2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class Review
Overview
As the S-class of Benz's SUVs, the 2021 Mercedes GLS-class aims to deliver an undeniably upscale experience, and it succeeds. This large three-row SUV has room for the whole family and pampers everyone with its tech-rich cabin, comfortable ride, and fancy interior materials. Buyers can choose from either a 362-hp turbocharged inline-six or a 483-hp twin-turbo V-8, both of which benefit from a hybrid-assistance system. Despite that technology, neither power-train provides very impressive fuel efficiency, but at least the GLS's EPA ratings are in line with those of rival SUVs such as the Land Rover Range Rover and the Lincoln Navigator. All-wheel drive comes standard, as does an air suspension, but Mercedes offers a pothole-sensing upgrade that also increases ground clearance.
What's New for 2021?
The GLS-class was new last year, so 2021 models see only a few changes. Four-zone automatic climate control, ventilated seats, and 20-inch aluminum wheels are newly standard. As is a parking-damage detection feature, which can alert an owner's smartphone via the Mercedes Me Connect app if the car senses a collision while parked.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The GLS450's turbocharged inline-six provides plenty of power and is just as smooth as the GLS580's V-8, so I'd stick with that and put the extra dough toward some options. The Executive Rear Seat Plus package turns the second row into a luxurious zone with massaging seats, a wireless smartphone charging pad, a tablet controller for the GLS's infotainment system, plusher headrests, and side-impact airbags. Ordering that package requires that you shell out for leather upholstery, which, surprisingly, isn't standard.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Two models are offered—the six-cylinder GLS450 and the eight-cylinder GLS580—and both feature some hybridization. The GLS450's turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six is silky smooth and good for 362 horsepower. The GLS580 is far more powerful, making 483 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8. Despite its size, the GLS-class is easy to hustle on a twisty road, but it's not overly sporty or harsh over bumps. All models come standard with an air suspension, but Mercedes offers a trick new system called E-Active Body Control. It utilizes a forward-facing camera to scan for bumps and adjusts the suspension accordingly so riders won't feel those road imperfections. It's a cool technology but expensive, and I think most buyers will find the standard setup does a fine job.
Fuel Economy
The EPA fuel-economy estimates for the GLS-class aren't great. The GLS450 earns 19 mpg in the city, 23 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined. The GLS580 does worse, with 16 mpg, 21 mpg, and 18 mpg, respectively.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Borrowing its dashboard and cockpit layout from the similarly new GLE-class SUV, this generation of GLS is far more modern than the one it replaces. It'll fit up to seven passengers but can be spec'd for six with the optional captain's chairs. Passenger space is generous in the first and second rows, and the third row, while not as spacious as the second, can accommodate an adult without too much complaining—something that can't be said of the wayback in the X7.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Two huge 12.3-inch digital displays take up the majority of the dashboard: One serves as a reconfigurable gauge display for the driver while the other handles infotainment duties and runs Mercedes-Benz's new MBUX software, which features an iPhone-like virtual assistant. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, in-dash navigation, and an on-board Wi-Fi hotspot are all standard. All GLS models come with a 13-speaker Burmester Surround Sound stereo, but if that's not enough for you, there's an available Burmester 3D audio system with an insane 26-speaker arrangement.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have released crash-test results for the 2021 GLS-class at the time of writing this post. Mercedes-Benz offers several different types of driver-assistance features on this SUV, but the most interesting bits—such as a semi-autonomous driving mode—cost extra. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Available lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control with a semi-autonomous driving mode
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Buyers of the GLS-class receive a four-year/50,000-mile warranty as standard, which is far from the best in this class. The Cadillac Escalade offers two more years of power-train coverage, and the Lincoln Navigator comes with four years of complimentary scheduled maintenance if you go for the luxurious Black Label model.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Power-train warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Some images are taken from the AMG Version.
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