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2024 Mercedes GLS
Overall, I really enjoyed driving the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class this week. It’s super comfortable, feels really high-end, and the second row setup is honestly one of the best parts for families.
- Three-across friendly second row: it’s wide enough to actually make multiple car seat combinations work, including two forward-facing seats plus an infant seat without feeling crammed
- Strong LATCH setup in second row: lower anchors on both outboard seats and top tether anchors across the entire bench, which makes installs way more flexible
- Full LATCH in the third row: two seats back there and each one has its own set of lower anchors and top tether anchors, which is a huge win for flexibility
- Bench seat even in a high trim: I love that you can still get a bench instead of captain’s chairs, especially at this price point, because it makes three-across possible
- Convertible + infant seat friendly: I was able to fit a Nuna Pipa with other seats, which isn’t always easy since it’s not the slimmest infant seat
- Ventilation for every seat: tons of vents in the second row including ceiling and B-pillar vents, which makes a big difference for kids in car seats
The Exterior
Big, premium presence without going full-size
The exterior of the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class feels really upscale and really big in person. It has that strong luxury presence, but it’s not quite Escalade or Navigator level. It sits in that in-between space where it’s noticeably larger than something like a BMW X7, but still a little easier to manage than a true full-size SUV.
Front end makes a statement
The front end is really the standout here. That oversized Mercedes emblem with the chrome detailing is super eye-catching and gives it a very elevated, high-end look. Paired with a color like this deep navy and all the chrome accents, it just feels expensive in a way that’s very on-brand for Mercedes.
Side profile feels elevated
From the side, you can really see the size and stance of the car. The 22-inch wheels make a big difference here. They give it a more polished, upgraded look, and overall it has that tall, substantial SUV feel that a lot of families like.
Simple, clean back end
The back is a little more simple, but still really clean. It has a flat rear design with chrome accents and updated LED taillights, so it looks modern without being overdone.
Power matches the look
This one is the GLS 580, so you’re getting the larger V8 engine. It’s not something you see, but you definitely feel it when you drive. It gives the car a lot more power and makes it feel strong and capable, not just luxurious.
Engine options that give you flexibility
One thing I do like about the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is that you have real engine choices depending on what you want out of it. You can go with the GLS 450, which has a turbo inline-6 with about 375 horsepower, or step up to the GLS 580 like this one, which has a V8 with over 500 horsepower and a lot more torque.
If you’re just using this as a family SUV, the 450 is honestly plenty. But if you want that extra power or you’re spending this kind of money and want it to feel like it, the 580 definitely delivers a much stronger driving experience.
Overall, it looks very put-together and very premium, but just know that size and presence don’t necessarily translate to a huge increase in usable family space compared to others in this category.
First Row
The first row of the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class definitely feels luxurious. You’re getting all the bells and whistles you’d expect at this price point, and overall it’s a really comfortable place to be, but there are a few things I would change.
Tech-forward but a little busy
You’ve got a fully digital dash, a huge central screen, and all the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration you’d expect. It all works well, but there’s just a lot going on. Between the touchscreen and the trackpad, it feels a little overcomplicated when I’d rather just use the screen and have more functional space.
Seats are a highlight
The seats are really where this car shines up front. Heated, ventilated, and massaging seats come standard on this trim, and the massage feature is actually really good. The “hot stone” setting turns on heat while it massages, and it honestly feels amazing, especially on longer drives.
Storage and layout could be better
This is probably my biggest frustration in the first row. The cupholders are placed in a way that makes it hard to access the climate controls, which just doesn’t feel well thought out. The wireless charger and USB-C ports are also tucked back a bit, and overall I’d prefer more usable storage instead of the trackpad setup.
Ventilation is excellent
One thing I do love is the airflow up front. You’ve got multiple vents across the dash, and it does a really good job keeping both driver and passenger comfortable, which matters more than you think, especially with kids in the car.
Overall, it’s a very comfortable and high-end first row with great seats and strong t
Second Row
Second row is the highlight for families
The second row in the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is honestly one of the best parts of this car. It’s spacious, really comfortable, and the car seat setup is done very well.
Three-across actually works
This is a wide bench, and I was able to make multiple car seat combinations work without it feeling cramped. I had two forward-facing seats plus an infant seat, and it still fit, which isn’t always the case, especially with a bulkier infant seat like the Nuna Pipa.
