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By Jonathan Crouch

For such a big vehicle, the Mercedes GLS carries a surprisingly low profile. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at the further improved version of the third generation model.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 90

Some Mercedes models are the epitome of on-road luxury. Others are almost unrivalled for off-road prowess. And then there's one which claims to offer the best of both: the GLS. This is the very few super-luxury SUVs that can seat seven fully-sized adults. And it claims to be able to do so while offering a properly dynamic drive on road as well as extreme capability off it. This further improved version of the third generation X167-era design is smarter, plusher and even more sophisticated. Got a family? You'd like one.

Backgroundword count: 216

This Mercedes GLS has always been a vehicle billed as 'the S-Class of SUVs', a luxury conveyance for those whose real - or more likely imagined - commute to the real world is from a craggy mountaintop. This model line is now in its third generation and we're looking here at the second update made to the current X167-era MK3 design. This model line has actually only been badged 'GLS' since 2016. Prior to that, it was known as the 'GL-Class', first launched in its initial X164 form in 2006, with the second generation X166 version arriving in 2012. That MK2 version was facelifted four years into production, at which point the 'GLS' branding was adopted. The current X167-era MK3 design arrived in 2019 and gained a mild update in 2023 which lasted it until the more far-reaching enhancement we look at here was introduced in mid-2026. This Mercedes model line has always featured a third seating row, something that's always set this SUV apart in a luxury 4x4 market that rarely offers this option - or if it does, often restricts practical use of the extra seats to children. Not so here. This isn't a new generation GLS, but there are various engineering updates and a completely new front-of-cabin experience. Let's take a closer look.

Engines and Tech Specword count: 252

Not everyone is going to feel comfortable piloting something of this size but provided you do, then GLS motoring is a pretty fabulous way to view your everyday world. AIRMATIC air suspension with the brand's 'ADS Adaptive Damping System Plus' package smoothes your way over poor surfaces and power is transmitted by 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. The key engine offered in our market is the six cylinder diesel fitted to the main GLS 450 d variant, a unit with mild hybrid tech and the same one as used by the S-Class saloon. It offers 362hp and a massive 750Nm of torque. 0-62mph takes 6.1s en route to 155mph. For those who can never have too many Tiger tokens, there's also a wild turbo 4.0-litre petrol V8 in the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 variant. 4MATIC 4WD is standard of course, which works using a transfer case with an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch. This allows a variable transfer of drive torque from 0-100 percent between the axles. As an option, buyers can now specify a transfer case specially configured for better off-road driving characteristics which features a reduction gear for off-road driving. Also, when driving on the road, and particularly when cornering, the two fully networked transfer cases improve handling agility by specifically influencing the degree of yaw to induce oversteer or understeer. A key option is the E-Active body control system - basically an intelligent active suspension set-up. This uses more than 20 sensors and five processors to adjust the suspension 1,000 times a second.

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