Overall Rating
Updated on: July 5, 2021
Automotive Journalist
Carrying forward unchanged for the new year, the 2020 Mercedes Benz GLS still stands strong in the Mercedes lineup. It is essentially an S Class that has been jacked-up with better off-road credentials, a ton of luxury and seven seats. Fitted with a powerful powertrain under its hood, the GLS is the epitome of the luxury in Silver Arrow's lineup.
Luxurious interior
Spacious third row
Powerful engine
Dated infotainment system
Unimpressive standard features list
No major changes in the new 2020 Mercedes Benz GLS.
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Features
Engine and Performance
Fuel Economy
Interior
Exterior
Safety
Competition
7.1
OVERALL RATING
Overall Rating
The 2019 Mercedes Benz GLS 450 is a huge luxurious SUV with a seating capacity of seven. Priced at $70,150, it's powered by a 3.0 L V-6 Biturbo engine mated to a 9-Speed automatic transmission system that can produce reasonably good torque and power. The drivetrain is equipped with an all-wheel drive system that drives the SUV smoothly even on unpaved roads with comfortable ride quality thanks to its impressive suspension system.
With such a competitive package, the Mercedes GLS goes up against the likes of Cadillac Escalade and the mighty Lincoln Navigator. Where does it stand in the rivalry? Read on the review to find out.
6.0/10
Features
7.0/10
Engine and Performance
4.0/10
Fuel Economy
9.0/10
Interior
7.0/10
Exterior
9.0/10
Safety
8.0/10
Competition
| Trims | GLS 450 |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $70,150 |
| Key Features | Self-leveling air suspension |
| power-folding and auto-dimming side mirrors | |
| LED running lights and taillights | |
| Mbrace Connect remote vehicle access (via smartphone app; includes remote start). | |
| Heated front seats | |
| 10-way power driver seat (with four-way power lumbar adjustment) | |
| Driver-seat memory settings | |
| power-adjustable leather-wrapped steering wheel | |
| Auto-dimming rearview mirror | |
| Dual-zone automatic climate control | |
| COMAND infotainment interface (with both a control knob and a touchpad) | |
| 8-inch central display | |
| Rearview camera | |
| Bluetooth | |
| 115-volt household-style power outlet | |
| Sound system that features HD radio and dual USB ports. |
The Mercedes Benz GLS 450 is itself a trim configuration level of the Mercedes GLS-Class. It offers a 3.0 L V6 Biturbo engine that produces a maximum power of 362 hp at 5500 rpm and maximum torque of 369 lb-ft. at 2000 rpm. It also uses 9-Speed Automatic transmission system, transmitting the power to all the wheels of the SUV.
Some of the standard feature GLS 450 offers are self-levelling air suspension, power folding and auto-dimming side mirrors, sound system that features HD radio and dual USP ports, seats with memory and much more. The features that is optional to the GLS 450 are sunroof, leather upholstery, blind spot monitoring and some more.
We recommend
Admittedly, the base trim has decent performance with underwhelming standard features. But if you are sticking with the purchase, buying the optional media package with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will only overhaul the however outdated infotainment system of the GLS 450.
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS manages its size with grace and even feels nimble in some circumstances. thecarconnection
The GLS 450 uses a 3.0 L V-6 Biturbo Engine with 9-Speed Automatic transmission. This engine helps to generate 362 hp power and 369 lb-ft torque. With an apparent turbo lag, the SUV moves quick enough for what it offers but the busy transmission depresses the powertrain, resulting in an overworked driving experience.
The GLS alongside its younger sibling, the GLEE, is one of the most economical SUV among its rivals with the most expensive rival i.e. Lincoln Navigator. The engine used by GLS 450 is the smallest compared to the Lincoln and Cadillac, while the GLE houses the same powertrain but with a reduced output.
