2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS

Is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS a Good SUV?

"It's hard to do better than the biggest Benz SUV if you're shopping in this segment, unless nothing short of truck-based American muscle will do. The powertrains here are excellent top to bottom, though one could argue that BMW has a slight edge in that department. Inside, the Mercedes is peerless among non-American models with its copious passenger space. Yes, the Americans have even more cavernous cabins, which is particularly noticeable in the cargo-space column, but they don't ride or handle with the sophistication of the GLS. No SUV in this segment is more accomplished than the Benz across the board."—Ranked #1 out of 7 Full-Size Luxury SUVs

Which 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS Should I Buy?

MotorDonkey's proprietary vehicle data identifies every significant version of each model so that you can compare and decide. Ordered by price from low to high, here are the versions of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS that you need to be aware of, along with our expert analysis and recommendations.

1. 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATIC (3.0T All-Wheel Drive)

• Base Price: $89,200
• MPG Combined: 21
• Drive Type: All-wheel drive
• Engine: 3.0-liter inline-6
• Aspiration: Turbocharged
• Transmission: 9-speed automatic
• Horsepower: 375 
• Torque: 369 lb⁠-⁠ft
• 0-60: 5.8 sec
• Weight: 5,489 lbs
• Length: 205.0 in
• Towing Capacity: 7,700 lbs

If you need a true three-row SUV with all the bells and whistles, even the base GLS 450 fits the bill. The acceleration isn't amazing, but it's certainly strong and smooth, and you can add luxury options to your heart's content.

2. 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 4MATIC (4.0T AWD)

• Base Price: $114,800
• MPG Combined: 16
• Drive Type: All-wheel drive
• Engine: 4.0-liter V8
• Aspiration: Turbocharged
• Transmission: 9-speed automatic
• Horsepower: 510 
• Torque: 538 lb⁠-⁠ft
• 0-60: 4.7 sec
• Weight: 5,820 lbs
• Length: 205.2 in
• Towing Capacity: 7,700 lbs

The V8-powered GLS 580 commands a hefty premium over the base GLS 450, but the 580's twin-turbo V8 is so rewarding that we think it's worth it. Seriously, if you're going to get a three-row luxury SUV, you want effortless acceleration even with a full load, right? The V8 in the 580 gives you that, whereas the base inline-6 in the 450 may not, although it's a great engine in its own right.

3. 2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+ (4.0T AWD)

• Base Price: $149,500
• MPG Combined: 15
• Drive Type: All-wheel drive
• Engine: 4.0-liter V8
• Aspiration: Turbocharged
• Transmission: 9-speed automatic
• Horsepower: 603 
• Torque: 627 lb⁠-⁠ft
• 0-60: 4.1 sec
• Weight: 6,019 lbs
• Length: 206.4 in
• Towing Capacity: 7,700 lbs

The AMG GLS 63 is one of those "sure, why not?" propositions. If you're considering a GLS, you know it's going to be big money no matter what. So you might as well spend even more for the ultimate in three-row SUV performance. The rational move is obviously sticking with the GLS 580, which utilizes a lesser but still fantastic twin-turbo V8. But the AMG GLS 63 gives you about an extra 100 horsepower for $35k, give or take. "Sure," we can imagine saying. "Why not?"

4. 2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS 600 (4.0T AWD)

• Base Price: $178,450
• MPG Combined: 15
• Drive Type: All-wheel drive
• Engine: 4.0-liter V8
• Aspiration: Turbocharged
• Transmission: 9-speed automatic
• Horsepower: 550 
• Torque: 538 lb⁠-⁠ft
• 0-60: 4.8 sec
• Length: 204.9 in
• Towing Capacity: 7,700 lbs

The Maybach GLS 600 makes interesting use of the cavernous GLS interior, kicking out the default third-row seat and filling up most of the rear quarters with a single seating row. The existence of a "chauffeur position" that increases rear legroom to 52.8 inches probably tells you all you need to know about this monument to vehicular excess. It may be worth noting that although the Maybach GLS 600 is the most expensive GLS, it's not the most powerful, ceding that title to the AMG GLS 63.