2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 Review – The S-Class of SUVs, Fine-Tuned

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 is here, combining German engineering, advanced technology, luxurious interiors, potent performance, and authentic SUV versatility. In this in-depth review, we examine if it’s the ultimate luxury SUV of 2026.

A New Era of Mercedes Luxury

Every great vehicle has a tale. For Mercedes-Benz, the GLS is a dream that was decades in the making: what if an SUV can be as luxurious and respected as a limousine? In the early 2000s, the company tested the concept of a luxury SUV with seating for seven, cruising the highways, and still having the power to tow or haul when necessary.

The GLS was soon the “S-Class of SUVs,” with everything customers adored about the top sedan but in a larger, more muscular, and more utilitarian package. With each next iteration, that idea was honed further, and now in 2026, the GLS 450 comes forward as the most refined marriage of refinement, power, and flexibility in the family.

It's no longer a car. It's a wheel experience.

Interior – More Living Room Than Vehicle

Open the door to the 2026 GLS 450, and the world outside recedes. Mercedes engineers and designers didn’t design an interior—they sculpted a refuge.

Materials: Look for hand-stitched leather so supple it seems more like designer furniture, open-pore wood trims that bring to mind beautiful yacht decks, and brushed metal trim that glints in the warm ambient light. Every knob, every seam, every panel is fitted with surgical accuracy.

Seating Comfort: The front row includes heated, cooled, and massaging thrones. The second row may be equipped with a bench for seven-passenger utility or captain’s chairs for a six-seat executive configuration. The third row?Surprisingly useful, even for adults—rare in this class.

Technology: The dashboard is characterized by a sweeping dual digital display driven by the most advanced MBUX system. The visuals are crisper, the menus quicker, and the AI assistant more chatty than before. Navigation superimposes real-world camera imagery with directions, and natural voice commands such as “I need a coffee” plot a route immediately.

Atmosphere: With 64 colors of ambient lighting that are configurable, you can make the cabin “cozy lounge,” “nightclub on wheels,” or even “spa retreat.” For audio, the available Burmester 3D audio system is so immersive you might never need to exit the automobile.

It's not so much a cabin as a rolling penthouse.

Performance – Muscle in a Tailored Suit

Under its sleek, sophisticated facade, the GLS 450 conceals serious performance. It’s driven by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine bolstered by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The payoff? 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.

On paper, those figures read tremendous. On the highway, they’re revolutionary. The GLS 450 accelerates from 0-60 mph in less than six seconds, which is breathtaking for an SUV this large. Highway overtaking is effortless, and the power delivery is smooth, not hard.

Handling is also sophisticated. The 9-speed automatic shifts smoothly, and the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system provides traction in all conditions—rainy city roads or snowy back roads.

The actual star of the show, though, is the AIRMATIC air suspension. In Comfort mode, the GLS appears to float, annihilating potholes and rough road. Drop into Sport, and the ride gets stiffer, body roll increases, and the SUV becomes much more agile than its dimensions imply.

Fuel economy isn’t groundbreaking—about 19 city and 24 highway mpg—but given the size and horsepower, it’s impressive.

Safety – Mercedes’ Invisible Bodyguard

Mercedes-Benz has never been one to settle for last when it comes to car safety, and the GLS 450 is no exception. It’s not simply a matter of airbags and crumple zones these days—it’s about anticipating, avoiding, and defending.

Some of the highlights include:

Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

Adaptive cruise control that navigates stop-and-go traffic like a pro.

Lane-keeping and lane-change assist, making long road trips less fatiguing.

Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, necessary for a vehicle this size.

360-degree camera system, providing you with eagle vision in tight parking spaces.

Pre-Safe® technology that readies the cabin a split second before impact—tightening belts, shutting windows, and even repositioning seating.

It’s as if you have a co-pilot who never naps, never closes his eyes, and always watches your back.

Capabilities – Luxury Meets Utility

Numerous luxury SUVs boast of capability, but the GLS 450 makes it real.

Towing Power: With a rating of around 7,700 pounds, it can easily pull boats, campers, or trailers.

Cargo Flexibility: Behind the third row, there’s enough space for groceries or a weekend’s luggage. Fold down both rear rows, and you’re looking at nearly 85 cubic feet—enough for moving furniture or hauling serious gear.

All-Terrain Confidence: With adjustable suspension and clever AWD, the GLS can handle gravel roads, snowy trails, or sandy beaches without losing its footing.

This isn't just an urban luxury cruiser—it's a workman in a tuxedo.

Pricing and Availability

Luxury comes at a price, and in 2026, the GLS 450 asks one worthy of its reputation.

Starting Price (U.S.): Around $90,000.

Fully Loaded: Far more than $110,000 when it’s ordered with top-of-the-line packages, AMG appearance, or luxury seating options.

Availability: Arrived at dealers in late 2025 and is now commonly found throughout the U.S. market.

Naturally, those interested in even greater power or status can move up to the GLS 580, the AMG GLS 63, or the ultra-luxurious Maybach GLS. But the 450 is still the sweet spot for many—threading performance, luxury, and utility.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Really luxurious, roomy, and accommodating interior

Silky smooth, potent performance for a big SUV

High-end technology and infotainment package

Superb towing and cargo capacity

Safety features that instill confidence

Cons:

Expensive price tag, particularly with options

Fuel economy is behind hybrids and EVs

Big size makes driving in cities and parking difficult

Maintenance and repair expenses will be expensive

Final Verdict – Who Is It For?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 is not merely another SUV—it’s a declaration. It’s for families who insist on three rows without compromising comfort. It’s for business leaders who desire to arrive in high style without going to the expense of a chauffeur-driven sedan. It’s for explorers who need towing capacity and cargo room, yet still desire the cachet of a luxury badge.

Is it pricey? Yes. Is it large? Sure. But is it worth it? For the proper buyer, absolutely.

If the S-Class is the sedan king, then the GLS 450 is the SUV emperor—and in 2026, the emperor has new clothes.