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Photo of a Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Seven seats and 603 hp: the 2021 AMG GLS63 hit 60 mph in 3.6 seconds.1

Researched October 28, 2026 from 41 sources

Also called

  • S-Class among SUVsMercedes positioned the GLS as the SUV counterpart to its S-Class full-size sedan.23

At a glance

0400800
255–603 hpPower
0510
3.6–7.4 s0–60 mph
0150300
206–280 km/hTop speed
05001,000
480–850 N·mTorque
01,5003,000
2,420–2,844 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.15710111213

Engine
2.9–3.0 L turbo V6/I6; 4.0–5.5 L twin-turbo V8; X167 gas: 48 V assist345
Layout
Front-engine, 4MATIC AWD; unibody shared with GLE3
Gearbox
7- or 9-speed automatic; X166 AMG retains the 7-speed4510
Built at
Mostly Mercedes-Benz Tuscaloosa plant, Alabama, U.S.34

The story

Made to carry seven in full-size luxury, the GL arrived in 2006 and became GLS in 2015. It shares a unibody with the GLE and is mainly Alabama-built; the 2015 update offers 680–2,300 liters of cargo space.234

2006: GL starts the seven-seat bloodline20062012: X166 arrives; GL63 AMG follows20122015: GL becomes GLS; 306 mm of clearance20152019: X167 stretches its wheelbase by 60 mm20192021: AMG GLS63: 3.6 seconds to 60 mph20212024: 2024 refresh: 375 and 510 hp20242026: 450 Arctic Silver editions worldwide20262027: Maybach GLS 680 arrives with 603 hp2027 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X164): 2006–2012X164Mercedes-Benz GL-Class / GLS (X166): 2012–2019X166Mercedes-Benz GLS (X167): 2019–presentX167 200620082010201220142016201820202022202420262028
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones345101722
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
2006–2012Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X164)
2012–2019Mercedes-Benz GL-Class / GLS (X166)
2019–presentMercedes-Benz GLS (X167)
2006GL starts the seven-seat bloodline
2012X166 arrives; GL63 AMG follows
2015GL becomes GLS; 306 mm of clearance
2019X167 stretches its wheelbase by 60 mm
2021AMG GLS63: 3.6 seconds to 60 mph
20242024 refresh: 375 and 510 hp
2026450 Arctic Silver editions worldwide
2027Maybach GLS 680 arrives with 603 hp
  1. 2006

    GL starts the seven-seat bloodline

    Mercedes launches the full-size GL with seven seats, beginning the line that will become GLS.4

  2. 2012

    X166 arrives; GL63 AMG follows

    The X166 GL debuts in New York; the GL63 AMG adds a hand-built 5.5 L twin-turbo V8 producing 550 hp.5

  3. 2015

    GL becomes GLS; 306 mm of clearance

    The renamed GLS offers low range, a center differential lock and up to 306 mm of clearance with the optional Off-Road Engineering package.25

  4. 2019

    X167 stretches its wheelbase by 60 mm

    The X167 debuts in New York with a 60 mm longer wheelbase, its first six-seat option and 48-volt EQ Boost for the GLS 450 and GLS 580.34

  5. 2021

    AMG GLS63: 3.6 seconds to 60 mph

    The 2021 AMG GLS63 trades its predecessor's 5.5 L V8 for a 4.0 L EQ Boost hybrid; testing puts it ahead of a C7 Corvette.1

  6. 2024

    2024 refresh: 375 and 510 hp

    GLS 450/580 reach 375/510 hp. Updated MBUX adds a transparent-hood view; Mercedes-Benz GLS towing capacity is up to 3,500 kg.67

  7. 2026

    450 Arctic Silver editions worldwide

    The 2026 AMG GLS 63 MANUFAKTUR Arctic Silver edition is capped at 450 worldwide, with Cirrus Silver Magno paint and matte-black 23-inch wheels.8

  8. 2027

    Maybach GLS 680 arrives with 603 hp

    The 2027 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 brings 603 hp, a 48-volt mild-hybrid V8 and rear Executive Seats with calf-rest massage.9

Every generation

  • Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
    X1642006–2012
  • Mercedes-Benz GL-Class / GLS
    X1662012–2019
  • Mercedes-Benz GLS
    X1672019–present

Power over the years

From 255 hp to 603 hp in 5 years.

