I have driven many big SUVs, but the Mercedes GLS is different. They call it the “S-Class of SUVs.” That means it is supposed to be the most comfortable, most fancy, and most expensive SUV you can buy.
I spent a week with the new 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 to see if it is really worth almost $100,000. Is it just a big GLE, or is it something special? This review is for parents who want to carry their family in style.
Quick Spec Table
Here are the numbers for the dads who like data.
| Feature | GLS 450 Specs | GLS 580 Specs |
| Engine | 3.0L Turbo Inline-6 | 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 |
| Horsepower | 375 hp | 510+ hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft | 538 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | ~5.8 seconds | ~4.7 seconds |
| Transmission | 9-Speed Automatic | 9-Speed Automatic |
| MPG (Est.) | 19 City / 24 Hwy | 14 City / 20 Hwy |
| Seating | 7 (Standard) or 6 (Optional) | 7 (Standard) or 6 (Optional) |
| Towing Capacity | 7,700 lbs | 7,700 lbs |
| Base Price | ~$90,250 | ~$116,150 |
What is the GLS?
The GLS is a massive, full-size luxury SUV. It has three rows of seats and can fit seven adults (yes, real adults). It competes with the BMW X7, the Cadillac Escalade, and the Range Rover.
For 2026, Mercedes made some small updates. They changed the grill a little bit, added some new paint colors, and updated the software. But mostly, it is the same big, beautiful beast.
Exterior Design: The King of the Road
The GLS is huge. It is over 17 feet long. When you drive it, other cars move out of your way.
The Front
The front is very bold. It has a giant grill with the Mercedes star in the middle. The star is as big as a dinner plate! The headlights are very smart. They can turn off parts of the light so you don’t blind other drivers.
The Wheels
My test car had the 21-inch wheels. They look nice, but you can get massive 23-inch wheels if you want to look like a rapper. Just be careful, the big wheels make the ride a little stiffer.
The Back
The back is simple. It looks a lot like the smaller GLE, just stretched out. It has chrome exhaust tips, but like many modern cars, they are fake. The real exhaust points down at the ground.
Interior: First Class for Everyone
This is why you buy a GLS. The interior is amazing. It feels like a private jet.
The Seats
The front seats are huge and soft. They have massage functions that actually work. I used the “Classic Massage” on my way to work, and it was great.
The second row is also very comfortable. You can get a bench seat (for 7 people) or “Captain’s Chairs” (for 6 people). I recommend the Captain’s Chairs. It makes it easier to get to the third row.
The Third Row
Most third rows are for tiny kids. But the GLS is different. I am 6 feet tall, and I fit in the third row comfortably. My knees were not hitting my chin. You could actually put adults back there for a long trip. Plus, the third row has its own heated seats and USB ports!
Also Read My Honest Review of the 2025 Mercedes GLB: The Boxy Baby Benz
The Dashboard
There are two giant screens. One for the driver and one for the radio/maps. They look like one big piece of glass. The graphics are beautiful.
However, I have one complaint. The steering wheel has touch buttons. They are annoying. Sometimes I changed the radio station by accident when I was turning. I wish they kept real buttons.
Driving Impressions: Like Driving a Cloud
I drove the GLS 450. This is the “base” model.
The Engine
It has a 3.0-liter turbo inline-6 engine. It has 375 horsepower. It uses a mild-hybrid system to help it save gas.
You might think a 6-cylinder engine is too small for this giant car. But you would be wrong. It is very smooth and has plenty of power. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in under 6 seconds.
The Ride
The suspension is air. It feels like you are floating. You don’t feel bumps or potholes. It is very relaxing. My wife fell asleep in the passenger seat five minutes after we left the house.
If you buy the expensive GLS 580, you can get “E-Active Body Control.” It uses cameras to see bumps before you hit them. It is cool technology, but the standard air suspension is already so good, I don’t think you need it.
Parking
Be warned: this car is huge. Parking in a small city lot is scary. But the cameras are amazing. It has a “360-degree view” that shows you the car from above. It helps you not scratch those expensive wheels.
Technology: “Hey Mercedes”
The technology is very smart. The voice assistant is one of the best.
You can say, “Hey Mercedes, I am stressed,” and the car will change the lights, turn on the massage, and play relaxing music. It is a little weird, but cool.
The navigation uses “Augmented Reality.” When you need to turn, a video of the street pops up on the screen with big blue arrows pointing where to go. You will never miss a turn.
Practicality: It Fits Everything
Cargo Space
With all seats up, the trunk is small. You can fit maybe three grocery bags.
But if you fold the third row down (which happens with one button), the trunk is massive. You can fit a stroller, a dog crate, and four suitcases.
There is also a button in the trunk to lower the back of the car. This makes it easier to load heavy boxes.
Cup Holders
There are cup holders everywhere. And they are fancy. You can get heated and cooled cup holders. It keeps your coffee hot and your water cold. This is true luxury.
Reliability and Issues
The GLS is complex. It has a lot of sensors and computers.
- 48-Volt Battery: Some owners of the older models had issues with the battery system. It seems fixed for 2026, but it is something to watch.
- Tires: Because the car is heavy, it eats tires quickly. Expect to replace them every 20,000 miles.
- Electronics: Sometimes the screens might freeze. A quick restart of the car usually fixes it.
Trim Levels and Pricing
There are two main versions you should look at.
- GLS 450: This starts around $90,000. It has the 6-cylinder engine. This is the one most people buy. It has almost everything you need.
- GLS 580: This starts around $116,000. It has a big V8 engine with over 510 horsepower. It is faster and comes with more leather inside. But it uses a lot more gas.
There is also the AMG GLS 63 (crazy fast) and the Maybach GLS 600 (crazy expensive), but those are for very specific buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the third row actually for adults?
A: Yes. Unlike the smaller GLE or the Audi Q7, a normal-sized adult can sit in the back of a GLS for an hour without complaining.
Q: Does it have a spare tire?
A: No. It uses a tire repair kit or Run-Flat tires. If you blow a tire, you are calling a tow truck.
Q: Should I get the Captain’s Chairs?
A: If you have two kids, yes. It makes the back feel more open and easier to walk through. If you have three kids, stick with the bench seat so you can fit three across.
Q: Is the V8 (GLS 580) worth the extra money?
A: Honestly? No. The 6-cylinder (GLS 450) is so good and smooth that you don’t really need the V8 unless you tow a very heavy boat often.
Final Verdict
Is the 2026 Mercedes GLS worth it?
Yes.
It is the best 7-seater luxury SUV on the market. The BMW X7 drives a little sportier, and the Cadillac Escalade is bigger, but the Mercedes GLS feels the most special. It is smooth, quiet, and incredibly comfortable.
If you have the budget, get the GLS 450. It is the perfect family hauler. Just be prepared for the high price of gas and maintenance. But when you are getting a hot stone massage on your way to soccer practice, you won’t care about the money.
