Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4Matic

Core summary

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATIC SUV

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATIC SUV is the gasoline entry point to Mercedes-Benz’s full-size GLS range in the United States. Its public vehicle name is “GLS 450 4MATIC SUV.” The model uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, a nine-speed automatic transmission and fully variable 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Mercedes-Benz lists 375 horsepower, 369 lb-ft of torque, a 5.8-second 0-60-mph time and a 7,700-pound towing capacity for the U.S. specification.

The GLS is configured as a three-row luxury SUV, with seven seats standard and a six-seat arrangement available. Standard equipment includes AIRMATIC air suspension, adaptive damping, a panoramic roof, heated and ventilated front seats, four-zone climate control, MBUX and a Burmester surround-sound system. The 2026 update adds a standard MBUX Superscreen, revised styling, new digital architecture and updated engine hardware. European markets also list diesel GLS variants and different assistance-system packages, while this profile describes the U.S. GLS 450 configuration.

History & generations

Mercedes-Benz introduced its full-size GL-Class in 2006 as a seven-seat SUV positioned above the M-Class. The first generation used the X164 series designation and combined a body-on-frame-derived off-road concept with a more luxurious passenger compartment. Mercedes-Benz’s public archive identifies the U.S.-specification GL 450 4MATIC as a 2006-2009 model.

The second generation arrived for the 2012 model year under the X166 designation. A 2015 model update emphasized luxury and introduced the GLS name, aligning the full-size SUV more closely with the S-Class naming structure. The third generation debuted publicly in 2019 at the New York International Auto Show and continued production in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

For 2026, Mercedes-Benz comprehensively updated the GLS rather than replacing its basic generation. The revision brings a new engine range, revised front and rear styling, standard MBUX Superscreen technology, upgraded DIGITAL LIGHT, cloud-based damping control and the latest MB.DRIVE assistance architecture. The 2026 GLS was presented at Mercedes-Benz’s Tuscaloosa plant on March 31, 2026.

Body, platform & design

The 2026 GLS 450 retains the upright proportions expected of a full-size Mercedes-Benz SUV while receiving a more formal front treatment. The updated design includes a larger grille with a chrome frame, illuminated contour detailing and three horizontal chrome elements. The hood-mounted Mercedes star returns as a prominent visual reference to the S-Class. In the United States, Mercedes-Benz states that the star can be illuminated while driving; availability is market-specific.

The revised front bumper works with a black-panel area linking the headlamps visually. The headlamps and rear lamps use star-pattern signatures. DIGITAL LIGHT is standard, with a newer micro-LED generation that Mercedes-Benz says creates a roughly 40 percent larger high-resolution lighting field while using up to 50 percent less energy than its predecessor.

The U.S. model has a 205.0-inch overall length, a 123.4-inch wheelbase and a 79.9-inch body width excluding mirrors. Standard U.S. wheels are 21-inch triple five-spoke alloys with staggered all-season tires. Optional exterior treatments include AMG body styling, gloss-black accents, illuminated running boards and wheels up to 23 inches.

Engine & drivetrain

The U.S.-market GLS 450 4MATIC uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged gasoline inline-six with mild-hybrid assistance. Mercedes-Benz lists 375 horsepower at 5,800-6,100 rpm and 369 lb-ft of torque from 1,800-5,000 rpm. The engine uses a 48-volt electrical system and an integrated starter-generator that supports smooth starting, coasting, recuperation and short-duration boost assistance. Premium unleaded gasoline is required.

For 2026, Mercedes-Benz revised the six-cylinder gasoline engine with a stronger electric auxiliary compressor, optimized cylinder-head intake and exhaust passages, an adapted intake camshaft, revised combustion processes and updated emissions treatment. The manufacturer states that peak torque increased to 560 Nm in the global specification, equivalent to approximately 413 lb-ft; the U.S. technical card lists 369 lb-ft. This difference reflects regional certification and specification presentation.

