​​Car and Driver Reviews the 2026 GLS 450​

The three-row SUV is the first choice for a family with older kids. With plenty of space for six, such vehicles can accommodate a large family or a smaller one that likes to bring friends or extended family members along for the ride. When you combine that vehicle genre with all the luxury and engineering of a Mercedes-Benz, you get the GLS 450. Car and Driver tested the 2026 family hauler, and Mercedes-Benz of Plano tells you what they found. 

As the largest Mercedes-Benz crossover, the GLS 450 does a marvelous job of going about its business splendidly without calling attention to itself. This was evidenced by Car and Driver Editor Dan Edmunds, who had never noticed the numerous GLS models he spotted in some of California’s tonier areas of Orange County until he was driving one himself. All the design elements are present: the large grille, rounded edges, and sophisticated LED lighting. However, the practical shape adds a stealthy element that is unusual for a vehicle approaching six figures. That appears to be just how its owners like it, who simply wish for a well-engineered, luxurious ride for their family. 

Powering the GLS 450 is a turbocharged and intercooled 3.0-liter inline-6 with an aluminum block and direct fuel injection. That powertrain description remained the same when Car and Driver tested the models in 2020. However, since then, the power has increased from 362 to 374 horsepower, while the torque remains steady at 369 lb-ft at 1,800 rpm. The acceleration times reflect these updates, with a 0-60 mph improvement from 5.5 to 5.4 seconds, and the quarter mile completed in 13.9 seconds at 100 mph, instead of 14.1 seconds.  

The most significant improvements are in passing times, where torque is less critical. Accelerating from 30 to 50 mph drops from 3.4 to 3.0 seconds, and 50-70 mph takes 4.0 seconds instead of 4.5. These upgrades are likely to be appreciated by GLS drivers. Few may drag race their luxury family haulers, but quick passing is probably a feature they will value often. 

Edmunds notes that the drive modes really make a difference. The default Comfort mode lives up to its name but causes a bit more body movement than appreciated by a seasoned automotive tester, who preferred Sport mode. 

Inside, the GLS offers the luxury, sophistication, and usability one expects from a Mercedes-Benz. The digital driver display smoothly transitions into the large center touchscreen, with nothing suddenly popping up from the dashboard. Below, four climate vents are complemented by a full set of physical climate controls, including rollers for temperature adjustments, all with the dampened yet precise feel that Mercedes-Benz does so well. Dual spokes on each side of the steering wheel provide plenty of convenient, uncluttered controls within easy reach of the driver’s thumbs. The navigation map can be positioned in the driver’s display, with all key information moved to the perimeter.  

Legroom is naturally ample for front occupants, even more generous for second-row passengers, and at 34.6 inches, quite comfortable for all but professional basketball centers in the third row. With all seats up, the car offers 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space. However, having the third seat lowered is likely the default setup, which increases the space to 42.7 cubic feet. Leave the kids at home to lower the second-row captain’s chairs, and you’ll have a cavernous 84.7 cubic feet. If you need to take more along, the GLS 450 can tow up to 7,700 pounds.  

A Mercedes-Benz will always carry a premium price, but for its largest crossover, having all the Mercedes-Benz features one expects, it stays in the five-figure range. Of course, if you want more, you can easily surpass the $100K mark with the 510-hp twin-turbo V8, AMG®, and even Maybach versions. You can test them all at Mercedes-Benz of Plano. With one of the biggest Mercedes-Benz inventories in the country, you’ll likely find the GLS model that best fits your family.