In this article:
Who is the Mercedes-Benz GLS a good car for?
What is the Mercedes-Benz GLS like to drive?
Tech features in the Mercedes-Benz GLS
Similar cars to the Mercedes-Benz GLS
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLS a good car?
Considering its position in Mercedes-Benz's line-up, it is no surprise that the GLS is considered a good car. It offers some of the best materials, technology and trims from the German automaker in a large and imposing form that will comfortably accommodate seven occupants.
Who is the Mercedes-Benz GLS a good car for?
The Mercedes-Benz GLS is a good car for individuals that have large families or travel with an entourage and need additional space for luggage and passengers. The model will also appeal to those that want to travel in comfort and style on longer journeys.
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLS a good first car?
Considering the price of an entry-level derivative and the overall size of the vehicle, first-time car buyers might be better served by the GLA, GLB or GLC models. However, if the price is not a hurdle and the extra space is needed, the GLS should tick all the boxes but some will have to be spent behind the steering wheel to get used to the dimensions.
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLS a good family car?
The Mercedes-Benz GLS is most definitely a good family vehicle offering up loads of seating and luggage space. Furthermore, even the most affordable trim comes with a host of standard safety equipment including no less than nine airbags to keep occupants safe.
Is there a Hybrid Mercedes-Benz GLS?
Apart from the 400d diesel variant, all of the GLS models including those from Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Maybach come with mild-hybrid technology which assists the combustion motor to reduce fuel consumption but doesn't offer exclusive electric propulsion. There are no indications of a hybrid or plug-in hybrid derivative coming to SA in the future.
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What’s it like to drive?
Reviewer's opinion
The downside comes in ride refinement, where the active air suspension and low-profile tyres allow some road imperfections to disturb the cabin’s restful ambience. This is particularly noticeable over speed bumps or pockmarked roads, where high-frequency vibrations and the occasional “thunk” take some of the shine off the GLS580’s overall high levels of road insulation.
- Martin Pretorius, AutoTrader
Read the full Mercedes-Benz GLS review
What does it look like?
Exterior
Interior
What is the Mercedes-Benz GLS like inside?
With the GLS being such a top-tier product, the interior is upholstered with premium soft leather only to be contrasted by either brushed aluminium or wood trim pieces. The cabin is quiet and the seats plush and comfortable only to be bested by the Mercedes-Maybach model. The facia incorporates large displays, one for the infotainment system and the other a digital instrument cluster for the driver.
Style
When looking at the Mercedes-Benz SUV ranges, the larger GLE and GLS shares a similar design language. Both the head- and taillights has a more horizontal design with a large and imposing grille offered in a variety of styles depending on the trim selected upfront. Overall the GLS has a traditional squarish two-box design which allows for more cabin space.
Tech features
- Driving Assistance Plus
- Active Traffic Jam Assist
- Trailer Manoeuvring Assist
- Parking Package with 360° camera
- Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC
- THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control
- Blind Spot Assist
- Off-Road Engineering Package
- E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL
Price and specs
Which is the cheapest GLS?
The cheapest Mercedes-Benz GLS is the entry trim GLS 400d 4Matic - prices usually start from R 1 958 893
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How much does it cost?
| Mercedes-Benz GLS400d 4Matic | from R 1 958 893 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLS400d 4Matic AMG Line | from R 2 084 993 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLS580 4Matic | from R 2 259 452 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLS580 4Matic AMG Line | from R 2 356 552 |
| Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 | from R 3 035 842 |
| Mercedes-AMG GLS63 4Matic+ | from R 3 277 362 |
*Pricing correct at time of publishing and subject to change without notice.
Competitors
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