2019 Mercedes GLS: Luxury SUV Excellence Analyzed

The third-generation Mercedes-Benz GLS represents a significant step forward in the luxury SUV market, presenting a formidable competitor to established players like the Range Rover and BMW X7. Launched in late 2019, this enormous vehicle combines spatial generosity with refined engineering, establishing itself as a serious contender for families seeking premium seven-seat accommodations. The GLS chassis has grown substantially, with an extended wheelbase that translates directly into enhanced interior dimensions and passenger comfort.

Understanding the GLS Position in Mercedes’ SUV Portfolio

While Mercedes-Benz has garnered considerable attention with its GLE, GLC, and G-Class sport utility vehicles, the GLS occupies a distinct and important niche within the manufacturer’s lineup. The GLS distinguishes itself by prioritizing passenger accommodation above all else, capable of seating up to seven adults in consecutive rows with genuine comfort levels. This positioning marks a departure from the brand’s other SUV offerings, which emphasize different attributes such as performance versatility or heritage appeal.

The vehicle’s scale becomes immediately apparent when examining specifications. The new generation GLS surpasses both the Range Rover and BMW X7 in overall proportions, featuring a wheelbase stretched 60mm beyond the previous iteration. This additional length directly translates into augmented legroom throughout the cabin, particularly beneficial for passengers relegated to the rearmost seating row.

Interior Space and Practical Cargo Solutions

The cabin architecture of the 2019 GLS reflects a thoughtful approach to maximizing usable space. With three distinct seating rows accommodating seven occupants, the interior dimensions prove particularly impressive for families requiring genuine three-row functionality. The boot capacity measures 470 litres with all rear seats upright and deployed. However, the true versatility emerges when the rearmost seating surfaces are folded electrically—a process that unfolds a vast 2,400-litre loading capacity.

This configurability ensures the GLS adapts to various lifestyle requirements. Owners can prioritize passenger comfort during family outings, then reconfigure the interior for cargo-intensive tasks such as home improvement projects or extended vacations. The power-folding capability eliminates manual labor, befitting the vehicle’s luxury positioning. Some configurations permit operators to fold second-row seating for enhanced third-row accessibility, further enhancing the practical appeal to families with differing age groups.

Technology Integration and Infotainment Presentation

The 2019 GLS incorporates dual 12.3-inch display screens that command the dashboard with impressive visual presence. These bright, beautiful screens project information with clarity and brightness befitting a vehicle at this price point. The underlying MBUX software, however, presents a nuanced proposition—while technologically sophisticated, the interface occasionally demonstrates unintuitive navigation patterns that require acclimatization.

The head-up display proves particularly effective in this vehicle, projecting critical driving information onto the windscreen with notable size and legibility. This functionality reduces driver distraction during demanding driving conditions or unfamiliar routes. The infotainment infrastructure, taken as a complete system, surpasses what contemporary Range Rover offerings provide, though it remains subordinate to BMW’s acclaimed iDrive system in terms of overall user intuitiveness.

Additional technology features elevate the premium experience. Rear-seat entertainment screens measuring 11.6 inches provide occupants in the second and third rows with independent multimedia capabilities. Premium audio systems, connectivity options, and climate zone controls distributed throughout the cabin reinforce the vehicle’s luxury credentials.

Powertrain Performance and Engine Characteristics

At launch in the British market, Mercedes offered exclusively a 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine, specifically the 400d variant. This powerplant generates 700 newton-meters of torque—a figure that proves instrumental in motivating the vehicle’s considerable mass. Despite the GLS’s substantial weight, acceleration characteristics remain adequate for everyday driving scenarios, with sufficient reserve for purposeful progress on motorways.

The engine exhibits characteristics befitting Mercedes’ engineering pedigree: silky smooth operation, serene demeanor, and responsive throttle behavior. The accompanying nine-speed transmission demonstrates exceptional refinement, functioning with minimal perceivable shifts and selecting appropriate ratios with remarkable consistency. Unlike certain competing nine-speed units from other manufacturers, this transmission avoids the common pitfall of selecting incorrect gears, instead maintaining transparency in its operation.

In North American markets, Mercedes offered variant powerplants including the 3.0-litre turbocharged gasoline engine in the GLS 450, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This engine similarly collaborated effectively with its transmission, proving sufficient for the vast majority of purchaser requirements. For enthusiasts prioritizing extreme performance, Mercedes positioned the AMG GLS 63 variant with a 577-horsepower turbocharged V8 engine, delivering 561 pound-feet of torque alongside exclusive performance-oriented modifications.

Suspension Dynamics and Ride Characteristics

The 2019 GLS incorporates an electronically managed air suspension system as standard equipment, representing a cornerstone technology for ride quality management. This adaptive E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL system permits the vehicle to intelligently respond to varying road surface conditions, adjusting damping characteristics across a broad spectrum of scenarios. The suspension demonstrates particular effectiveness in delivering the cushioned, refined ride expected from a luxury cruiser of this caliber.

In the default Comfort setting, the suspension absorbs undulations and minor imperfections with admirable suppression, causing bumps and surface irregularities to effectively dissolve beneath the vehicle. This plush characteristic marks a quintessential Mercedes luxury experience. However, the implementation on British roads presents certain complications. The vehicle’s substantial mass—approximately 2,490 kilograms—interacts unpredictably with deteriorated road surfaces featuring pronounced pockmarks and raised asphalt sections. Rather than isolating occupants from these defects, the air suspension occasionally permits perceptible movement and jiggles that somewhat diminish the otherwise refined experience.

