Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class: FAQs

The Mercedes-Benz GLS is the German company’s largest passenger SUV. The GLS-Class supersedes the GL-Class models and is used on a range of seven-seat wagon-style models based on the same mechanical architecture as the GLE-Class models.

The GL to GLS change was part of an overhaul of Mercedes-Benz model names in 2014. Under the new structure all SUV models included GL in their name in a tribute to the legendary G-Class off-roader.

All GLS-Class models are made at Mercedes-Benz’s Tuscaloosa, Alabama production facility in the USA’s south.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class was recently launched in its updated form in Australia. It is offered in both petrol and turbo-diesel powered variants including the GLS 400d and GLS 450. A Mercedes-AMG model is expected to join the line-up at the top of the range.

Recently launched in its latest form in Australia, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is a three-row seven-seat large SUV.

Although a seven-seat option is now offered on the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, in Australia the only other Mercedes-Benz SUV to offer a true seven-seat option is the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class.

Essentially the only difference between the Mercedes-Benz GL and GLS is the badge. Mercedes-Benz largest passenger SUV was rebadged from GL to GLS or GL-Class to GLS-Class as part of a model name realignment announced in 2014.

More recently, consecutive GLS-Class ranges have undergone a number of changes as part of facelifts and new model year updates

Mercedes-Benz change the way it names its models in 2014. The new nomenclature was designed to provide a “simpler, more transparent and more logical system for the designations” of the models, with “the aim of providing clear orientation for our customers," the company said at the time.

Essentially, the naming convention is based on five core vehicle ranges -- A, B, C, E and S. Overlaid are the specific vehicle types, eg: all SUVs include GL in their badging to pay tribute to the legendary G-Class. Ironically, that vehicle appears to still sit outside the naming conventions.

Other specific vehicle type naming conventions include SL for roadsters and CL for four-door models with ‘coupe-like’ rooflines. The third letter will refer to the size related to the core models.

The smallest Mercedes-Benz is now called the GLA which is short for the GL A-class
The midsized GLK (which didn’t come to Australia) was replaced by the GLC -- for the GL C-Class. The larger ML-class became the GLE -- for the GL E-class. And the full-sized seven-seat GL becomes the GLS -- for the GL S-class. The G will remain the same.

The core models by size, and other model families, then delineate different body styles such as coupe, Estate, etc, eg: the Mercedes-Benz A-Class range includes hatch and sedan, while the E-Class includes sedan, Estate (wagon) coupe and cabriolet.

Of course like all good rules, there are some exceptions (aside from the G-Class mentioned above)... Although the SLK became the SLC, the all-new SL due in 2022 will not change it’s badge. The reason, says Mercedes-Benz is: “in recognition of its iconic status”. In any event, they’d already used SLS...

The key difference between the Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 and GLS 500 is the engine size and configuration.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 uses a turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol V6, while the Mercedes-Benz GLS 500 (now known as GLS 480 in some markets) features a turbocharged 4.0-litre petrol V8 with 48V mild hybrid tech.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS 500 is no longer offered.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class range was recently launched in its updated form in Australia with turbo-diesel GLS 400d and turbo petrol V6 GLS 450 variants.