Determining the reliability of a low-volume, high-priced premium product such as the GLS 63 is difficult as we have to rely on results from ownership satisfaction surveys and since so few are sold globally, information is relatively difficult to come by. What we can do, though, is have a look at ownership satisfaction survey results for the GLS range as a whole, while incorporating results from the smaller GLE model, with which the GLS shares ma y components, powertrains and technologies.
J.D. Power
As one of the most respected research and data analytics firms in the automotive industry, J.D. Power is a great place to start when attempting to establish the reliability credentials of the GLS. In the most recent survey conducted by the first, the Mercedes-Benz GLS range appears to have performed admirably at first glance, achieving a score of 71/100 for reliability on its way to a 75/100 overall. The problem for the GLS is that it finished fifth out of a possible five behind the Land Rover Range Rover, Infiniti QX70, BMW X7 and Cadillac Escalade in the 2022 edition of the survey.
Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports is a member subscription service that offers thorough surveys to a vast pool of owners. The organisation reports as many as 300 000 users, with each vehicle getting between 200-300 individual surveys, making the results worthy of consideration. Despite not featuring the GLS as part of its results, its smaller sibling, the GLE received a bad report, coming in as one of the least reliable vehicles for 2022.
Car Buyer Driver Power
The Driver Power survey comes from the Car Buyer publication in the United Kingdom, where there were too few GLS and GLE models required for data to be collected, however, as a brand, Mercedes ranked 13th out of 28 brands, an improvement from 28th out of 29 in 2021.
Verdict
Looking at the rather limited data available on the Mercedes-AMG GLS model, it would appear that the model may be problematic for owners, however, for new buyers, there is a 5-year/100 000 maintenance plan that should iron out many of the problems, however, the inconvenience caused by vehicle-related problems goes against what a premium product is all about.
