2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS Review: Price, Features & Specs

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS Review coverage has been building for months, and it’s easy to see why. Mercedes-Benz’s largest mainstream SUV — often described as the S-Class of the SUV world — is receiving one of its most significant updates since the current generation launched, bringing fresh styling, a dramatically expanded dashboard display, and revised powertrains to a vehicle that already competes at the very top of the full-size luxury SUV segment. This 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS Review digs into everything prospective buyers need to know, from pricing to what it’s actually like to live with day to day.

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS Review: Overview

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS continues its role as the brand’s flagship three-row SUV, sitting above the GLE in size and price while offering the kind of first-class comfort Mercedes-Benz is famous for. Rather than a ground-up redesign, this update brings a substantial refresh: revised exterior styling, an expanded infotainment setup, and updated driver-assistance technology layered onto a formula that has already proven itself as one of the most comfortable and capable large SUVs money can buy.

Assembled at Mercedes-Benz’s Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant, the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS remains available with seating for either six or seven passengers depending on configuration, and it continues to compete directly against rivals like the BMW X7, Cadillac Escalade, and Range Rover. Anyone researching a 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS Review before making a purchase decision will find that few vehicles in this segment offer as complete a package as this three-row flagship.

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS Review: Expected Price

Pricing for the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS hasn’t been officially finalized by Mercedes-Benz, but early estimates place the range between roughly $95,000 and $120,000 depending on trim and options. That estimate lines up closely with pricing on the outgoing 2026 model, where the GLS 450 started around $90,250 and climbed toward $112,770 depending on options, while the V8-powered GLS 580 started closer to $127,720. At the top of the lineup, the high-performance Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 has commanded prices approaching $180,000 in recent model years.

Given the scale of updates involved — including the new Superscreen interior and revised powertrains — it wouldn’t be surprising to see the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS launch at a modest premium over last year’s pricing once official figures are announced closer to launch. Most price-focused shoppers searching for a 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS Review are really asking one question: is the added cost of the refresh worth it, and based on what’s included, the answer looks like a clear yes.

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS Estimated Trim Pricing

• GLS 450 4MATIC: estimated starting around $95,000
• GLS 580 4MATIC: estimated starting in the low-to-mid $100,000s
• Mercedes-AMG GLS 63: expected to remain the most expensive variant, likely exceeding $180,000 fully loaded

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS Review: Release Date

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS is scheduled to go on sale during the second half of 2026, following the pattern Mercedes-Benz has used for other recent model updates, including the related 2027 GLE refresh. Official pricing and full specifications are expected to be confirmed closer to that on-sale window, with the automaker having already released detailed preview information and images ahead of launch.

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS Review: Engine and Performance

Under the hood, the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS carries over a familiar and well-regarded two-engine strategy. The GLS 450 uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing approximately 375 horsepower, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system as standard equipment. Stepping up to the GLS 580 brings a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing around 530 horsepower, again paired with the same 9-speed automatic and standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

For 2027, Mercedes-Benz redesigned the GLS’s transfer case to send more torque to the wheels than before, while also retaining the ability to lock both axles together to rotate at the same speed — a feature designed to help pull the SUV out of soft or uneven terrain when the going gets tricky. It’s a detail that speaks to just how seriously Mercedes-Benz treats the GLS’s off-road and all-weather capability, even though most owners will spend the vast majority of their time on paved roads.

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS Suspension Technology

All 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS models come standard with an advanced air suspension system that uses cloud-sourced data gathered from other Mercedes-Benz vehicles to anticipate bumps before the SUV actually reaches them, adjusting the dampers preemptively for a smoother ride. GLS 580 buyers can further upgrade to the optional E-Active Body Control system, which adjusts damping at each individual wheel to minimize body roll, pitching, and disruption from road imperfections — technology borrowed from Mercedes-Benz’s most sophisticated luxury models.

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS Review: Horsepower and Acceleration

With 375 horsepower on tap, the GLS 450 offers effortless, unhurried acceleration that suits its role as a comfortable family hauler rather than a performance vehicle. Stepping up to the GLS 580’s 530-horsepower twin-turbo V8 brings a genuinely quick edge to the lineup, with the kind of muscular, low-end torque that makes merging, passing, and highway driving feel completely effortless despite the vehicle’s considerable size and weight.

For buyers who want something sportier still, the range-topping Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 has historically pushed power figures well beyond the standard lineup, delivering genuinely quick acceleration for a vehicle of this size — though official 2027 performance figures for the AMG variant have not yet been confirmed by Mercedes-Benz.

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS Review: Fuel Consumption

Fuel economy for the current-generation GLS has generally hovered in the low 20s mpg combined for six-cylinder models, with V8-powered variants running noticeably thirstier given their added power and displacement. Recent GLS 450 models have posted EPA-estimated combined figures in the range of the low-to-mid 20s, while the V8 GLS 580 typically returns numbers in the high teens to around 20 mpg combined, reflecting the trade-off between the two engines’ performance and efficiency.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS isn’t likely to dramatically shift these figures given that both engines carry over largely unchanged, though official EPA ratings for the updated model will confirm exact numbers once testing is complete ahead of the vehicle’s on-sale date.

