When the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS debuted, enthusiasm in our Slack channel was flatter than a popped soufflé. Oh great, another giant luxury SUV with a grille that some realtor will eventually peel Jason’s Changli off of like a Looney Tunes joke. However, to brand the GLS as a chariot of ne’er-do-wells is a bit shortsighted. The updated Mercedes-Benz GLS is worth giving at least half a shit about because it attempts to address a long-standing issue while still remaining the sensible choice in a very un-sensible segment.
Looking around at the landscape of full-size luxury SUVs that can tow decent weight, it’s hard to find a Goldilocks zone. The new Cadillac Escalade is brilliant but cartoonishly enormous, with a forward blind spot that can completely obscure an MGB. The Lincoln Navigator would be the best full-size SUV in the world if the calendar read 2017, the BMW X7 has been facelifted from controversial to extremely ugly, the new Range Rover is absurdly expensive in V8 trim, and the new Lexus LX has the space efficiency of a fourth-gen Camaro. If you want a big new luxury SUV to tow with but have some semblance of taste, there isn’t much on the market aside from the GLS. However, the Mercedes-Benz GLS comes with its own baggage.
Back in the 2000s, Mercedes-Benz SUVs used a jumbled mix of names: G-Class, GL, ML, and GLK. That all changed when the naming convention was standardized for everything but the big dog G-Class. From 2016 onward, most Mercedes SUVs used the GL prefix, followed by the equivalent car class, and then some numbers. The GLK 350 became the GLC 300 because it was the crossover equivalent of a C-Class. The ML 550 became the GLE 550 because it was the SUV equivalent of an E-Class. Oh, and of course the GL 550 became the GLS 550 because Mercedes thought it was the SUV equivalent of an S-Class. There’s just one problem with that last one – it wasn’t.
To be fair, it wasn’t a problem at first. The 2017 GLS was a facelifted GL and there was no expectation for Mercedes to massively change a model mid-cycle. However, the third-generation GLS had a high bar to reach, and it decided to turn it into a limbo contest. The current GLS is built in the same factory on the same platform using the same dashboard, the same front seats, and the same powertrain as its smaller GLE sibling. If you never sit in the back, you won’t be able to tell a difference in terms of how premium it feels, which is disappointing considering how the S-Class has been a luxury benchmark for decades. It’s a shame because the current GLS is otherwise a perfectly good luxury SUV. The longer wheelbase helps mitigate the GLE’s jitteriness over bumps, the interior looks more interesting than what you get in a BMW X7, and the engine range is excellent. It just needs to be a bit more special to live up to the S in its name.
Thankfully, Mercedes-Benz seems to be turning the corner. Let’s start with looks. The updated GLS is a whole lot more imposing, with a four-horizontal-bar grille reminiscent of the first-generation GL Grand Edition. Not only is it as imposing as a cliff face, it helps distinguish the GLS from its smaller GLE sibling.
While the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS doesn’t get a whole new dashboard, it gets some revised MBUX infotainment skins and bunch of upcontenting. Standard is a new high-gloss wood, while the big Merc SUV gets two new upholstery choices – a new beige and a new brown. In addition, the lovely flowing lines metal-inlaid wood from the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 gets downloaded to the standard models, as does a satin metal finish to the interior air vents. That doesn’t sound like much, but that’s just the stuff you get on the base model.
Step up to the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 and you get loads more standard equipment. The formerly-optional panoramic sunroof, wireless smartphone integration, Burmester sound system, adjustable valved exhaust, 360-degree camera system, heated and cooled cup holders, and blind-spot monitoring system are now standard, which makes you wonder why on earth most of those things weren’t standard before.
As expected, the Mercedes-Maybach steps it game up considerably given that some of its special trim bits can now be had on a GLS 450. For the sake of flexing, this big boy gets delectably tasteless monogrammed bumper inserts, along with what Mercedes calls “an animated projection of the Mercedes-Maybach pattern” in the ambient lighting. AliExpress vendors, eat your hearts out. However, the updated upholstery is excellent as it finally features quilting like you’d find on a Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, offering a sense of unity across Mercedes-Maybach models.
The updated Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class seems to be taking steps in the right direction. With a distinctive facelift, added standard content, and more upmarket interior appointments, it’s slowly becoming the S-Class of SUVs that it always should’ve been. A promising destination, but now I want to talk about where the GLS came from. That’s right, it’s time for us to reconsider the original GL.
If you thought the BMW X7 was derided when it came out, you should’ve seen what people thought of the original GL. When it came out, it was considered massive, ostentatious, and just flat-out ridiculous. Now it’s the same size as a Mazda CX-90. Funny how context changes with time. Like any aged luxury car, the GL has a few problems to avoid. Models from 2007 are dicey due to early issues with the M273 V8 engine, and the V6 diesel is best fired into a volcano. Seriously, do not buy a diesel GL. However, once you steer clear of those red flags, you get one of the best reasonably-priced tow rigs on the market today. Let me explain.