|
Models |
Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 |
Lincoln Navigator |
Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 |
Cadillac Escalade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MSRP |
$69,550 |
$74,500 |
$55,700 |
$76,490 |
|
Engine |
3.0L V6 biturbo |
3.5-liter turbocharged V-6 |
3.0L Bi Turbo V6 |
6.2L VVT V8 |
|
Transmission |
9-Speed Automatic |
10-Speed Automatic |
9-Speed Automatic |
10-Speed Automatic |
|
Power |
362 hp |
450 hp |
329 hp @ 5250 rpm |
420 hp |
|
Torque |
369 lb-ft |
510 lb-ft |
354 ft-lbs. @ 1600 rpm |
460 lb-ft |
GLS 450 is not the fastest SUV due to its small size of engine. It takes 6.5 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standstill position and 16.5 seconds to cover quarter mile which is not that good what host would expect from it. Surprisingly, its younger sibling, the GLE 400, is actually the quickest amongst the competition but that is mostly thanks to its weight.
|
Models |
Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 |
Lincoln Navigator |
Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 |
Cadillac Escalade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
0-60 MPH |
6.5 sec |
6.5 sec |
5.9sec |
6.1 sec |
|
Quarter mile |
16.5 sec |
15.1 sec |
NA |
14.6 sec |
|
Engine |
3.0L |
3.5L |
3.0L |
6.2L |
|
Emission Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year |
9.3 |
9.3 |
N/A |
10.3 |
The GLS 450 uses Rack and Pinion type steering system which offers a turning diameter of 40.7 ft from curb to curb. The steering system is very quick and works very smoothly. The handling of GLS 450 is not the best on the twisting roads but occasionally feels nimble and has a comfortable ride quality. Its handling capabilities alongside the driving experience makes it feel like a smaller SUV.
GLS 450 performs better than its rivals in the braking test. With disc brakes on all the wheels and ABS connected, the Silver Arrow can stop from a speed of 60 mph in just 120 ft.
|
Model |
Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 |
Lincoln Navigator |
Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 |
Cadillac Escalade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Brake front(in) |
13.8 |
13.8 |
12.8 |
17.0 |
|
Brake Rear(in) |
13.6 |
13.8 |
13 |
17.0 |
|
Curb weight(lbs) |
5335 |
5760 |
4751 |
5572 |
|
60-0 MPH |
120 ft. |
125 ft. |
NA |
133 ft. |
GLS 450 has midship location of the fuel tank with the fuel capacity of 36.4 gallons. The SUV offers fuel economy of 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on highway which combines to make the fuel economy of 19 mpg which is not best among the rivals. The GLE has a tad better performance as compared to the GLS however the field has some catching up to do with both the GL-Class SUVs.
|
Model |
Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 |
Lincoln Navigator |
Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 |
Cadillac Escalade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MPG (city) |
17 |
16 |
17 |
14 |
|
MPG (highway) |
22 |
23 |
23 |
23 |
|
MPG (combined) |
19 |
19 |
20 |
17 |
Inside the Mercedes Benz GLS 450, the SUV houses one of the most beautifully finished interior which adds on to great success of the car. With a host of opulent interior features, the experience added is a plus point that further enhances the host's comfort. The cabin cancels out noise with ease.
With the passenger capacity of seven, GLS 450 has one of the best seats among the rivals. It comes with 10-way power adjustable driver seat and heated front seats for a plush experience to the driver. Its seats are well designed to comfortably seat the passengers and the drive as well.
|
Model |
Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 |
Lincoln Navigator |
Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 |
Cadillac Escalade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Passenger capacity |
7 |
7 |
5 |
7 |
|
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
41.2/58.5/40.3 |
41.8/65.2/43.9 |
108.6 |
42.8/64.9/45.3 |
|
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
40.0/58.3/38.5 |
40.0/65.1/41.1 |
40.4/58.5/40.3 |
38.7/64.4/39.0 |
|
Third (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
38.9/50.5/35.0 |
37.3/64.2/36.1 |
38.5/58.4/38.4 |
38.1/62.6/24.8 |
With 8 central display and COMAND infotainment system, which has both central knob and touch pad, it also comes with Bluetooth connectivity and automatic air-conditioning. The sound system used in the car features HD radio and dual USB ports. The system is outdated and is found on the older generation of the Mercedes cars. Even the usage seems like a hit and miss and clearly, work is direly needed on the technological front of the SUV.