0200400600800 2016201820202022202420262028 hp 2016 · 255 hp · GLS 350d 3.0 V6 diesel2016 · 329 hp · GLS 400 3.0 V62016 · 362 hp · GLS 450 3.0 V62016 · 449 hp · GLS 500/550 4.7 V82016 · 577 hp · AMG GLS63 5.5 V82019 · 325 hp · GLS 400 d diesel2020 · 483 hp · GLS 580 4.0 V8 EQ Boost2021 · 603 hp · AMG GLS 63 4.0 V8 EQ Boost2023 · 362 hp · GLS 450 d mild hybrid2024 · 375 hp · GLS 450 facelift2024 · 510 hp · GLS 580 facelift2027 · 530 hp · GLS 580 second facelift 603 hp AMG GLS 63 4.0 V8 EQ Boost 255 hp GLS 350d 3.0 V6 diesel
561114151617
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
2016255GLS 350d 3.0 V6 diesel
2016329GLS 400 3.0 V6
2016362GLS 450 3.0 V6
2016449GLS 500/550 4.7 V8
2016577AMG GLS63 5.5 V8
2019325GLS 400 d diesel
2020483GLS 580 4.0 V8 EQ Boost
2021603AMG GLS 63 4.0 V8 EQ Boost
2023362GLS 450 d mild hybrid
2024375GLS 450 facelift
2024510GLS 580 facelift
2027530GLS 580 second facelift

Versions

9 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    GLS 450 / GLS 580 (2020 launch)

    2020

  • Standard

    GLS Night Edition / Night Edition Executive (UK)

  • Special

    GLS 450 / GLS 550 Grand Edition

    2018–2019

  • Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600

    Special

    Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600

    From 2019

    550 hp
  • Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 Night Series

    Special

    Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 Night Series

    550 hp

  • Special

    Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680

    2027

    603 hp

  • Performance

    Brabus 900 Superblack

    900 hp

  • Limited

    AMG GLS 63 MANUFAKTUR Arctic Silver edition

    2026

  • Limited

    Mercedes-Maybach GLS Edition 100

    2022

    549 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • X166 GLS: the grille star flows into two horizontal bars.25
  • X166 GLS: two raised hood ridges and trapezoidal chrome exhaust finishers.25
  • Launch-era X167: eight-sided upright grille and three-segment LED daytime running lights.34
  • Launch-era X167: flatter, two-piece taillights topped by a thin, continuous chrome strip.34
  • X166 AMG Line is an appearance option with 21-inch AMG wheels and reshaped bumpers.25

Year by year

  1. 2016 / 2017 model year

    GL becomes GLS with a wider grille, revised headlights, LED taillights and rear bumper; inside, a freestanding 8-inch screen.510

  2. 2019 redesign

    New X167 body brings an octagonal grille, three-segment LED running lights and twin 12.3-inch dashboard screens.34

  3. 2024

    Four Silver Shadow grille bars, a revised lower front bumper and taillights with three horizontal light blocks mark the refresh.6

  4. 2024 AMG GLS 63

    The AMG hood emblem and red brake calipers join a redesigned rear LED light signature.6

  5. 2027

    A new hood star, illuminated grille surround, star-pattern lamps and standard three-screen Superscreen arrive.16

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Mercedes-Benz GLS
    GLS
    Photo of a Mercedes-Benz GLE
    Mercedes-Benz GLE

    Mercedes-Benz GLE

    The GLS is bigger and longer; the 2027 pair even share the same dashboard.17

  • Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X166)

