The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS is the company’s largest and most luxurious 3-row SUV. It appeals to well-off families needing room for six or seven people and the ability to access ski resorts or lakeside cabins. Empty nesters and corporate CEOs will appreciate the Executive Rear Seat Package that turns the GLS into a mini limousine.
The GLS lineup consists of two luxury trims, one high-performance AMG model, and an ultra-luxurious Mercedes-Maybach version for the ultimate in family-hauling transportation.
As all GLS models employ gasoline engines, those looking for a greener alternative might be happier with the new all-electric Mercedes EQE SUV or even rivals such as the Tesla Model X or Lincoln Aviator plug-in hybrid.
Direct competitors for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS include the BMW X7, Audi Q7, and Cadillac Escalade.
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450: $81,800
As with all GLS trims, the GLS 450 comes standard with 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD). The GLS 450 employs a turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine good for 362 horsepower combined with a mild-hybrid starter/generator that helps with performance and fuel economy.
Additional mechanical features on the GLS 450 include Airmatic air suspension, adaptive shock absorbers, and a clever feature called Automatic Car Wash Mode. When activated, Automatic Car Wash Mode raises the vehicle’s ride height, providing better access to the wheel wells. It also activates the front camera for a better view when entering the wash. It then suspends the rain-sensing wipers, closes all the windows and sunroof, and sets the climate control to recirculate mode.
Mercedes-Benz is known for its commitment to safety and security, so beyond the mandated airbags, traction control, and anti-lock brakes, the GLS 450 features several advanced driver aids designed to help reduce the risk of getting into an accident.
Standard assists include a forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, a blind-spot monitor with exit warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and a crosswind assist that helps keep the vehicle centered when encountering strong wind gusts.
A driver attention monitor warns of inattentive driving, and the Active Parking Assistant can parallel or perpendicularly park the vehicle. It also warns of cross traffic when you’re backing up.
The standard Surround View Monitor shows a 360-degree view around the GLS, while a downhill speed regulator holds the big Benz to a crawl when descending steep, off-road terrain.
The GLS 450’s handsome exterior features rain-sensing wipers, a rear wiper that activates automatically in reverse, power-heated side mirrors with a driver’s side auto-dimming feature, a hands-free power liftgate, and Intelligent LED headlights that can vary beam intensity and direction.
The SmartKey keyless entry system allows locking or unlocking simply by touching the door handle. With the fob in hand, the driver can raise or lower the windows, open or close the sunroof, and open the rear liftgate. Once inside this 3-row Mercedes SUV, a push of a button is all that’s needed to start the engine.
The GLS 450 comes standard with a panoramic power sunroof, power-folding side mirrors, 20-inch alloy wheels, and rear privacy glass. Side mirror logo projectors illuminate the pavement with a Mercedes-Benz logo whenever the vehicle is remotely locked or unlocked.
Opening the driver’s door reveals a luxurious cabin brimming with standard features. The mix includes heated and ventilated power front seats with power lumbar support and memory. MB-Tex synthetic leather covers all three rows, but buyers can opt for the real thing.
The GLS 450 offers a choice between a power-folding second-row split-bench seat or captain’s chairs; a 50/50 power-folding third-row seat comes standard. Additional amenities include a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, 4-zone automatic climate control, a 115-volt outlet, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and 64-color ambient interior lighting.
Accessing the GLS 450’s Infotainment is as easy as reaching for the 12.3-inch touchscreen, using one’s finger on the console-mounted touchpad, or using voice commands. Included as standard are MB navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and a 2-way in-car communication system that makes it easier for the passengers in the rear seats to communicate with the driver.
Speaking “Hey, Mercedes” activates an onboard assistant to help find the nearest coffee shop, gas station, or attraction.
Multiple USB-C ports make it easy to charge devices, as does a wireless charging pad. Giving a voice to this system is a 590-watt, 13-speaker Burmester sound system with twin front subwoofers for impressive bass reproduction.
The GLS 450’s optional equipment roster is long, offering quite a few packages and standalone features.
Opting for the Driver Assistance Package Plus brings adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, front cross-traffic detection with emergency braking, active blind-spot assist, active lane-change assist, and speed limit sign recognition. If the driver becomes incapacitated, Active Emergency Stop Assist brings the vehicle to a stop, activates the hazard lights, and calls for help.
Two AMG exterior appearance packages add AMG-inspired wheels, exterior trim, and an AMG sport steering wheel. In contrast, the Warmth and Comfort Package adds heated front and second-row armrests and rapid-heating front seats.
Among the many available upgrades are Nappa leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, additional sound insulation, multi-contour massaging front seats, heated second-row seats, second-row power sunshades, and 5-zone automatic climate control.
Heated and cooled cupholders, soft-close doors, a head-up display, augmented video navigation, and second-row side-impact airbags are also available.
Buyers can opt for a dash-mounted camera, a gesture-activated cabin assistant, an air purification system with fragrance enhancement, heated windshield wipers, Active Lane Keeping Assist, a trailer hitch, and illuminated running boards.
Mercedes me connected services allow owners to control their GLS via a smartphone-linked app, offering such services as remote start, vehicle maintenance schedules, a lost or stolen vehicle locator, and more.
With the $1,150 destination charge, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 costs $82,950. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to approximately $1,491. See 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 models for sale near you
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 includes:
- Panoramic sunroof – This massive glass roof panel opens for an outstanding overhead view.