Power reaches all four wheels through a 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission. The U.S. model includes shift paddles, DYNAMIC SELECT, an OFFROAD menu, a Transparent Hood display and Downhill Speed Regulation. Mercedes-Benz quotes 5.8 seconds from 0 to 60 mph for the U.S. vehicle.

Trim differences

Mercedes-Benz presents the U.S. GLS 450 4MATIC as a single model with equipment packages and individual options rather than a long ladder of named mechanical trims. The standard specification includes a seven-seat cabin, 21-inch wheels, AIRMATIC suspension, adaptive damping, a panoramic roof, MB-Tex upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, four-zone climate control, a power liftgate and power-folding third-row seats.

The six-seat configuration replaces the second-row bench with individual comfort seats. The AMG Line adds AMG exterior styling, while the Night Package adds gloss-black exterior accents. The Exclusive Trim adds heated second-row seats, multicontour front seats with massage and rapid front-seat heating. The Pinnacle Trim is listed by Mercedes-Benz as an additional package grouping.

Available luxury equipment includes leather upholstery, Nappa leather, five-zone climate control, heated and ventilated second-row seats, soft-close doors, heated armrests, cooled cupholders, rear sunshades and rear-seat massage functions. Multimedia options include a head-up display, MBUX Interior Assistant, second-row wireless charging and high-end rear-seat entertainment. Package names and option availability differ by market.

Interior & seating

The 2026 GLS interior combines three-row utility with Mercedes-Benz digital systems. The U.S. specification has standard power front seats with memory, heated and ventilated front seats, Energizing seat kinetics, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column and a panoramic roof. The second row can be configured as a three-person bench or two individual comfort seats, while the third row folds in a 50/50 split.

Mercedes-Benz lists 40.3 inches of first-row legroom, 41.9 inches of second-row legroom and 34.6 inches of third-row legroom for the U.S. vehicle. Cargo volume is listed at 17.4 to 84.7 cubic feet depending on seat position. The manufacturer describes the third row as suitable for occupants up to 1.94 meters in the global configuration.

The 2026 model introduces a standard MBUX Superscreen with three 12.3-inch displays under one glass surface in global press material. The U.S. model page lists 12.3-inch driver and multimedia displays, Burmester surround sound, Dolby Atmos, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A passenger display, rear entertainment and some streaming functions vary by region and equipment.

Efficiency & range

The GLS 450 combines gasoline power with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system rather than plug-in charging. Its integrated starter-generator supports recuperation, coasting with the engine switched off and smoother stop-start operation. These functions reduce engine-load interruptions but do not provide a dedicated electric-only driving range.

Mercedes-Benz’s global 2026 technical material lists combined WLTP fuel consumption of 10.9-9.9 liters per 100 kilometers for the GLS 450 4MATIC. The U.S. Mercedes-Benz model page presents the fuel-economy field separately from the main specification card, so the global WLTP range should not be treated as an EPA rating. Actual consumption varies with speed, temperature, payload, wheel choice, traffic and driving style.

The gasoline GLS 450 is distinct from diesel GLS 350d and GLS 450d versions offered in selected markets. Those diesel models use different engines, emissions systems and certification cycles and are not part of the U.S. GLS 450 configuration.

Safety & equipment

The U.S. GLS 450 includes a broad driver-assistance and occupant-protection package. Mercedes-Benz lists Active Brake Assist, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Steering Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Speed Limit Assist and Traffic Sign Assist. Active Lane Change Assist and Active Stop-and-Go Assist are also listed.

Parking assistance includes PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist and a Surround View System. The vehicle also includes PRE-SAFE, PRE-SAFE PLUS, PRE-SAFE Sound, seven airbags, electronic stability control, anti-lock braking, brake assist, Crosswind Assist and advanced tire-pressure monitoring. Trailer Stability Assist and Trailer Maneuvering Assist are optional.

