The GLS quickly impresses with its excellent combination of comfort, performance and technology. It takes everything we enjoy about the top-rated GLE SUV and puts it into a larger, more potent package, and it might just be one of the most well-rounded vehicles on sale today.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Over the years, we have owned many Luxury SUVS and a few mini-vans. We purchased a 2021 GLS 450 in early November 2020. As of today, we have driven 25,402 miles! That's not a typo. In a very short period of time, we have discovered the strengths and weaknesses of the GLS. The strengths: 1. Overall comfort, especially the front seats, is awesome. 2. The added massaging seats is a nice … option (get it, you won't be disappointed on long trips). 3. The ride is smooth on the highway and around town; however, I prefer to use the individualized setting option for the sports suspension on the highway to firm up the ride, otherwise it can be a tad floaty. I prefer a stiffer, more controlled ride. 4. Passing is done with ease at speed; however the 450 holds gears a bit long when rapidly accelerating. It eventually finds its place after a brief struggle. Not bad, but not perfect.
After driving 25K in a very short period of time, I would like MB to strongly consider improving a few areas in the cabin: 1. The cell phone ports (only usb c type) must be better placed. They are extremely difficult to plug cords into, plus need some type of ambient lighting to see at night. The wireless charging pad is a pain in the rear to use with a case on a telephone. The space is extremely tight. This must be corrected at some point. The power outlet in the second row is horribly placed. In fact, MB get a F- for its placement, and another F for the amount of space allocated for any charging bases larger than standard size. Just the worst of anything we have ever owned. Outside of these minor issues, my wife wishes MB would add a place for cellphones besides the cupholders or wireless charger area. This is an obvious deign oversight. Second row comfort in the captain's chairs is good, but I would strongly considering getting it with the bench in the future for the center armrest. Although the captain's seats are comfortable, again MB needs to add more places for storage.
The third row works for smaller adults and children. We occasionally use it, it works for the occasional trip when are children are traveling with us. The real trick is placement of luggage; three suitcases and a duffle is tight - this requires folding one of the third row seats flat. Although not ideal, it works. For ultimate convenience, I would suggest either a Cadillac ESV or, bite my tongue - a fully loaded Chrysler Pacifica. Having owned both these other vehicles, I can say luggage space is rarely an issue.
This leads me to my final thoughts on the GLS, I really like it a lot, its almost perfect except for the few issues I outlined. If MB can address the charging issues, phone placement issues and tweak the trans on shifting on the middle range when accelerating, it is hands down a superior SUV for long trips, daily comfort and drivability around town. It feels rock sold on the highway and does extremely well in rain. If you desire luxury, a very solid feeling ride, solid handling and decent MPG (I'm averaging about 23 MPG) I highly recommend the GLS.
Bought the 580 version fully loaded. Have about 12,000 miles on it, with no real issues. Had to top off coolant, and replenish cabin fragrance. Delivers on interior , versatility and quiet ride. Only nit I would have is ride quality over choppy road. The E-Active body control is suppose to scan road and adjust accordingly. My old GL was as smooth, without the $6,500 option. That said, … curve mode probably makes it worth it. Ding one star for ride quality.
Spaceship look & comfortable ride, it goes down af
Windshield wipers auto does not work, Trying to get into Neutral takes an act of god, easy trunk kick function doesn't work, trunk button you have to hold down & that doesn't guarantee trunk is closed, slowing down breaking is very jerky, map shuts down for days, center mouse pad too sensitive, the safety hatch feature never worked. Been in shop 5 times since December. Cost $97k. Look … for another vehicle, not worth the headache.
We recently bought a 2021 GLS 450. The warning systems work some of the time, but not consistently. We had all the driver assist features malfunction so into the dealer. They found a severed sensor wire which Mercedes said normally wouldn't be covered (The car had 1800 miles on it), but they decided to cover it anyway. Sometimes we get an audible parking assist warning sometimes we … don't. My wife managed to back it into another car and never got a warning. I understand it was her fault for relying on the back up warnings, but it is so unreliable that it is really useless. We have had multiple cars with parking assist and never had any problems. It was inspected after the fender bender by the dealer , but they couldn't find any issues. They gave us Mercedes Benz USA contact info. We have collected multiple videos of the system not working to show the Mercedes rep. When we called MB USA, they were confused as to why we were calling them and told us that there are plenty of warnings not to trust the system. Great! Does that mean we shouldn't trust the adaptive cruise or any of the lane assist features? What is the point of having these systems if they don't work. Add in to those issues the incredibly loud drivetrain (also checked by dealer, but told it was normal due to high pressure system like a diesel), I can't recommend this car. It's nice when it works, but no better than competing vehicles. Stay away.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the GLS-Class since its last redesign.
These Are the Best SUVs of 2022-2023 | 2022-2023 Top SUVs | The SUVs We'd Buy in Each Class
In the market for a brand-new SUV? Whether you're looking for small and affordable or large and in charge, Edmunds has you covered with our list of best-in-class SUVs for the 2022-2023 model year. From Honda to Mercedes to Volkswagen, our comprehensive list encompasses everything from budget and economy 2-row SUVs to luxury 3-row SUVs on sale today up to $100,000.
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