Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class 2021 Review

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS is Mercedes' large three-row luxury SUV. It received a thorough redesign last year, and it has earned a top spot in our rankings due to its high levels of luxury, refinement and technology. This year, Mercedes has expanded the GLS lineup with the performance-focused AMG GLS 63 S. Sure, there are plenty of luxury three-row SUVs out there. But few of them make 600 horsepower.

The GLS offers a genuinely comfortable space for six or seven adults, making it ideal for chauffeuring a growing family around or driving partners at the firm out to lunch. Adding the AMG GLS 63 trim just means that there's no ceiling to the expectations Mercedes buyers have of their SUVs, or how much they're willing to pay. Interested? Get our full in-depth analysis on the 2021 GLS by reading our Expert Rating below.

Which GLS-Class does MatoCar recommend?

We think that most people should opt for the GLS 450. Its six-cylinder engine has sufficient power and nets better fuel efficiency than the V8 models. It's also generally available with the same standard and optional features. The main reason to consider the V8-powered GLS 580 or AMG GLS 63 is if you plan on doing a lot of towing. Either way, make sure to get the Driver Assistance Package Plus since it adds some desirable features, including adaptive cruise control.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is a three-row luxury SUV available in three main versions: GLS 450, GLS 580 and AMG GLS 63. Each has a robust set of standard features, with plenty more available as options. The trim levels mainly differ by the engine. We review the ultra-luxurious Maybach GLS separately on MatoCar. Feature highlights include:

GLS 450 The base trim GLS comes equipped with:

• Turbocharged six-cylinder (362 hp)
• Nine-speed automatic transmission
• All-wheel drive
• Adaptive air suspension system (can raise or lower the ride height of the vehicle and adjust to improve ride comfort and handling)
• Seating for seven people
• Sunroof
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Customizable ambient interior lighting
• Four-zone climate control
• Simulated leather upholstery (MB-Tex)

Technology features include:

• MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch displays
• Burmester surround-sound system
• Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wireless charging pad
• Nine USB ports
• Navigation
• Keyless entry and ignition

Every GLS also comes with:

• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Blind-spot monitoring (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
• 360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the GLS and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
• Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)

GLS 580 Adds the following features:

• Twin-turbo V8 (483 hp)
• Five-zone climate control
• Leather upholstery
• Upgraded multi-contour front seats with massage

AMG GLS 63 Focuses on performance with:

• More powerful twin-turbo V8 (603 hp)
• High-performance brakes
• Sport suspension
• More supportive seats with AMG badging
• Heated and cooled front cupholders

The GLS comes well equipped on its own, but Mercedes-Benz offers an assortment of styling, comfort and technology options. Be on the lookout for:

• Driver Assistance Package Plus
• Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
• Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
• Evasive steering assist (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance)
• Speed limit assist (detects and displays posted speed limit signs on the instrument panel,  alerting you if the limit is exceeded)
• E-Active Body Control (upgraded suspension that can lean the GLS into turns to improve passenger comfort; GLS 580 only)
• Second-row captain's chairs (six-passenger capacity)
• Upgraded second-row seating (Executive Rear Seat package)
• Rapid-heating front seats with heated front armrests and upper door panels
• Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
• Enhanced insulation from cabin noise (Acoustic Comfort package)
• Upgraded Burmester sound system
• Panoramic sunroof