    The GLS facelift has a wider grille, revised headlights, LED taillights and a reshaped rear bumper.510

  • Photo of a Mercedes-Benz GLS
    GLS
    Photo of a Toyota Highlander
    Toyota Highlander

    Toyota Highlander

    On the redesigned 2020 GLS, look for the octagonal grille and three-segment LED running lights.415

Against its rivals

  • BMW X7 xDrive40i (2019)

    GLS vs BMW X7 xDrive40i (2019)

    Price as tested lower is better

    GLS$96,835
    BMW X7 xDrive40i (2019)$85,445
    23
  • Bentley Bentayga

    GLS vs Bentley Bentayga

    Skidpad

    GLS0.9 g
    Bentley Bentayga0.9 g
    12
  • Rolls-Royce Cullinan

    GLS vs Rolls-Royce Cullinan

    Price lower is better

    GLS$243,850
    Rolls-Royce Cullinan$410,575
    12

Prices

Value today $27.0K–$139.0K2829

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$50K$100K$150K$200K 2016201820202022202420262028 Value today: $27,000–$139,000 2016 · $69,135 · Germany GLS350d ex VAT; €1≈$1.102016 · $124,850 · Germany AMG GLS63 ex VAT; €1≈$1.102019 · $70,150 · US base, GLS450; delivery extra2019 · $95,750 · US base, GLS550; delivery extra2019 · $126,150 · US base, AMG GLS63; delivery extra2020 · $76,195 · US base, GLS4502021 · $133,095 · US base, AMG GLS632025 · $179,600 · US base, Maybach GLS6002027 · $95,500 · US base, GLS4502027 · $122,500 · US base, GLS580 2016 · €62,850 · Germany GLS350d, 2016; ex VAT; approx. $1.10/€ 2025 · $86,500 · 2021 AMG GLS63, 9k miles, BaT2026 · $113,000 · 2025 AMG GLS63, 9k miles, BaT2026 · $48,000 · 2017 AMG GLS63, 37k miles, BaT2026 · $27,000 · 2017 GLS450, 32k miles, BaT2026 · $139,000 · 2025 Maybach GLS600 Night Series, 9k miles, BaT2026 · $15,000 · 2018 GLS450, 110k miles, BaT2026 · $140,000 · 2023 Maybach GLS600, 9k miles, BaT2026 · $39,000 · 2018 AMG GLS63, 75k miles, BaT2026 · $36,500 · 2019 GLS550, 33k miles, BaT2026 · $35,750 · 2020 GLS450, 23k miles, BaT2026 · $157,600 · 2025 Maybach GLS600, 2,600 miles, BaT $157.6K BaT, 2026
12121315172829333435363738394041
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2016Launch price$69,135Germany GLS350d, 2016; ex VAT; approx. $1.10/€
2016Price when new$69,135Germany GLS350d ex VAT; €1≈$1.10
2016Price when new$124,850Germany AMG GLS63 ex VAT; €1≈$1.10
2019Price when new$70,150US base, GLS450; delivery extra
2019Price when new$95,750US base, GLS550; delivery extra
2019Price when new$126,150US base, AMG GLS63; delivery extra
2020Price when new$76,195US base, GLS450
2021Price when new$133,095US base, AMG GLS63
2025Price when new$179,600US base, Maybach GLS600
2027Price when new$95,500US base, GLS450
2027Price when new$122,500US base, GLS580
2025Auction sale$86,5002021 AMG GLS63, 9k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$113,0002025 AMG GLS63, 9k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$48,0002017 AMG GLS63, 37k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$27,0002017 GLS450, 32k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$139,0002025 Maybach GLS600 Night Series, 9k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$15,0002018 GLS450, 110k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$140,0002023 Maybach GLS600, 9k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$39,0002018 AMG GLS63, 75k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$36,5002019 GLS550, 33k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$35,7502020 GLS450, 23k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$157,6002025 Maybach GLS600, 2,600 miles, BaT
2026Value today$27,000–$139,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 9 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “603 hp and the three-row power crown”
    • “Liam Neeson's bomb-threat GLS”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 3 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 41 sources
  1. Tested: 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLS63 SUV Can Beat a C7 Corvette to 60 caranddriver.com
  2. The new Mercedes-Benz GLS - Mercedes 500SEC.com 500sec.com
  3. Mercedes-Benz GLS - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  4. Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom media.mbusa.com
  5. Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X166) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  6. Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom media.mbusa.com
  7. Découvrez les nouveaux GLS media.mercedes-benz.fr
  8. Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom media.mbusa.com