In the topsy-turvy used car market of 2023, well-equipped 13-year-old Chevrolet Tahoes are worth stupid money. I’m talking five figures for SUVs with fragile interiors, high mileage, and a reputation for chewing their own valvetrains to bits. However, you can pick up a Mercedes-Benz GL with similar mileage for a lot less money, and less mileage for similar money, mostly because of the “German cars scary” trope. It sounds like a bundle of problems waiting to happen but what you actually get is an astonishingly comfortable three-row SUV with a reliable V8 and a rated towing capacity of 7,500 pounds. Sounds brilliant, right?
Not only does the air suspension do a great job of leveling loads, it also means that the GL wafts down the highway in absolute serenity while the seven-speed automatic gearbox deftly shuffles gears. Ride quality is an order of magnitude better than you’d get in an Escalade, and the bags themselves aren’t horrible to replace. No matter which V8 you choose, expect a zero-to-60 time under seven seconds and fuel economy that matches what you’d get from a full-size American SUV.
As this is a Mercedes, expect a large quantity of toys for your enjoyment. I’m talking about features like a Harman/Kardon sound system, a heated windshield washer system, xenon headlamps, a heated steering wheel, pop-out vent windows for the third row, ultrasonic parking sensors, and an available backup camera. Stuff that really makes a quality-of-life impact. Although the first-generation GL wasn’t borne from Mercedes’ best era, cabin plastics feel that cut above more mainstream competition, with plenty of tightly-textured hardwearing vinyl on the center console and door cards. Fair warning to those in hot climates, certain plastics like the bezel around the light switch can get sticky over time, but the shedding soft-touch finish is easy to remove.
Downsides? Well, premium gasoline isn’t cheap, parts are generally more expensive than for a full-size American SUV, and Japanese full-size SUVs don’t nickel-and-dime like American and European ones, but that’s about it. Stay away from first-year models and the diesel, and you’ll have an incredibly comfortable tow rig that feels like the Ritz-Carlton next to the austere plastics of American full-sizers. While the new Mercedes-Benz GLS is on the right path, the original GL has a new life entirely. One that caters to car-hauling enthusiasts bored by Tahoes and Expeditions and seeking alternative tow rigs.
(Photo credits: Mercedes-Benz)
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Clicked on the link scrolled to comments just to say your boss is right I dont care. But kudos for doubling down and making it really really really really really long too.
Meh, all the gatekeeper’s insisting that they don’t care (you know you do, deep down in your oil-stained guts 🙂 ). I care. I wanna know which is the best car for my Uber to the airport! In the same way, I wanna see pics of campers I’ll never set foot in, or motorcycles I’ll never ride.
Lighten up, fellow readers! Next thing you know people are gonna start ganging up on Ol’ Musky for commenter moral clout…
Technically I don’t care about half the articles on this site. I have zero interest in RV’s or weird taillights, for example. But I read most of the stuff here anyway, and usually I learn something that I wouldn’t have if I only stuck to jeeps, wrenching, and exotic sports cars. I truly don’t care about the new GLS, but I read this, immediately developed a severe opinion about that blank square in the middle of the Maybach’s grille, and now I’m tempted to browse for used GL’s near me instead of getting back to work. I’m entertained, job done. I wouldn’t use that hook again, though.
I agree, i dont care about many but i read the ones and enjoy that are written intelligently with humor and smart opinions
Yeah, I think that hook set everyone up to release MAXIMUM HATERADE regardless of the post content, haha.
I read it, don’t want one, no interest. Looks wise gimme the base unit. If I needed to haul a trailer and a bunch of people, I’d get something domestic, it will work out cheaper.
Well, some of us *do* care. I’ve had a 2023 GLS580 on order for a while with no movement, so I am wondering if it will get pushed to 2024.
If you live in the US, I find that interesting because the GLE and GLS are both made here in Vance, AL. When did you order?
Nice save at the end by switching to how the original GL is now a great choice for a cheap but comfy tow rig. You know your readers well. As for the GLS, I personally appreciate the heads up on what the massive grill that may be the last thing I will ever see looks like.
I like to imagine David standing behind him at his laptop with a knife pressed to his back growling “great, now right about the cheap shit”
They’re right, I don’t.
Indeed, they are right, but I did scroll through the whole article without reading it and make a comment, so perhaps your on to something, but please don’t make a habit of it.
What’s upcontent?
Probably related to malcontent.
Not much, what’s up with you?
They’re right: We don’t.
Correct. An article on that high speed cat being towed behind it would be cool tho!
We had a GL as a rental for a week once. It might have been a 2015?. Through some glitch in the matrix, it was less than half the cost of renting a minivan at PHX. Not a bad truck, even in relatively low-spec rental trim. Definitely didn’t seem to be in “S-class” territory, luxury-wise, but it was nice and had a ton of space even with the 3rd row up. I can see the appeal.
