2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS SUV

Performance

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS prioritizes luxury above all else, but that doesn’t mean this big SUV lacks underhood potency. It’s offered in one of three engine configurations, all of which are paired with a nine-speed shiftable automatic transmission and standard 4MATIC® all-wheel drive.

The 2026 GLS 450 comes standard with a turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline-6 producing 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This eclipses many of the standard V8 models of years gone by, with a 0-60 time of just 5.8 seconds. Electronic active suspension comes standard. However, customers who want more than the standard 4MATIC® modes and performance options will need to step up to a V8 model for the fun stuff.

The 2026 GLS 580 is the first of those twin-turbo V8s. With 510 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque, this is where the GLS starts to get muscular, motivating the SUV to 60 in just 4.7 seconds. The GLS 580 can also be optioned with two driver-oriented packages. The first is the E-Active Body Control package, which upgrades the suspension to predictively adapt to both the driver’s habits and the outside world, seamlessly countering body roll, pitch, and dive. It even includes a mode that can rock the GLS out of loose sand or snow.

You may need that feature if you opt for the 2026 GLS 580’s other driver-focused feature: its available Off-Road package. This adds several height options for the active suspension, improving ground clearance by up to 1.2 inches for better water fording and vehicle control off the beaten path.

If you step up to the 2026 Mercedes-AMG® GLS 63, you get to experience the luxury of the GLS at virtually any (legal) speed. It offers a whopping 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, which Mercedes-Benz says is good for a 0-60 time of just 4.1 seconds. This halo performance model features a unique suspension and powertrain tuned to keep the GLS composed, along with performance brakes, with an optional carbon-ceramic upgrade package.

Every 2026 GLS can receive a class IV trailer hitch, with a maximum tow rating of 7,716 lbs and a tongue weight of up to 309 lbs.

Exterior

As one would expect of the flagship Mercedes-Benz SUV, the 2026 GLS exudes luxury. 21-inch wheels are standard on the GLS 450 and 580, with 22-inch wheels standard on the GLS 63. All-season tires are standard on the 2026 GLS 450 and 580, with summer performance tires optional on the 580 and standard on the 2026 AMG® GLS 63. LED lighting is standard for the front and rear.

While the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS impresses no matter the spec, its most eye-catching exterior options will be found deeper in the company’s catalog thanks to its MANUFAKTUR® line of heritage paint colors, with new finishes rotating in with each model year. For 2026, the GLS 450 4MATIC® MANUFAKTUR® Editions will feature MANUFAKTUR® Silicon Grey and MANUFAKTUR® Moonlight White Magno paints.

Interior

The interior largely follows the same script as the exterior. The 2026 GLS 450 impresses with standard leatherette, 14-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front bucket seats, rear reclining seatbacks, and Burmester® audio*. Massaging seats, genuine leather, and expanded comfort features for the middle and rear benches are available in various option packages. If you opt for the 2026 AMG® GLS 63, you get an AMG®-specific interior with sportier seats, an AMG® steering wheel, and several color and trim combinations only available on the sportier model.

As a large SUV, the 2026 GLS is expected to carry rear-seat passengers. The spacious second row is available in either its standard configuration or with the Executive Package, which adds heating and ventilation, a massage feature, and upgraded head restraints that look more like luxury pillows than safety equipment. A six-seat cabin configuration replaces the second-row split-folding bench with folding captain’s chairs.

With the rearmost bench up, the GLS offers 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space. Dropping the third row increases that volume to 42.7 cubic feet. With both rear benches folded, it expands to a mammoth 84.7 cubic feet.

Technology

As one might expect, the 2026 GLS is a technological smorgasbord. From advanced powertrain technology in the AMG® model to the nice-to-have comfort features found even on the 2026 GLS 450, there’s gadgetry to be found everywhere. The 12.3-inch cluster and infotainment screens combine to create a seamless glass face across much of the dashboard. The central infotainment screen and the rest of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system can be controlled by touch, the console interface, wheel touch controls, or voice commands, and can be upgraded with augmented reality components.

Among the standard tech inclusions are integrated navigation, wireless Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® support, built-in online audio streaming with Dolby Atmos®, wireless device charging with NFC pairing, and a biometric fingerprint scanner.

If that’s not enough for you, there are plenty more gadgets in the SUV’s long list of optional extras. Soft-close doors, five-zone automatic climate control, an upgraded 3D surround-sound system, and an interior acoustic comfort package can be added a la carte, and features such as heated armrests, an air purification system, and a head-up display are available in various packages.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Mercedes-Benz prioritizes passenger safety, and the flagship 2026 GLS is a key beneficiary. Between its standard active and passive safety features, it boasts one of the most advanced tech suites in the company’s entire lineup. In addition to the massive list of standard safety equipment below, the GLS can also be optioned with Trailer Stability Assist, Trailer Maneuvering Assist, a dashcam, second-row side-impact airbags, and Magic Vision Control®.

Standard safety features include:

• Car-to-X Communication
• Active Brake Assist
• Mercedes-Benz Emergency Call service
• ATTENTION ASSIST®
• Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC®
• Active Steering Assist
• Evasive Steering Assist
• LED Daytime Running Lamps and taillamps
• LED Intelligent Light System
• Adaptive Highbeam Assist
• Crosswind Assist
• Active Blind Spot Assist
• Active Lane Keeping Assist
• Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function
• Active Emergency Stop Assist
• Active Speed Limit Assist
• Exit Warning Assist
• Active Lane Change Assist
• Traffic Sign Assist
• Active Stop-and-Go Assist
• Parktronic with Active Parking Assist
• Surround View System
• PRESAFE®
• PRESAFE® Plus
• PRESAFE® Sound
• Seat belt technology
• 7 airbags
• Adaptive braking technology
• Antilock Braking System (ABS)
• Brake Assist (BAS®)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP®)
• High-strength unibody
• Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• SmartKey with Keyless-Start
• Anti-theft alarm system with remote panic feature
• Guard 360° security system
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Rear-window wiper with auto-on in Reverse
• Auto-dimming rearview and driver-side mirrors