GLS 450 got very good trunk space behind every row which in numbers comes to be 93.8 ft. cube behind 1st row, 49.4 ft. cube behind 2nd row and 16 ft. cube behind 3rd row.
|
Model |
Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 |
Lincoln Navigator |
Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 |
Cadillac Escalade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Volume Behind 3rd row(ft.cube) |
16 |
19.3 |
38.2 |
15.2 |
|
Volume Behind 2nd row (ft.cube) |
49.4 |
57.5 |
80.3 |
51.6 |
|
Volume Behind 1st row (ft.cube) |
93.8 |
103.3 |
NA |
94.2 |
When compared with the rivals, GLS 450 stands behind most of its rivals. It got least volume behind 1st and 2nd row.
Old-school, no-nonsense looks suit the 2019 Benz GLS well. -thecarconnection
The Mercedes Benz GLS 450 is a large luxury SUV with seating capacity of seven passengers. It offers many good exterior features such as power folding and auto dimming side mirrors, LED running lights and trail lights, rear view camera and many more.
The 2019 Mercedes Benz GLS 450 with a curb weight of 5335 lbs., measures 201.6 inches in length and 76 inches wide. Standing 72.8 inches tall, its ground clearance is of 8.5 inches that helps it to run smoother. Trackwidth is 65.2 inches and 65.9 inches in front and rear and Wheelbase is 124.1 inches provides good rear space for the passengers.
|
Model |
Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 |
Lincoln Navigator |
Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 |
Cadillac Escalade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
curb weight(lbs) |
5335 |
5760 |
4751 |
5572 |
|
Length(in) |
201.6 |
210 |
189.1 |
203.9 |
|
Width(in) (w/o mirror) |
76.1 |
79.9 |
84.3 |
80.5 |
|
Height(in) |
72.8 |
76.4 |
70.7 |
74.4 |
|
Ground clearance(in) |
8.5 |
9.7 |
6.7 |
8.0 |
|
Wheelbase(in) |
121.1 |
122.5 |
114.8 |
116.0 |
|
Track width(in) F/R |
65.2/65.9 |
67/67.2 |
64.9/65.5 |
68.7/68.7 |
Safety is the department which cannot be compromised at any terms. Many of the good safety features are included such as child seat sensing airbag, child seat anchors, front and rear seat belt tensioners and many more. GLS 550 also provides seven airbags which can protect each of the passenger in any mishappening.
Some of the standard features are given below:
The 2019 Mercedes Benz GLS 450 is still to be rated by NHSTA and IIHS.
Mercedes Benz GLS 450 vs Lincoln Navigator
The Mercedes GLS costs lower than the Navigator and both the SUVs come differ in performance as well as interior. Lincoln with the bigger engine provides more torque and power than GLS 450 and a poised handling but they are both almost on par with their fuel efficiency. Although both have almost same exterior dimensions, Mercedes is relatively lighter than Lincoln but the American is more spacious as compared to the German heavy duty. The Navigator is a better package as compared to the German SUV and is a better car to own.
Mercedes Benz GLS 450 vs Cadillac Escalade
Albeit housing a more powerful powertrain under its hood, the Escalade is no match to the prowess and interior quality of the Mercedes. The American also houses an extensive host of standard features but is more cramped in the third row seating area. With no match to the ride quality in comparison to the Silver Arrow, the Cadillac is an SUV to be forgotten when the GLS stands beside it.
Mercedes Benz GLS 450 vs Mercedes Benz GLE 400
There's a similar pattern in both the SUVs; the major differences are the price availability of these GL-Class heavy duties. The GLS is a much larger and spacious car while the GLE is a more affordable luxurious SUV. In terms of performance and handling, both the cars are great in their respective offering. If money is no issue, the GLS is your SUV. However you won't feel like you've missed out on much if you brush aside the GLS and soup up your GLE with optional features, effectively bridging the price gap closer to its elder brother.
The 2019 Mercedes Benz GLS 450 is a quite high-priced and large and luxurious SUV. It is not that mechanically strong than its competitors but provides one of the best interior and exterior features. Having said that, the GLE 400 is a better option to the GLS where you can equip your GLE 400 or better yet, purchase the AMG GLE 43 for the similar price of the lead SUV in this review; this will give you better performance alongside a host of opulent features and superior technology.