Strong LATCH and tether setup
You’ve got lower anchors on both outboard seats and top tether anchors across the entire second row. That’s exactly what you want to see because it gives you a lot more flexibility depending on your setup.
Comfort and space are solid
There’s great knee room, headroom, and even shoulder room, so you don’t feel cramped sitting next to car seats. The seats themselves are comfortable with nice bolstering, and overall it feels like a place adults can actually sit comfortably too.
Ventilation is a huge win
This might be one of the best ventilated second rows I’ve seen. You’ve got ceiling vents, B-pillar vents, and vents behind the center console, so kids in car seats are getting airflow from everywhere, which makes a big difference.
Nice features, but a couple misses
You do get heated and ventilated seats back here on this trim, plus power seat controls, which is impressive. But there are no sunshades, which feels like a miss at this price point. And the center console sticks out pretty far, which isn’t ideal with kids kicking the back of it.
Third row access is there, but slow
There is a power slide/tilt feature to access the third row, which technically works, but it’s pretty slow. I’d still take it over nothing, but I’d prefer a quicker manual option.
Third Row
Third row is usable, but not a standout
The third row in the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has some nice features, but overall it’s not where this car shines for everyday family use.
- Two-seat setup works in its favor: I like that there are only two seats back here instead of three, so each spot is actually usable and more comfortable
- Full LATCH coverage: both seats have their own set of lower anchors and top tether anchors, which is a big win for flexibility with car seats
You do get solid amenities back here, which helps.
- Good features for kids: ceiling vents, cupholders, and charging make it feel complete and functional
Where it falls short is the space.
- Tight legroom: even though this is a larger SUV, it feels cramped back here, especially compared to something like a Lexus TX
- Better for occasional use: even with the second row moved forward, it’s not a space I’d want to use daily for adults or even older kids
Overall, it works when you need it and has the right setup, but the second row is really the highlight for families.
Trunk
Trunk space is solid, but smaller than competitors
The trunk in the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class works well for everyday family use, but when you look at the numbers, it’s not leading the category.
You’re getting about 17.4 cubic feet behind the third row, which is enough for a stroller and a few bags, but it’s noticeably less than a lot of other midsize SUVs. For example, something like a Traverse, Acadia, or Enclave is closer to 22–23 cubic feet, and even a Lexus TX is around 18.6 cubic feet, so you do feel that difference if you’re loading up for a trip.
In real life, that means it’s totally fine for daily use like groceries, sports gear, or a single stroller, but the floor is a little raised and the space is a bit shallow. You may need to be more intentional with how you pack, especially if you’re trying to fit bulkier items.
The functionality does help. You’ve got underfloor storage for smaller items, and the third row folds flat easily to open up a lot more space when you need it.
Overall, it’s a practical trunk, but for the price and size of the vehicle, it doesn’t quite match the cargo space you’ll find in some other family-focused SUVs in this class.
Safety
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class comes with a strong set of safety features that are helpful, especially in a vehicle this size.
- 360-degree camera system: gives you a full view around the car for parking and tight spaces
- Blind Spot Assist: helps with lane changes and adds extra awareness on the highway
- Adaptive High Beam Assist: automatically adjusts headlights for better visibility at night
- “Transparent hood” view: uses cameras to show what’s directly under the front of the car
- Available Driver Assistance Package: adds more advanced driver support features if you want them
Car seat setup is a big win in this car
This is one of those cars where the car seat setup actually stands out. I was able to make a lot of different configurations work, which is not always the case in this category.
- Three-across friendly bench: it’s wide enough to fit multiple combinations, including two forward-facing seats plus an infant seat without feeling cramped
- Lower anchors where you want them: you’ve got LATCH on both outboard seats in the second row, which makes installs straightforward
- Top tether anchors across the second row: all three seats have tether anchors, which gives you a lot more flexibility depending on your setup
What really impressed me is how many combinations I could actually get to work in real life.
- Convertible + infant seat friendly: I was able to fit two forward-facing seats and a Nuna Pipa, which isn’t always easy since it’s not the slimmest infant seat
- Booster-friendly spacing: I could also make a booster work in the mix, which tells me the width and layout are doing their job
And then in the third row, you still have options.
- Full LATCH in the third row: both seats have their own lower anchors and top tether anchors, which is a big win for flexibility
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