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS Review: Driving Experience

Behind the wheel, the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS continues to prioritize comfort and composure over outright sportiness, which is exactly what buyers in this segment tend to want. The standard air suspension smooths out highway imperfections with the kind of effortless glide that’s become a Mercedes-Benz hallmark, while the standard 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system provides confident, secure handling regardless of weather conditions.

Despite its size, the GLS never feels unwieldy to drive, with well-weighted steering and strong brakes that inspire confidence in everyday situations. The optional E-Active Body Control system on the GLS 580 takes things even further, actively working to keep the cabin flat and settled even during quick lane changes or over rougher pavement, reinforcing why any thorough 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS Review has to call out ride quality as one of this SUV’s defining strengths.

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS Off-Road Confidence

While few owners will ever push their 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS off the beaten path, the redesigned transfer case and locking axle feature mean the vehicle is genuinely more capable than it looks when the pavement runs out, adding a layer of usable versatility that some rivals in this class don’t bother offering.

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS Review: Exterior Design

Visually, the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS adopts a bolder, more assertive face than the model it replaces. The redesigned grille trades some of the previous chrome detailing for more black elements, paired with a larger, more dramatic presence up front and contour lighting surrounding the grille itself. The three-pointed star logo at the center of the grille is now illuminated, further enhancing the SUV’s road presence, particularly at night.

New headlight and taillight designs incorporate the brand’s three-pointed star motif throughout, while additional black exterior trim elements give the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS a slightly more modern, technical look compared to the outgoing model’s more traditionally ornate detailing. The overall silhouette remains unmistakably GLS, however, with the same rounded, bulbous proportions that have defined this generation since its introduction.

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS Review: Interior and Technology

The most significant update to the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS happens inside the cabin. The outgoing model already featured dual 12.3-inch displays housed under a single seamless glass panel, but the 2027 version expands that setup considerably with the addition of a dedicated 12.3-inch passenger display — Mercedes-Benz’s latest implementation of its MBUX Superscreen technology.

Unlike some other Mercedes-Benz models that lean almost entirely on touchscreen and haptic controls, the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS thoughtfully retains a row of substantial, satisfying physical buttons in the center stack for climate functions, along with a touchpad for those who prefer not to reach for the screen. Responding directly to customer feedback, Mercedes-Benz also brought back a proper physical rocker switch and volume dial on the steering wheel, replacing the finicky haptic sliders that frustrated owners of the previous model.

Elsewhere in the cabin, new round air vents flank either side of the dashboard, adding a genuinely upscale visual touch to what was already considered one of the most beautifully finished interiors in the segment. A new Beech Brown upholstery option joins the color palette, and the third-row seat remains notably roomy compared to most rivals — a detail that has long set the GLS apart from other three-row luxury SUVs.

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS Review: Safety Systems

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS continues to offer a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technology, building on features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking that have long been standard on this model. For 2027, Mercedes-Benz has updated the underlying driver-assistance systems as part of the broader refresh, though full details on specific feature changes are expected closer to the vehicle’s official launch.

Buyers wanting independent, up-to-date crash-test data and safety ratings for the GLS lineup can check the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which regularly evaluates large luxury SUVs including the GLS and its closest rivals.

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS Review: Pros and Cons

What We Like About the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS

✓ Genuinely spacious, comfortable third row rare for this segment
✓ Expanded MBUX Superscreen adds real functionality, not just flash
✓ Smart preemptive air suspension improves everyday ride comfort
✓ Powerful, refined engine choices for every kind of buyer
✓ Genuine off-road hardware most rivals don’t bother offering

What Could Be Better on the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS

✗ Official pricing hasn’t been confirmed as of launch previews
✗ V8 GLS 580 fuel economy remains thirsty for daily driving
✗ Still a very large, heavy SUV to maneuver in tight spaces
✗ Top AMG variants push pricing well into six figures

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS Review: Main Competitors

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS faces some of the strongest competition in the entire luxury SUV market. The BMW X7 remains its most direct rival, offering a similarly spacious three-row layout with its own take on high-tech luxury. The Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator bring American full-size presence and effortless V8 power, while the Range Rover counters with unmatched off-road pedigree and understated British styling.

Further afield, the Lexus LX and Infiniti QX80 offer strong reliability reputations at slightly friendlier price points, while the Volvo XC90 appeals to buyers who want a more understated, minimalist take on three-row luxury. Against this deep field, the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS distinguishes itself primarily through its combination of technology, third-row comfort, and genuine mechanical sophistication.

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS Review: Final Verdict

Based on everything revealed so far, the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS looks set to remain one of the most complete large luxury SUVs on the market. The expanded Superscreen interior, smarter suspension technology, and continued strength of its third-row packaging all reinforce why this vehicle has earned comparisons to the S-Class of the SUV world. Buyers who prioritize comfort, technology, and genuine three-row usability will find plenty to like once official specifications and pricing are confirmed.

The main question mark heading into launch is simply price, since Mercedes-Benz hasn’t yet finalized figures for the 2027 model year. Based on how closely the updates track with the outgoing GLS’s pricing structure, though, buyers should expect the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS to remain firmly positioned as a premium, six-figure proposition — one that continues to justify its cost through genuine engineering depth rather than badge value alone. Anyone who read this 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS Review looking for a final recommendation can be confident this remains one of the segment’s benchmark three-row luxury SUVs.

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS Review Images

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