehicle settings with voice, touch, and gesture control options. |
| Available 4MATIC all-wheel drive | Confident traction and stability in bad weather or on rougher surfaces. |
| 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission (varies by engine/market) | Smoother gear changes and optimized fuel efficiency on long journeys. |
| Advanced driver-assistance systems (e.g., active brake assist, lane-keeping assist where equipped) | Extra safety net on the highway and in city traffic, helping to reduce stress and avoid collisions. |
| High-quality interior finishes and ambient lighting (depending on trim/options) | A cabin that feels genuinely premium, enhancing every commute and road trip. |
| Spacious cargo area with flexible seat folding | Switch quickly from transporting people to hauling bulky luggage, sports gear, or hardware-store runs. |
What Users Are Saying
Looking at recent discussions and reviews online, including forum threads and Reddit conversations about the Mercedes GLS, a few consistent themes show up.
Positive sentiment tends to focus on:
- Ride comfort and quietness – Owners often describe the GLS as one of the most comfortable SUVs they’ve driven, especially on long highway trips.
- Interior space – Families praise the usable third row and generous legroom, calling it a true seven-seater rather than a 5+2 compromise.
- Luxury feel – The design, materials, and overall atmosphere inside are frequently compared favorably to the S-Class, particularly in better-equipped trims.
- Tech and infotainment – While not everyone loves every menu, most users appreciate the clarity of the displays and the capabilities of MBUX once they get used to it.
Criticisms and concerns that appear in owner discussions include:
- Price and options – Many note that the GLS can become expensive quickly when you start adding desirable packages and options.
- Complexity of tech – Some drivers feel the system can be overwhelming at first, requiring a bit of a learning curve.
- Running costs – As with most full-size premium SUVs, fuel, insurance, and maintenance can be on the higher side compared with smaller vehicles.
Overall, though, sentiment around the Mercedes GLS is broadly positive: buyers who specifically want a large, truly luxurious SUV generally feel they’re getting what they paid for, and often highlight comfort and presence as the standout strengths.
It’s worth remembering that the GLS comes from Mercedes-Benz Group AG, a company listed under ISIN: DE0007100000, which underlines that this is a flagship product from a major global automaker rather than an experimental side project.
Alternatives vs. Mercedes GLS
In the real world, the Mercedes GLS competes against other large luxury SUVs: think of models from BMW, Audi, Volvo, and certain high-end American and British brands. So why might you pick the GLS over them?
- Versus more sporty rivals
Some competitors lean heavily into a sportier driving feel. If you’re chasing lap times, they might appeal. But if your priority is relaxed, confident cruising with maximum comfort for passengers, the more cosseting character of the GLS can feel like a better match. - Versus tech-forward but smaller SUVs
Mid-size luxury SUVs may match some of the tech, but they often can’t match the sheer cabin volume, third-row space, and road presence of the GLS. If you truly use three rows and big cargo space, you’ll feel the difference. - Versus ultra-luxury SUVs
At the extreme end of the market there are even more expensive SUVs with even more opulent touches. The GLS often hits a sweet spot: very high luxury and technology from a mainstream premium brand, without venturing into ultra-exotic pricing territory.
In short, if you want something genuinely big and genuinely premium, the GLS sits in a comfortable middle ground: notably more luxurious than mainstream full-size SUVs, but without the stratospheric costs of some ultra-luxury options.
Final Verdict
The Mercedes GLS isn’t about shouting; it’s about arriving with quiet confidence. It’s for you if your life simply requires a big vehicle—but your standards for comfort, tech, and refinement are as high as they are for your home or your office.
It solves a specific problem that many growing families, entrepreneurs, and frequent travelers run into: needing serious space and capability without suffering through a noisy, agricultural-feeling truck. Instead, you get an environment that feels carefully curated—a lounge on wheels where everyone on board, from front seat to third row, feels considered.
If you’re cross-shopping large SUVs and you care about long-distance comfort, interior quality, and a polished driving experience, the Mercedes GLS absolutely deserves a place at the top of your shortlist. It’s not the cheapest way to move seven people—but it just might be the most serene.
To explore exact trims, engines, and equipment available in your region, as well as current pricing, visiting the official Mercedes-Benz page for the GLS is essential, since specifications and options vary by market and model year.
