2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS Review

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS stands out from the rest of the marque’s lineup with three rows of seating and one of the best towing powers. Yet the GLS still fits right in when it comes to luxury features. Highlights range from seats with a massage function to real wood trim.

With seating for seven, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS is a full-size luxury SUV. It’s available in GLS 450, GLS 550 and AMG GLS 63 trim levels. The standard powertrain unites a V6 engine, nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Two different V8s are optional, one of which is matched to a seven-speed automatic.

A limited-production Grand Edition is new for the 2019 model year. It comes with exclusive two-tone leather upholstery, a dashboard wrapped in Nappa leather, striped linden-wood cabin accents and unique 20- or 21-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

Exterior

Along with a relatively upright SUV-style shape, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS also shows off eye-catching details. For example, its thick grille bars have distinctive cutouts, and there are hood vents pushed back near the windshield. The vehicle’s body then features dynamic sculpting that flows over the rear fenders. Freeform two-piece taillights are a stylish finishing touch.

The upscale standard features for the GLS include LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, heated power-folding mirrors, a power sunroof and 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. In terms of upgrades, you can get adaptive LED headlights, a power panoramic sunroof, third-row vent windows, illuminated running boards, front underbody protection and 20- through 22-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. An available Night package brings gloss-black exterior accents.

Interior

The 2019 GLS has an elegant interior design with a symmetrical dashboard layout and large trim panels. Mercedes also gives a prominent position to the vehicle’s freestanding infotainment screen. The second row of the GLS is a 60/40-split folding bench. A power-folding 50/50-split bench is standard in the third row. If you need room for gear, the GLS offers 16.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 49.4 behind the second and 93.8 in total.

Synthetic leather upholstery, heated power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable steering column and a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel are standard. You can add more luxury cues with options such as climate-controlled massage-function front seats, heated rear seats, tri-zone automatic climate control and a heated steering wheel. The AMG model is distinguished by a standard performance steering wheel and offers carbon-fiber cabin trim.

Performance

A twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 is standard for the GLS, providing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The available biturbo 4.7-liter V8 delivers a significant increase in output to 449 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Both of these engines are mated with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The high-performance AMG GLS 63 upsizes to a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8. That engine, paired with an AMG seven-speed automatic transmission, makes 577 horsepower and 561 pound-feet of torque. All GLS trim levels are equipped with all-wheel drive.

The maximum tow rating for the vehicle is 7,500 pounds.

The EPA ratings top out at 16/22 mpg city/highway.

Technology

Automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, a drowsy driver alert and a rearview camera are standard for the GLS. For infotainment, standard features include a 7-inch display, a console-mounted controller, an SD card-based navigation system, Bluetooth, HD Radio, a CD player and two USB ports.

If you prefer more driver assistance, Mercedes offers available technology such as adaptive cruise control, a blind spot monitor, lane keeping assistance, hands-free automatic parking assistance, rear cross-traffic alert and a surround-view camera system. The GLS provides a number of infotainment options, too, starting with an 8-inch display, a console-mounted touchpad, a hard-drive-based navigation system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and two premium audio choices. The Harman Kardon system brings 13 speakers and 830 watts of power, and the available Bang & Olufsen system has 14 speakers and 1,200 watts of power.