The supplementary Sport suspension mode offers an alternative for drivers encountering these conditions. By firming the suspension settings, body roll decreases, and the vehicle’s massive frame maintains a more composed stance through corners and irregular surfaces. This mode sacrifices some of the default comfort characteristics but enhances overall vehicle control and stability on challenging road sections.

Handling Characteristics and Driving Dynamics

Despite its commanding size and weight, the 2019 GLS surprises occupants with unexpected agility during routine driving scenarios. The vehicle demonstrates a particular skill in urban environments, where its proportions might suggest cumbersome maneuverability. Parking and navigating congested areas prove considerably less burdensome than the external dimensions would suggest. This responsive character emerges from effective suspension tuning and responsive steering inputs that communicate road feedback to the driver.

The GLS does not position itself as a vehicle for aggressive cornering or extreme driving dynamics. Drivers who push the vehicle toward its dynamic limits will notice pronounced body roll—an entirely predictable characteristic for a large, tall-stance SUV prioritizing comfort and accommodation over performance orientation. For everyday driving patterns and the leisurely pace associated with luxury cruising, the handling proves entirely competent. The vehicle delivers the composed, graceful demeanor expected from Mercedes’ premium positioning.

Feature Availability and Trim Level Offerings

For 2019, Mercedes introduced the Grand Edition package, adding meaningful enhancements to both base and higher-specification models. This limited-production variant incorporates ambient lighting strategies, a leather-appointed dashboard, special wood trim treatments, and premium upholstery options featuring porcelain and espresso-brown leather with decorative stitching. The exterior receives distinctive badging alongside adaptive LED headlights technology.

Standard features across the range include simulated leather upholstery, heated front seating surfaces, power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory programming, power-adjustable steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone climate control, seven-inch central display, Bluetooth connectivity, 115-volt household outlet provision, and a sound system incorporating dual USB ports. The AMG GLS 63 variant adds substantially to this equipment roster, incorporating exclusive 21-inch wheels, sport-tuned suspension architecture, upgraded braking systems, adaptive stabilizer bar technology, AMG styling elements throughout the interior and exterior, enhanced front seat bolstering, upgraded leather treatments, and a flat-bottom sport steering wheel.

Ownership Considerations and Practical Aspects

The 2019 GLS commands premium pricing reflective of its positioning and feature content. Starting at approximately $70,150 before destination charges, the vehicle targets affluent purchasers prioritizing luxury, space, and brand prestige. Monthly operating costs average $328, representing a mid-range figure for vehicles in this class. Fuel economy figures of 18 miles per gallon combined reflect the inevitable compromises inherent in propelling a vehicle of this size and weight.

Ownership reveals certain complexities that prospective buyers should understand. The air suspension system, while delivering exceptional ride quality, occasionally requires expensive maintenance and repairs as vehicles age. Several owners have reported costly repair bills associated with suspension component failures, representing a consideration for long-term ownership planning. Additionally, the infotainment system, while competent, occasionally draws criticism for lacking intuitive interfaces that competitors offer.

Comparative Market Position

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS enters a competitive segment dominated by established competitors. The vehicle does not enjoy a decisive edge over the Range Rover or BMW X7 that would position it as the unambiguous category choice. Instead, the GLS carves out its niche through specific attributes: exceptional interior space, refined ride quality, and the prestigious Mercedes-Benz brand association. Luxury seekers preferring traditional SUV styling and rugged heritage may gravitate toward Range Rover. Those prioritizing cutting-edge technology interfaces might select the BMW X7 for its superior iDrive system.

The GLS excels specifically for purchasers valuing maximum interior accommodation alongside luxury refinement. Its seven-seat configuration with genuinely comfortable third-row seating distinguishes it in a market where many competitors struggle with practical rear-row usability. The extended wheelbase translates directly into spacious rear legroom that accommodates adult passengers for extended journeys. This specific differentiation proves compelling for family-oriented luxury purchasers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Long-Distance Capability and Comfort Assessment

The 2019 GLS establishes genuine credentials as a long-distance touring vehicle. The luxurious interior, combined with the air suspension’s comfort characteristics, creates an environment where occupants settle comfortably for extended highway journeys. The quiet cabin, resulting from effective sound insulation and suspension isolation, minimizes fatigue during protracted driving periods. Climate control zones permit individual temperature preferences throughout the cabin, while advanced cruise control systems (including adaptive variants on some models) reduce driver fatigue during monotonous highway stretches.

The massive dimensions paradoxically work in favor during relaxing cruises, providing expansive interior proportions that create a sense of spaciousness rather than confinement. The commanding driving position offers superior sightlines over surrounding traffic, while the responsive steering inputs generate confidence when navigating unfamiliar routes. For purchasers prioritizing relaxed, composed touring capability over sporting dynamics, the GLS delivers compelling credentials.

Final Assessment and Target Audience

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS represents a carefully calculated offering targeting affluent families prioritizing space, refinement, and luxury brand prestige. The vehicle excels specifically for purchasers requiring genuine three-row seating with comfortable rear-row accommodation, strong powertrain performance, and the prestige associated with Mercedes-Benz ownership. The GLS does not establish itself as the definitive choice across all luxury SUV applications—competitors offer advantages in specific categories such as infotainment sophistication or stylistic heritage. However, for the particular requirements of space-focused luxury seekers, the third-generation GLS delivers compelling value and satisfying ownership characteristics.