2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

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Rating7.9

Ranked #7 in 

Fullsize SUV
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$69,550 - $94,950
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on September 26, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Plush and lavishly designed interiors

Steep price jump between 2 trims seems unreasonable

No noticeable changes

Third row is quite spacious

Options cost a fortune

Quiet and serene ride for the size

Stylish exterior design with Mercedes design cues

Specs & Features

$94,950

price

449 hp @ 5250 rpm

horsepower

516 lb.-ft. @ 1800 rpm

torque

9-Speed Automatic w/od

transmission

4.7L 8cyl AWD 9A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

Competing in the fullsize SUV segment, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class SUV goes up against other notable names in the class, like the Volvo XC90, Cadillac Escalade, and the Lincoln Navigator. Spread across 2 trims, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class starts off at a base price of MSRP $69,550 and carries on to $94,950. Not all trims are built equal, however, as there are 2 powertrains on offer. Starting off is the 3.0L twin-turbocharged V6 and 9-speed automatic transmission base engine. Making 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, this engine makes the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class capable of accelerating from a standstill to 60 mph in just 5.0 seconds and carries the capability to tow 7,500 pounds. One can also opt for a bigger4.7L twin-turbocharged V8 engine that is paired to the same 9-speed automatic transmission. With 449 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, this engine gets you the same towing capacity of up to 7,500 pounds.

Buying Advice

In this segment, the GLS Class SUV is one of the most luxurious and well-built three-row SUVs. It is our recommendation, however, to stick with the base GLS 450 rather than the 550 trim, for the significant price tag. In addition, it has all the necessary features and more at a far lesser price.

Trims

    550
    $94,950 onwards
    • Engine: 4.7L 8cyl AWD 9A
    • Horsepower: 449 hp @ 5250 rpm hp
    • Torque: 516 lb.-ft. @ 1800 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 5.69 sec
    • Top Speed: 155 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 16 mpg
    GLS 450
    $69,550 onwards
    • LED Running Lights And Taillights
    • 10 Way Power Driver Seat
    • Heated Front Seats
    • Mbrace Connect Remote Vehicle Access
    • Premium vinyl upholstery
    • Self Leveling Air Suspension

Compare to similar cars

Price

$69,550- $94,950

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.88

Horsepower

577 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque

561 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm

Capacity

7

Read Review

$73,995- $111,990

Gasoline

7.08

420 hp @ 5600 rpm

460 lb.-ft. @ 4100 rpm

7

Read Review

$48,190- $76,175

Gasoline

7.6

375 hp @ 5000 rpm

470 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm

8

Read Review

$64,750- $67,850

Gasoline

6.71

400 hp @ 5800 rpm

413 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

7

Read Review

$87,350- $207,900

Gasoline

8.47

340 hp @ 6500 rpm

332 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm

5

Read Review

$85,630- $90,630

Gasoline

7.12

383 hp @ 5600 rpm

403 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm

5

Read Review

$72,055- $96,905

Gasoline

8.31

450 hp @ 5500 rpm

510 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm

7

Read Review

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    6.47 sec12.8 sec155 mph
    5.1 sec13.7 sec115 mph
    5.5 sec14 sec120 mph
    5.6 sec14.1 sec115 mph
    6.1 sec14.5 sec140 mph
    6.3 sec--

    2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      17 mpg22 mpg19 mpg26.4 gal.448.8/580.8 mi.
      17 mpg24 mpg20 mpg23.3 gal.396.1/559.2 mi.
      16 mpg23 mpg19 mpg23 gal.368/529 mi.
      17 mpg23 mpg19 mpg27.3 gal.464.1/627.9 mi.
      14 mpg23 mpg17 mpg26 gal.364/598 mi.
      14 mpg20 mpg16 mpg26 gal.364/520 mi.

      2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        201.6 in.84.3 in.72.8 in.8.5 in.121.1 in.

        2018 Cadillac Escalade ESV

        Ranked #1

        224.3 in.80.5 in.74 in.8 in.130 in.

        2018 Ford Expedition MAX

        Ranked #2

        221.9 in.79.9 in.76.4 in.9.8 in.131.6 in.
        210.2 in.79.9 in.75.8 in.9.2 in.121.1 in.
        210 in.79.9 in.76.4 in.9.7 in.122.5 in.
        210 in.79.9 in.76.6 in.9.8 in.122.5 in.

        2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          16 cu.ft.-93.8 cu.ft.
          19.3 cu.ft.-103.4 cu.ft.
          31.8 cu.ft.139.2 cu.ft.68.6 cu.ft.
          16.6 cu.ft.-95.1 cu.ft.
          57.5 cu.ft.83.8 cu.ft.104.6 cu.ft.
          9.1 cu.ft.91 cu.ft.45 cu.ft.

          2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            39.8 cu.ft.16 cu.ft.93.8 cu.ft.-
            103.4 cu.ft.19.3 cu.ft.103.4 cu.ft.67 ft.
            10.5 cu.ft.15.2 cu.ft.94.2 cu.ft.-
            100.7 cu.ft.31.8 cu.ft.68.6 cu.ft.-
            83.1 cu.ft.57.5 cu.ft.104.6 cu.ft.-
            14 cu.ft.9.1 cu.ft.45 cu.ft.-

            2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              7500 lbs.1798 lbs.5335 lbs.
              9300 lbs.1750 lbs.5443 lbs.
              8700 lbs.1620 lbs.5673 lbs.
              8500 lbs.1656 lbs.5676 lbs.
              8300 lbs.1460 lbs.5578 lbs.
              7716 lbs.1750 lbs.4974 lbs.

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