2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

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Rating7.4

Ranked #10 in 

SUV
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$70,150 - $95,750
Starting Price 
M. Hannigan's image
M. Hannigan 

Content Writer,

Updated on November 3, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Luxurious interior

Dated infotainment system

No major changes in the new 2020 Mercedes Benz GLS.

Spacious third row

Unimpressive standard features list

Powerful engine

Specs & Features

$95,750

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

Carrying forward unchanged for the new year, the 2020 Mercedes Benz GLS still stands strong in the Mercedes lineup. It is essentially an S Class that has been jacked-up with better off-road credentials, a ton of luxury and seven seats. Fitted with a powerful powertrain under its hood, the GLS is the epitome of the luxury in Silver Arrow's lineup.

Buying Advice

Admittedly, the base trim has decent performance with underwhelming standard features. But if you are sticking with the purchase, buying the optional media package with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will only overhaul the however outdated infotainment system of the GLS 450.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The 2019 Mercedes Benz GLS 450 is a huge luxurious SUV with a seating capacity of seven. Priced at $70,150, it's powered by a 3.0 L V-6 Biturbo engine mated to a 9-Speed automatic transmission system that can produce reasonably good torque and power. The drivetrain is equipped with an all-wheel drive system that drives the SUV smoothly even on unpaved roads with comfortable ride quality thanks to its impressive suspension system.

With such a competitive package, the Mercedes GLS goes up against the likes of Cadillac Escalade and the mighty Lincoln Navigator. Where does it stand in the rivalry? Read on the review to find out.

Features
6.0/10

Trims GLS 450
MSRP $70,150
Key Features Self-leveling air suspension
  power-folding and auto-dimming side mirrors
  LED running lights and taillights
  Mbrace Connect remote vehicle access (via smartphone app; includes remote start).
  Heated front seats
  10-way power driver seat (with four-way power lumbar adjustment)
  Driver-seat memory settings
  power-adjustable leather-wrapped steering wheel
  Auto-dimming rearview mirror
  Dual-zone automatic climate control
  COMAND infotainment interface (with both a control knob and a touchpad)
  8-inch central display
  Rearview camera
  Bluetooth
  115-volt household-style power outlet
  Sound system that features HD radio and dual USB ports.

The Mercedes Benz GLS 450 is itself a trim configuration level of the Mercedes GLS-Class. It offers a 3.0 L V6 Biturbo engine that produces a maximum power of 362 hp at 5500 rpm and maximum torque of 369 lb-ft. at 2000 rpm. It also uses 9-Speed Automatic transmission system, transmitting the power to all the wheels of the SUV.

Some of the standard feature GLS 450 offers are self-levelling air suspension, power folding and auto-dimming side mirrors, sound system that features HD radio and dual USP ports, seats with memory and much more. The features that is optional to the GLS 450 are sunroof, leather upholstery, blind spot monitoring and some more.

We recommend

Admittedly, the base trim has decent performance with underwhelming standard features. But if you are sticking with the purchase, buying the optional media package with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will only overhaul the however outdated infotainment system of the GLS 450.

Fuel Economy
7.2/10

GLS 450 has midship location of the fuel tank with the fuel capacity of 36.4 gallons. The SUV offers fuel economy of 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on highway which combines to make the fuel economy of 19 mpg which is not best among the rivals. The GLE has a tad better performance as compared to the GLS however the field has some catching up to do with both the GL-Class SUVs.

Model

Mercedes-Benz GLS 450

Lincoln Navigator

Mercedes-Benz GLE 400

Cadillac Escalade

MPG (city)

17

16

17

14

MPG (highway)

22

23

23

23

MPG (combined)

19

19

20

17

Interior
7.2/10

Inside the Mercedes Benz GLS 450, the SUV houses one of the most beautifully finished interior which adds on to great success of the car. With a host of opulent interior features, the experience added is a plus point that further enhances the host's comfort. The cabin cancels out noise with ease.

With the passenger capacity of seven, GLS 450 has one of the best seats among the rivals. It comes with 10-way power adjustable driver seat and heated front seats for a plush experience to the driver. Its seats are well designed to comfortably seat the passengers and the drive as well.

Model

Mercedes-Benz GLS 450

Lincoln Navigator

Mercedes-Benz GLE 400

Cadillac Escalade

Passenger capacity

7

7

5

7

Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)

41.2/58.5/40.3

41.8/65.2/43.9

108.6

42.8/64.9/45.3

Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)

40.0/58.3/38.5

40.0/65.1/41.1

40.4/58.5/40.3

38.7/64.4/39.0

Third (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)

38.9/50.5/35.0

37.3/64.2/36.1

38.5/58.4/38.4

38.1/62.6/24.8

Infotainment System

With 8 central display and COMAND infotainment system, which has both central knob and touch pad, it also comes with Bluetooth connectivity and automatic air-conditioning. The sound system used in the car features HD radio and dual USB ports. The system is outdated and is found on the older generation of the Mercedes cars. Even the usage seems like a hit and miss and clearly, work is direly needed on the technological front of the SUV.