- Burmester audio – The GLS 450’s Burmester audio system delivers exceptional sound, with 13 strategically placed speakers that guarantee every passenger a concertlike experience.
- Surround View Monitor – With cameras at the front, back, and sides, the GLS 450 provides the driver with a 360-degree view of the vehicle, a nice feature to have when executing low-speed parking maneuvers.
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580: $105,000
The GLS 580 ups the power quotient with a 483-hp twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine.
Building off the GLS 450, the GLS 580 gains AMG-inspired body styling, including 21-inch AMG twin 5-spoke alloy wheels. It also gets illuminated running boards, heated windshield wipers, soft door closers, and remote start via the Mercedes me app.
Luxury upgrades extend to leather upholstery, multi-contour massaging front seats, and 5-zone automatic climate control.
Optional equipment beyond the GLS 450’s listing includes the Executive Rear Seat Package Plus, which adds heated and ventilated multi-contour massaging second-row seats, second-row side airbags, a second-row wireless charging pad, and a second-row MBUX tablet.
The Night Package adds gloss-black exterior accents and 21-inch AMG alloy wheels.
The E-Active Body Control Package adds a forward-facing camera that scans the road ahead and adjusts the adaptive suspension before the vehicle crosses road imperfections. Of note: The system may be deployed to help break free the GLS 580 free from being stuck in deep sand by rapidly pumping the suspension.
Standalone features include heated second- and third-row seats, a 1,610-watt, 26-speaker Burmester High-End 3D Sound System, and an off-road package (requires E-Active Body Control Package).
The GLS 580 also offers several types of wood and leather accents, as well as 21-, 22-, and 23-inch wheels.
With the $1,150 destination charge, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 costs $106,150. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $1,907. See 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 models for sale near you
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 includes:
- Soft close doors – Once the latch catches the door post, the GLS 580’s doors automatically cinch themselves shut.
- Multi-contour front seats – The GLS 580’s front seats offer more comfort with additional adjustments and a massaging feature.
- 5-zone climate control – Mercedes gives passengers in the third row the ability to regulate their own temperature.
2023 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63: $139,000
The AMG GLS 63 is a high-performance variant featuring modifications from Mercedes-Benz in-house tuner, AMG.
Building off the GLS 580, the GLS 63 adds a 603-hp hand-crafted twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine. AMG works its magic on the GLS 63’s transmission, 4Matic all-wheel drive, Airmatic suspension, adaptive shocks, and brakes.
The GLS 63 gains a performance exhaust, an electronic limited-slip rear differential, and computer-controlled dynamic engine mounts filled with a magnetic fluid. Dynamic Select modes include Comfort, Sport, Sport +, Slippery, Trail, and Sandy settings.
This potent 3-row SUV rides on 21-inch AMG 10-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance tires. It also features additional AMG-styling accents, such as a distinctive vertical bar grille.
In addition to the contents from the Driver Assistance Package Plus, the GLS 63 gets an AMG sport steering wheel with AMG Drive Unit, Nappa leather upholstery, and heated second-row seats.
Unique options for the GLS 63 include red-painted brake calipers, an AMG performance steering wheel in Nappa leather or microfiber, red seatbelts, carbon-fiber interior accents, 22- or 23-inch AMG wheels, trailer stability assist, an diamond stitch pattern seats.
With the $1,150 destination charge, the 2023 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 costs $140,150. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $2,518. See 2023 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 models for sale near you
2023 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 includes:
- Handcrafted V8 – The GLS 63’s custom-built V8 puts out an astounding 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, giving this massive SUV a 0–60 mph time of just 4.1 seconds.
- AMG upgrades – Everything on the GLS 63, from its 4matic all-wheel drive to its suspension, brakes, exhaust, and transmission, is tuned for high-performance driving.
- AMG Drive Unit – These steering wheel-mounted controls let you quickly adjust performance settings.
2023 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600: $170,000
Maybach is the exclusive high-end brand for Mercedes-Benz. As such, the Maybach GLS 600 is intended to rival ultraluxury models like the Bentley Bentayga, Aston Martin DBX, and Land Rover Range Rover SV Autobiography.
The GLS 600 comes with a 550-hp twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8. Building off the GLS 580, the GLS 600 adds E-Active Body Control and an exclusive Maybach mode for the Dynamic Select system.
Every available safety and driver assist system comes standard, as do all the GLS 580’s best features, including massaging rear seats, the Burmester High-End 3D Surround Sound audio system, and a head-up display.
Unique to the GLS 600 are 12-way adjustable power front seats, four-passenger seating featuring power reclining executive rear seats with calf rests, a Nappa leather ceiling liner, and electrically extending running boards.
The few luxury options include a rear-seat refrigerator, handcrafted silver champagne flute holders, rear-seat folding tables, two-tone paint, and a 5-passenger seating configuration.
With the $1,150 destination charge, the 2023 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 costs $171,150. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $3,075. See 2023 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 models for sale near you
2023 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 includes:
- Executive rear seats – With room for only two, the GLS 600’s rear seats offer the ultimate in luxury travel, separated by a built-in console with an available refrigerated storage box.
- Burmester High-End 3D Surround Sound audio – With 26 speakers driven by 1,610 watts, the GLS 600’s standard sound system puts most home audio setups to shame.
- Available silver champagne flute holders – What more can we say?