The 2026 global update adds a newer sensor and computing architecture, including ten exterior cameras and up to five radar and twelve ultrasonic sensors. Mercedes-Benz states that MB.DRIVE functions and legal approvals vary by market. European vehicles receive a different standard assistance structure, while the United States receives its own equipment and regulatory configuration.

Strengths

The GLS 450’s central strength is breadth. It provides three rows, a large cargo area, standard all-wheel drive, standard air suspension and a substantial towing rating without moving to the V8-powered GLS 580. Its inline-six delivers strong output for a vehicle of this size, while the mild-hybrid system supports smooth starts and low-speed response.

The cabin offers useful flexibility through the choice of seven-seat or six-seat layouts. Power-folding third-row seats make the rear compartment easier to adapt between passengers and cargo. The model also has a strong technology specification, including MBUX, wireless smartphone integration, panoramic glazing, Burmester audio and extensive assistance features.

The 2026 update improves the model’s digital architecture and adds more distinctive exterior detailing. AIRMATIC suspension, OFFROAD driving functions and a fully variable 4MATIC system broaden its role beyond urban luxury transport. Its Alabama production location also supports supply for both U.S. and global markets.

Considerations

The GLS 450 is a large vehicle, measuring 205.0 inches long and more than 84 inches wide with mirrors. Tight parking structures, narrow urban streets and compact garages can therefore demand extra care. Its 5,523-pound listed curb weight and large wheels also reflect the physical scale of the vehicle.

The standard third row improves passenger capacity but leaves less cargo space behind it than the maximum 84.7-cubic-foot figure achieved with seats folded. The available six-seat configuration prioritizes second-row comfort over maximum seating capacity.

Fuel consumption remains sensitive to mass, wheel size, speed and load, even with mild-hybrid assistance. The vehicle’s premium features are also distributed across packages and options, and regional equipment differs. Buyers should compare the final market-specific build because the U.S. model page, European press material and other regional catalogs do not use identical engine lineups or assistance packages.

Recommended use

The GLS 450 is suited to buyers who need genuine three-row capacity but want a more luxurious and technologically advanced vehicle than a conventional family SUV. Its long wheelbase, adjustable air suspension, quieting measures and available comfort equipment support interstate travel and executive transport.

The seven-seat layout is the practical choice for larger households, while the six-seat configuration gives second-row passengers individual chairs and greater separation. With a 7,700-pound U.S. towing rating, the GLS 450 can support boats, trailers and recreational equipment when properly equipped and operated within Mercedes-Benz requirements.

The standard 4MATIC system, OFFROAD menu, Transparent Hood display and Downhill Speed Regulation support gravel roads, snow and moderate unpaved routes. These features do not make the GLS a specialized trail vehicle; its size, road-oriented tires and luxury-focused construction favor maintained roads and light off-road use over narrow technical terrain.

FAQ

Q: What is the exact public name of this vehicle? A: Mercedes-Benz lists it as the “2026 GLS 450 4MATIC SUV” in the United States.

Q: How many people can the GLS 450 seat? A: Seven seats are standard in the U.S. specification, with a six-seat layout available.

Q: Is the GLS 450 a plug-in hybrid? A: No. It uses a gasoline engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.

Q: How much can the U.S. GLS 450 tow? A: Mercedes-Benz lists a 7,700-pound towing capacity for the U.S. model.

Q: Does the GLS 450 have all-wheel drive? A: Yes. The U.S. model uses fully variable 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

Q: What changed for 2026? A: Mercedes-Benz added revised styling, updated engine hardware, standard MBUX Superscreen technology, newer DIGITAL LIGHT and updated assistance computing.

Sources & updates

Research for this Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4Matic profile prioritized current manufacturer specifications, model-year equipment pages and official press material. Independent safety or regulatory records were used where available. Historical references were kept separate from current-generation specifications and image identification.

Equipment, pricing and certified figures can vary by market, trim and model year. The expandable reference list below contains the linked sources used for verification. Last editorial review: August 29, 2026.

• Official or verified reference →
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Last editorial review: August 29, 2026. Specifications remain market- and model-year-specific.