Cargo Volume

GLS 450 got very good trunk space behind every row which in numbers comes to be 93.8 ft. cube behind 1st row, 49.4 ft. cube behind 2nd row and 16 ft. cube behind 3rd row.

Model

Mercedes-Benz GLS 450

Lincoln Navigator

Mercedes-Benz GLE 400

Cadillac Escalade

Volume Behind 3rd row(ft.cube)

16

19.3

38.2

15.2

Volume Behind 2nd row (ft.cube)

49.4

57.5

80.3

51.6

Volume Behind 1st row (ft.cube)

93.8

103.3

NA

94.2

When compared with the rivals, GLS 450 stands behind most of its rivals. It got least volume behind 1st and 2nd row.

Interior Features

  • Heated Front seats
  • 10-way power driver seat
  • Driver seat memory settings
  • Leather wrapped steering wheel
  • Dual-zone Automatic Climate control
  • Auto Dimming Rear view Camera

Exterior
7.2/10

Old-school, no-nonsense looks suit the 2019 Benz GLS well. -thecarconnection

Dimensions and weight

The Mercedes Benz GLS 450 is a large luxury SUV with seating capacity of seven passengers. It offers many good exterior features such as power folding and auto dimming side mirrors, LED running lights and trail lights, rear view camera and many more.

The 2019 Mercedes Benz GLS 450 with a curb weight of 5335 lbs., measures 201.6 inches in length and 76 inches wide. Standing 72.8 inches tall, its ground clearance is of 8.5 inches that helps it to run smoother. Trackwidth is 65.2 inches and 65.9 inches in front and rear and Wheelbase is 124.1 inches provides good rear space for the passengers.

Model

Mercedes-Benz GLS 450

Lincoln Navigator

Mercedes-Benz GLE 400

Cadillac Escalade

curb weight(lbs)

5335

5760

4751

5572

Length(in)

201.6

210

189.1

203.9

Width(in) (w/o mirror)

76.1

79.9

84.3

80.5

Height(in)

72.8

76.4

70.7

74.4

Ground clearance(in)

8.5

9.7

6.7

8.0

Wheelbase(in)

121.1

122.5

114.8

116.0

Track width(in) F/R

65.2/65.9

67/67.2

64.9/65.5

68.7/68.7

Exterior Features

  • Power folding and auto dimming side mirrors
  • LED running lights and trail lights
  • Mbrace connect remote vehicle access
  • Rear view Camera

Safety
9.0/10

Safety is the department which cannot be compromised at any terms. Many of the good safety features are included such as child seat sensing airbag, child seat anchors, front and rear seat belt tensioners and many more. GLS 550 also provides seven airbags which can protect each of the passenger in any mishappening.

Some of the standard features are given below:

  • occupant sensing airbag
  • Total of airbags - 7
  • Child seat sensing airbag
  • curtain overhead airbag - curtain 1st, 2nd and 3rd row overhead airbag
  • front impact airbag - driver and passenger front-impact airbags
  • side impact airbag - seat-mounted driver and passenger side-impact airbags
  • passenger airbag deactivation - occupant sensing
  • row head airbag - front, rear and third row head airbags
  • Child safety lock
  • child seat anchors
  • seat belts - height adjustable front seatbelts
  • seatbelt pre-tensioness - front and rear seatbelt pre-tensioners

The 2019 Mercedes Benz GLS 450 is still to be rated by NHSTA and IIHS.

Competition
8.0/10

Mercedes Benz GLS 450 vs Lincoln Navigator

The Mercedes GLS costs lower than the Navigator and both the SUVs come differ in performance as well as interior. Lincoln with the bigger engine provides more torque and power than GLS 450 and a poised handling but they are both almost on par with their fuel efficiency. Although both have almost same exterior dimensions, Mercedes is relatively lighter than Lincoln but the American is more spacious as compared to the German heavy duty. The Navigator is a better package as compared to the German SUV and is a better car to own.

Mercedes Benz GLS 450 vs Cadillac Escalade

Albeit housing a more powerful powertrain under its hood, the Escalade is no match to the prowess and interior quality of the Mercedes. The American also houses an extensive host of standard features but is more cramped in the third row seating area. With no match to the ride quality in comparison to the Silver Arrow, the Cadillac is an SUV to be forgotten when the GLS stands beside it.

Mercedes Benz GLS 450 vs Mercedes Benz GLE 400

There's a similar pattern in both the SUVs; the major differences are the price availability of these GL-Class heavy duties. The GLS is a much larger and spacious car while the GLE is a more affordable luxurious SUV. In terms of performance and handling, both the cars are great in their respective offering. If money is no issue, the GLS is your SUV. However you won't feel like you've missed out on much if you brush aside the GLS and soup up your GLE with optional features, effectively bridging the price gap closer to its elder brother.

Final Verdict

The 2019 Mercedes Benz GLS 450 is a quite high-priced and large and luxurious SUV. It is not that mechanically strong than its competitors but provides one of the best interior and exterior features. Having said that, the GLE 400 is a better option to the GLS where you can equip your GLE 400 or better yet, purchase the AMG GLE 43 for the similar price of the lead SUV in this review; this will give you better performance alongside a host of opulent features and superior technology.