  9. Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom media.mbusa.com
  10. First Drive: 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-class caranddriver.com
  11. Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom media.mbusa.com
  12. Tested: 2025 Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 Is a Fancy Bounce House caranddriver.com
  13. Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom media.mbusa.com
  14. Used Mercedes GLS (Mk2, 2019-date) buyer’s guide: a luxurious, but expensive, family SUV | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  15. 2020 Mercedes GLS Has Impressive Moves for a High-Tech Palace on Wheels caranddriver.com
  16. Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom media.mbusa.com
  17. 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class First Drive: Still Worth Six Figures? motortrend.com
  18. Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom media.mbusa.com
  19. Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom media.mbusa.com
  20. BRABUS 900 SUPERBLACK - Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+ - Supercars - Cars | BRABUS brabus.com
  21. 100 Jahre Maybach Automobilbau: Weltpremiere der limitierten Jubiläumsedition „Edition 100“ | Mercedes-Benz Media media.mercedes-benz.com
  22. Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X164) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  23. 2019 BMW X7 vs. 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class caranddriver.com
  24. The Boomcar Boys Are Back, Bouncing It Out In A Mercedes-Maybach GLS | Carscoops carscoops.com
  25. Noteworthy Placements of Week September 18, 2023 - Product Placement productplacement.com
  26. Film moto : Retribution lerepairedesmotards.com
  27. Mercedes-Maybach GLS review: the ultimate luxurious SUV | Wallpaper* wallpaper.com
  28. 32k-Mile 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $27,000 on April 15, 2026 (Lot #237,990) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  29. 2025 Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $139,000 on July 17, 2026 (Lot #252,922) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. Buying used: (2016-2019) Mercedes-Benz GLS | Autocar India autocarindia.com
  31. Mercedes-Benz Recalls GLS-Class Vehicles Over Seatbacks | CarComplaints.com carcomplaints.com
  32. Mercedes 48-Volt Ground Connection Problems Cause Recall | CarComplaints.com carcomplaints.com
  33. 2025 Mercedes-AMG GLS63 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $113,000 on April 3, 2026 (Lot #236,200) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLS63 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $47,500 on April 11, 2026 (Lot #237,373) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. No Reserve: 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 4MATIC for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $15,000 on October 16, 2026 (Lot #268,880) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  36. 2025 Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $157,600 on January 27, 2026 (Lot #227,982) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  37. 2023 Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $140,000 on September 14, 2026 (Lot #263,018) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  38. 2018 Mercedes-AMG GLS63 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $39,000 on September 13, 2026 (Lot #262,971) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  39. 33k-Mile 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS550 4MATIC for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $36,500 on August 17, 2026 (Lot #258,259) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  40. One-Owner 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 4MATIC for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $35,750 on July 1, 2026 (Lot #250,281) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  41. 9k-Mile 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLS63 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $86,500 on October 24, 2025 (Lot #216,365) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • 500sec.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • media.mbusa.com
  • media.mercedes-benz.fr
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • motortrend.com
  • brabus.com
  • media.mercedes-benz.com
  • carscoops.com
  • productplacement.com
  • lerepairedesmotards.com
  • wallpaper.com
  • bringatrailer.com

Photo credits

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