When it comes to transporting your kids to boarding school or bringing home a fresh supply of wine for your cellar, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-class SUV is the perfect choice. With its spacious interior and luxurious features, it’s well-equipped for any task. The GLS450 model comes with a powerful 375-hp turbocharged inline-six engine that runs smoothly. However, if you’re a fan of prestige, the GLS580 with its 510-hp twin-turbo V-8 engine is the way to go. What’s even more impressive is that the GLS handles off-road adventures with ease, showcasing its versatility.

Mercedes has gone the extra mile to ensure that it can handle obstacles that most buyers can only dream of. With its air suspension that can be raised for more ground clearance, clever all-wheel-drive features to keep things on track, and even underbody protection to shield its sensitive parts when navigating rough terrain, the GLS is well-equipped. When it comes to driving on the road, the GLS impresses with its agility and comfortable ride. Its tight body control is comparable to the BMW X7 and surpasses that of competitors like the Land Rover Range Rover and the Lincoln Navigator.

What’s New

Mercedes has spruced up the GLS for 2024 with a revamped grille design, updated front bumper, fresh LED taillights, a new steering wheel, and a range of new interior color schemes. The GLS450’s six-cylinder engine now packs a punch with 375 horsepower, while the V-8 powered GLS580 boasts an impressive 510 horsepower. Additionally, the GLS580 now offers an Off-Road Engineering package, which includes underbody protection and an improved air suspension that can raise the SUV by 1.2 inches for better ground clearance.

Pricing

• GLS450: $88,150 USD
• GLS580: $113,150 USD

The GLS450’s turbocharged inline-six engine packs a punch and runs just as smoothly as the GLS580’s V-8. We’d recommend going with the former and using the extra cash to add some cool features. The Executive Rear Seat Plus package transforms the second row into a luxurious haven with massage seats, a wireless smartphone charging pad, a tablet controller for the infotainment system, and more comfortable headrests. It also enhances safety with side-impact airbags. However, keep in mind that getting this package means you’ll have to pay extra for leather upholstery, which surprisingly isn’t included as standard.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

There are two models available: the GLS450 with a six-cylinder engine and the GLS580 with an eight-cylinder engine. Both models have some hybrid features. The GLS450 has a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine that is incredibly smooth and powerful, with a horsepower increase from 362 to 375 for the 2024 model year. On the other hand, the GLS580 is even more impressive, boasting 510 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine. During our test, the 2020 GLS450 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds and came to a stop from 70 mph in a mere 154 feet. Despite its large size, the GLS-class handles well on twisty roads, although it doesn’t have a particularly sporty feel.

Mercedes includes an air suspension in all models, but they also have a fancy feature called E-Active Body Control. This system uses a camera to detect bumps and adjusts the suspension to provide a smoother ride. It’s pretty neat, but it’s also pricey. We believe most people will be satisfied with the standard setup.

Gas Mileage and Actual Fuel Efficiency

The GLS-class doesn’t have the best fuel economy according to the EPA estimates. The GLS450 gets 18 mpg in the city, 23 mpg on the highway, and 20 mpg combined, while the GLS580 does even worse with 16 mpg, 21 mpg, and 18 mpg, respectively. However, in our own testing, the GLS450 actually did a bit better than expected, achieving 24 mpg on the highway. Unfortunately, the GLS580 only managed a disappointing 18 mpg in the same test. If you’re looking for a luxury SUV with better fuel efficiency, the BMW X7 might be a better option. In our highway test, the six-cylinder X7 xDrive40i impressed with 28 mpg. For more details on the GLS-class’s fuel economy, check out the EPA’s website.