Body Styles

The GLS-Class is a full-size three-row luxury SUV with a commanding presence and elegant proportions. Despite its sheer size, the GLS features a refined aerodynamic shape with smooth surfaces, chrome trim, and an upright grille. Early models (GL) maintained a more understated SUV profile, while the post-2016 facelift added sharper headlights, LED elements, a bolder front fascia, and a stronger visual link to the S-Class luxury sedan. With seating for seven and optional captain’s chairs in the second row, the GLS positions itself as a high-end family transporter that doesn't compromise on prestige or comfort.

Model Name Meaning (Manufacturer)

Originally launched as the GL-Class, the model was rebranded in 2016 as the GLS to align with Mercedes-Benz’s new nomenclature. The "G" refers to "Geländewagen" (off-road vehicle), while the "L" and "S" signify that this model is the SUV equivalent of the flagship S-Class — delivering full-size luxury, innovation, and performance in a utility body. The change highlighted the GLS’s role not just as a large SUV, but as a true luxury liner in the Mercedes hierarchy.

Body & Interior Colors and Rims

The GLS was offered in a broad spectrum of refined exterior colors, ranging from classic tones like Obsidian Black, Polar White, and Iridium Silver, to deeper, more expressive hues such as Cavansite Blue, Selenite Grey, and Diamond Silver. Exclusive Designo shades like Mocha Black and Cardinal Red added a bespoke flavor, especially for AMG and fully optioned variants.

Inside, the GLS showcases luxury derived from the S-Class, including hand-finished wood trims (Burl Walnut, Black Ash, Designo Flowing Lines), optional Designo leather with diamond stitching, and a variety of color schemes — from subtle Almond Beige and Espresso Brown to bold Ginger Beige/Black and Porcelain/Black contrasts. Multi-contour front seats with massage, heated second and third rows, and panoramic sunroof options elevated the cabin into a true executive space.

Wheel offerings started with 19-inch twin-spoke alloys on the GL 350 and GLS 450, progressing to 21-inch AMG-style wheels on the GLS 550, and culminating in aggressive 22-inch forged AMG alloys on the GLS 63. Most wheel designs emphasized muscular elegance with polished silver or black-painted finishes. AMG variants featured widened arches, red brake calipers, and model-specific aero kits that further distinguished them from standard GLS trims.

Top Expensive Options

• Designo Exclusive Nappa Leather Package: $4,900
• Bang & Olufsen BeoSound Audio System: $6,400
• Rear Seat Entertainment System with dual screens: $2,650
• Active Curve System (dynamic anti-roll bars): $3,800
• Night View Assist Plus with pedestrian detection: $2,260
• AMG Performance Exhaust (GLS 63): $2,200
• Multi-contour front seats with massage: $1,320
• Panorama sliding sunroof: $1,090
• Parking Package with 360° Camera: $1,290
• Designo Piano Black Lacquer Interior Trim: $1,300

vs Competitors

In its segment, the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class directly rivals the BMW X7, Range Rover, and Cadillac Escalade, each offering a unique take on full-size SUV luxury. Compared to the BMW X7, the GLS leans more toward traditional elegance than tech-forward performance, though its ride comfort — especially with AIRMATIC suspension — matches or surpasses the X7’s plushness. While the BMW may edge out the GLS in agility and infotainment responsiveness, Mercedes offers more cohesive interior design and greater long-distance serenity, particularly in its V8 and AMG models.

Against the Range Rover, the GLS presents a more spacious and practical interior with genuine three-row usability. The Range Rover holds a lead in off-road heritage and bespoke materials, but the GLS counters with smoother drivetrains, more advanced semi-autonomous tech, and higher reliability for daily use. The GLS is also more affordable in higher trims compared to a similarly equipped Range Rover Autobiography or SV.

The Cadillac Escalade, meanwhile, wins on screen real estate and sheer road presence, but can’t match the GLS in cabin material quality, dynamic chassis behavior, or understated luxury. Where the Escalade thrives as a bold American status symbol, the GLS appeals to those seeking refinement, discretion, and a more polished German execution of luxury.

Fun Fact

While many viewed the GLS as just a family SUV, the AMG GLS 63 was one of the quickest 7-seaters on the planet during its era — launching from 0 to 100 km/h in under 4.5 seconds thanks to its handcrafted 5.5L biturbo V8. Even more impressively, it came with a Race Start launch control system, cross-drilled brakes, and a bespoke AMG instrument cluster — making it effectively a full-size AMG muscle car in disguise, with room for six passengers and luggage.