2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS

History/Overview

Mercedes-Benz’s largest – if not its most imposing – vehicle is the GLS, a near-full-size SUV with three rows of seats. It doesn’t have the cachet of the blocky G-Class – that one gets the most-imposing designation – but the GLS is the more mainstream of those two range-topping SUVs models.

What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year

For 2022, the GLS is unchanged; the current generation arrived as a 2020 model.

Available Trims

GLS configurations start with the GLS 450, the sole model to use a 3.0L turbo six-cylinder engine; GLS 580 is the first of three V8-powered versions, followed by the AMG GLS 63 and the Maybach GLS 600. All GLS models use mild hybrid assist, a nine-speed transmission, and AWD.

Standard Features

GLS 450 models come with 21-inch wheels, air suspension, attention assist, blind spot/lane keeping assist, LED headlights with automatic high beams, a hands-free tailgate, passive keyless entry, active parking assist, and traffic sign recognition. Inside, you get heated front/rear seats/steering wheel/front/rear arm rests, automatic A/C, a panoramic roof, seven seats, electric steering wheel adjustments, navigation, wireless phone charging, and dual 12.3-inch display screens.

GLS 580 adds a Burmester stereo, power-folding side mirrors, ventilated multicontour front seats, four-zone A/C, and power rear side sunshades.

AMG GLS 63 gains 22-inch wheels Nappa leather dash trim, sport brakes and suspension, 360-degree cameras, forward collision mitigation, and active/evasive steering assist.

Finally, Maybach GLS 600 comes with a head-up display, upgraded front and second-row seats, a wood cargo area divider, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

Key Options

A GLS 450 premium pack brings ventilated front seats, four-zone A/C, power rear side sunshades, Burmester audio, 360-degree cameras, and soft-close doors. A tech pack adds a head-up display, and a comfort package gains multicontour front seats and a fragrance system.

You can also add five-zone A/C, rear-seat entertainment, and a full suite of driver safety assists.

An off-road package adds more drive modes and underbody skid plates. You can also get a heated windshield, a dashcam, and an active body control suspension.

In the AMG 63, there’s ceramic composite brake option, and the sole option reserved for the otherwise loaded Maybach GLS 600 is a rear-seat refrigerator.

Fuel Economy

As we write this, the GLS 450 is the only 2022 model for which Mercedes-Benz has published fuel consumption estimates, which are 12.8/10.0 L/100 km (city/highway). For the other models, we have to rely on 2021 figures, which are 14.5/11.2 L/100 km for the GLS 580, 16.3/12.5 in the AMG GLS 63, and 16.6/12.5 for the Maybach GLS 600.

Competition

The Mercedes-Benz GLS is positioned to take on the BMW X7, Audi Q7, Infiniti QX80, Land Rover Range Rover, Lexus LX, Cadillac Escalade, and Lincoln Navigator.