 

Trims

    550
    $95,750 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
    $70,150 onwards
    • Engine: 3.0L 6cyl AWD 9A
    • Horsepower: 362 hp @ 5000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 369 lb.-ft. @ 1800 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 6.47 sec
    • Top Speed: 155 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 18 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$70,150- $95,750

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.4

Horsepower

449 hp @ 5250 rpm

Torque

516 lb.-ft. @ 1800 rpm

Capacity

7

Read Review

$73,900- $92,600

Gasoline

7.59

335 hp @ 5500 rpm

330 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm

7

Read Review

$75,195- $97,295

Gasoline

7.3

420 hp @ 5600 rpm

460 lb.-ft. @ 4100 rpm

7

Read Review

$48,530- $76,515

Gasoline

7.19

375 hp @ 5000 rpm

470 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm

8

Read Review

$65,500- $90,200

Gasoline

7.24

400 hp @ 5800 rpm

413 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

7

Read Review

$86,230- $91,230

Gasoline

6.97

383 hp @ 5600 rpm

403 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm

5

Read Review

$73,205- $99,595

Gasoline

7.71

450 hp @ 5500 rpm

510 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm

8

Read Review

$89,160- $208,200

Gasoline

7.98

340 hp @ 6500 rpm

332 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm

5

Read Review

$325,000- $327,750

Gasoline

9.23

563 hp @ 5000 rpm

627 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

5

Read Review

2019 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
    4.5 sec--
    5.1 sec13.7 sec115 mph
    2019 BMW X7

    Ranked #3

    5.6 sec14.2 sec129 mph
    5.7 sec14.2 sec140 mph
    6.3 sec--

    2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      16 mpg22 mpg18 mpg26.4 gal.422.4/580.8 mi.
      2019 BMW X7

      Ranked #1

      20 mpg25 mpg22 mpg21.9 gal.438/547.5 mi.
      16 mpg23 mpg19 mpg23.2 gal.371.2/533.6 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.

      2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        202 in.76.1 in.72.8 in.8.5 in.121.1 in.

        2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV

        Ranked #1

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

        2019 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 in.72 in.8 in.130 in.

        2019 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.-103.3 cu.ft.
          2019 BMW X7

          Ranked #2

          48.6 cu.ft.97.3 cu.ft.90.4 cu.ft.
          31.8 cu.ft.-68.6 cu.ft.
          15.2 cu.ft.94.1 cu.ft.94.2 cu.ft.
          14 cu.ft.104.2 cu.ft.14 cu.ft.

          2019 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.-
            -21.2 cu.ft.--
            -16.6 cu.ft.95.1 cu.ft.-
            68.6 cu.ft.31.8 cu.ft.68.6 cu.ft.-
            14 cu.ft.14 cu.ft.14 cu.ft.-
            103.3 cu.ft.19.3 cu.ft.103.3 cu.ft.87 ft.

            2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              7500 lbs.1798 lbs.5335 lbs.
              8700 lbs.1620 lbs.5685 lbs.
              8500 lbs.1621 lbs.5679 lbs.
              8300 lbs.1522 lbs.5311 lbs.
              7716 lbs.1794 lbs.4974 lbs.
              2019 BMW X7

              Ranked #5

              7500 lbs.1202 lbs.5370 lbs.

              Top Mercedes-Benz Cars

              2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG S 65

              Horsepower : 621 hp @ 4800 rpm

              MPG Combined : 16 mpg

              0-60 : 3.75 sec

              #1

              2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG E 63 S

              Horsepower : 603 hp @ 5750 rpm

              MPG Combined : 18 mpg

              0-60 : 3.42 sec

              #2

              2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG S 63

              Horsepower : 603 hp @ 5500 rpm

              MPG Combined : 20 mpg

              0-60 : 3.45 sec

              #3

              2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT R

              Horsepower : 577 hp @ 6250 rpm

              MPG Combined : 17 mpg

              0-60 : 3.11 sec

              #4

              2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63

              Horsepower : 577 hp @ 6250 rpm

              MPG Combined : 17 mpg

              0-60 : 3.49 sec

              #5

              2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG G 63

              Horsepower : 577 hp @ 6000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 14 mpg

              0-60 : 4.29 sec

              #6

              2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLS 63

              Horsepower : 577 hp @ 5500 rpm

              MPG Combined : 15 mpg

              0-60 : 4.24 sec

              #7

              2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 63 S Coupe

              Horsepower : 577 hp @ 5500 rpm

              MPG Combined : 15 mpg

              0-60 : 3.4 sec

              #8

              2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL 63

              Horsepower : 577 hp @ 5500 rpm

              MPG Combined : 18 mpg

              0-60 : 3.41 sec

              #9

              2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 63

              Horsepower : 550 hp @ 5250 rpm

              MPG Combined : 14 mpg

              0-60 : 4.08 sec

              #10