I had a similar experience with one around 2014. Just a lumbering hulk with some leather. It was not the ideal vehicle for the Pacific Coast Highway…
Thomas, you’re dangerous. I’m starting to believe that old German cars are actually a good purchase
yes
YES
{ maniacal laughter }
TBH, between wrenching on my parsh and wrenching on the Mitsu, gimme the parsh any day. Parts aren’t THAT expensive in comparison, enthusiast models like the 944 have a ton of how-tos and support, and I’m convinced most of the “parsh tax” is labor rates. (Fortunately, my rates on my own stuff are “maybe a beer or two, as a treat.”)
Regardless of brand, I like to try to learn what are the cars that the designers & engineers actually seemed to give a shit about creating & therefore are outstanding compared to their competiton (assuming anyone even tried to compete). The 944 (& if you can find one for a decent price the 968), are two good examples, in the 944 & 968 case zee Germans were of course wanting to leave their engine over ass 911 legacy in the past.
The Buick Roadmaster, especially the wagon version with the LS V8, which despite its boating appearance, is perhaps surprisingly another good example & is said to be able to deliver nearly 30 mpg highway + it is rated to tow over 5k lbs, all while hauling all your crap + 4-5 other people and all their crap in floating, a/c comfort.
There is no excuse for the front sensor pad on the Maybach to be integrated worse than one on a Nissan Rogue
That’s gotta be one of the worst of any car for sale right now! It’s what Genesis did – slap it right in the middle of the grille, but they forgot to print on some pinstripes to kind of hide it
Mercedes Mehbach.
I think a central goal of The Autopian is to generate interest in things I might not otherwise notice. Do I really care the GLS itself? Not really, but the article was well-written and I learned something today about Mercedes SUVs. I am interested because Thomas is interested in sharing something that he cared about.
hear, hear
As a former ML owner, who did all of the wrenching on it, you could not pay me to buy another Merc SUV. And yes, I own a Sprinter van, which (knock wood) continues to be approximately 1,000% more reliable than our cursed ML. I don’t think I bought a bad ML either because the ML forum denizens had the same issues.
If I needed a body-on-frame SUV as a hauler I’d buy a Tahoe or Expedition.
I agree with your bosses, but I read the article anyway.
Yeah I’ve known some Mercedes SUV owners, one didn’t even make it a year with a ML350 before running away from it.
I do find the GLB35 to be an interesting package, but that “quality” lurks in my brain. I’m disappointed the E450 Wagon was “Outback-ized”, and then the only other Mercs I like are AMG models I can’t afford in this lifetime, so I guess I’ll just pass on a Mercedes.
They are correct, I don’t care. You got me to click just so I could tell you that. If I never see another SUV CUV or Crossover article here, it would be just fine by me.
I read through the post out of loyalty/respect, but I really would have preferred to read about obscure taillights.
I, too would click on a taillights article first, but gearheads cover a very broad spectrum. I enjoy the fact that there are people here who race classics costing more than any house I’ll ever buy. (Remember: someone has to buy new the vehicles we pick up 15 years later for 1/20th msrp!). Hell, someone with one on order has already chimed in. Should we exclude them? HELL no!
ok, but, exactly why is the diesel so bad? -asking for a friend who enjoys schadenfreude
Ooooo, trying to drum up comments by bashing the OM642. I mean, you aren’t wrong, but, it is a pretty wonderful engine when it’s working, and basically the perfect match for an MB SUV. If it weren’t for that pesky oil cooler o-ring. And the camshafts. And the DPF. And – oh, you get the idea. Amazing that one of the worst MB engines of the past 30 years is a commercial-grade diesel.
I have no care for large, expensive SUVs. But if the road is going to be loaded with them, I want to see these over the various nonsense BMW has been assaulting my eyes with of late.
As for the content, I will take all of the car content. Maybe there is something wrong with me, but I will gladly absorb all the info about cars I will never own nor am likely to ever even sit inside. Throw on a dollop of model history of the GL, and dare say, I was entertained.
Gerard: I don’t care.
I also want to say that big black square in the center of the Maybach grill is a travesty. I assume it’s there for the radar, but it’s a major design fail. It’s terrible on lower end cars, but I would expect better execution from Maybach.
Keep this kind of article coming!
I will say your list of potential fullsizers excluded the Grand Wagoneer, but the Escalade, or more likely the Yukon Denali, would remain my pick of the class for as long as the 6.2L is offered.
The Denali’s my pick of the class too. Ride quality with the air + MRC combo is incredible and the interior’s a huge step up from a standard Yukon.
Okay, you were right at first, but then I did start to care. WTF? Now I feel like I have to start shopping for a ten year old GL. Thanks a lot Thomas. 😀
friends had a ML and absolutely hated it, vilely unreliable. By the end the heater was controlled with a piece of coathanger wire.
So I’d written off all Mercedes SUVs (stupid useless vehicles), interesting to know the older GL is something like reliable. I have an occasional lust for a stupid Mercedes, manfully suppressed. But I did go and check Craigslist to see what GLs are around.. ha.
Your bosses were right: I don’t care. I still read the article because I like your stuff. Keep on keepin’ on.
Wow, the base model actually has a happy looking face and doesn’t look like the rest of the new MB lineup of Marvin The Paranoid Android design. I say, good job, Mercedes!