The Mercedes-Benz GLS is Mercedes’ full-size, three-row luxury SUV — marketed as the “S-Class of SUVs”. It began as the GL in 2006, was renamed GLS in 2016, and the current generation (X167) arrived in 2019. It is built at Mercedes’ plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, seats up to seven, and offers inline-six, V8 and AMG powertrains, plus the ultra-luxurious Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600.

At a glance
First generation 2006 (as the GL)
Renamed GLS 2016
Current generation Since 2019 (X167)
Built Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Seats Up to seven
Engines 3.0L inline-six (GLS 450), 4.0L V8 (GLS 580), AMG GLS 63

Why “GLS”?

In 2015 Mercedes reorganized its naming: SUV names start with “GL” and end with the letter of the equivalent sedan. So the GLE is the E-Class-sized SUV and the GLS is the S-Class of SUVs.

Unibody, not a truck

Unlike the Cadillac Escalade and Chevrolet Suburban, which are built on truck-style body-on-frame platforms, the GLS uses a unibody structure like a car. That generally gives a more car-like driving feel, though full-size American SUVs offer more cargo space. See body-on-frame vs unibody.

Comfort features

  • Airmatic air suspension standard, with optional E-Active Body Control, which can counteract body roll and bounce using road-scanning cameras.
  • Seven seats with power-folding second and third rows, or six with second-row captain’s chairs.
  • Five-zone climate control on many models, so rear passengers set their own temperatures.
  • MBUX screens and rear entertainment.

The Maybach GLS

The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 reconfigures the GLS as a four-seat rear-seat lounge. Read the Mercedes-Maybach GLS.

GLS vs Escalade

The GLS drives more like a car and has a very refined cabin; the Escalade offers more third-row space, more cargo room (especially the ESV), a V8 as standard and more visual presence. Read Escalade vs Mercedes GLS.

In chauffeured fleets

European three-row SUVs are superb for families, but American full-size SUVs dominate chauffeured fleets because of their luggage space and robust truck platforms. See our Cadillac Escalade and Chevrolet Suburban.