2018 Mercedes Benz GLS Class Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Mercedes-Benz debuted the GLS-Class for the 2017 model year. Despite it being more of a revamp of the canceled GL-Class, the GLS made quite the impact on car gurus and average consumers alike. The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is keeping the buzz going with its impressive interior and exterior design and the power it generates under the hood. While it isn't the most fuel-efficient or high-tech vehicle in its class, the GLS-Class delivers on its promise of a smooth but strong ride.

What's New for 2018?

Not a whole lot is new on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class since this is only its second year on the market. However, buyers should be aware that the diesel engine option is, sadly, no longer available.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2018 Mercedes Benz GLS Class – The Pros

1. A Spacious Interior Design

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is a hefty gal with a lot of interior space. Regardless of height, all drivers and passengers should find that they have plenty of head, shoulder, hip, and leg space when they are inside of the vehicle.

2. The GLS AMG 63

Some drivers might hesitate to buy the GLS AMG 63 due to the fact that it is the line-topping trim (which, of course, means that it costs the most money). However, it is money well-spent to get the AMG 63's ultra-powerful twin-turbo V8 engine. This massive engine generates a whopping 577 hp and comes paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission.

3. Plenty of Safety Features

Since this is a luxury vehicle, Mercedes-Benz goes all out on giving the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class plenty of standard and optional safety features. Some of these features include a standard rearview mirror, Bluetooth, a forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and an attention warning system that detects when the driver seems to be dozing off and issues an alert.

4. A Contemporary Interior and Exterior Design

Inside and out, the GLS-Class looks every bit the contemporary, upscale luxury vehicle it is supposed to be. The body is well-sculpted with chrome trim and a chic grille. Inside of the GLS, the upholstery looks expensive, the stitching is spot-on, and the paneling and trim look sturdy and gap-free.

5. Three Powertrain Options

Although the diesel engine is gone, there are still three powerful powertrain options to choose from. If you want something more downplayed than what's on the AMG 63, the 450 has a V6 twin-turbo that generates 362 hp, and the 550 has a 4.7-L V8 twin-turbo. Both engines are paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.

6. All-Wheel Drive is Standard

For those who crave the comfort and security of an AWD vehicle, you're in luck! The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class comes with standard AWD across the lineup. There are also a number of other drive modes that help the vehicle adapt to road conditions and the driver's needs.

7. A Smooth Ride Quality

The GLS has an impressively smooth ride quality, placing it near the top of the pack of competitors. The vehicle's standard air suspension does an incredible job at providing a soft enough ride with sufficient feedback given to the driver. Overall, the ride has a nice, natural feel to it.

8. Extremely Comfortable Seats

All seats in the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class feel very plush and well-bolstered. Passengers who need access to the third row can either use a handle or a power sliding button to move the second-row seats out of the way, making it easy to get in, sit down, and enjoy the comfort the seats offer.

9. Numerous Optional Stand-Alone Features and Packages

Customization is key on the GLS-Class and is a major selling point for the vehicle. You can take your pick of multiple stand-alone features and optional packages to get the vehicle of your dreams. The Bang & Olufsen audio system is one of the most exciting stand-alone features and can be added to even the base trim.

10. Sufficient Cargo Space

With the third row of seats in place, you get a class-average 16 cubic feet of cargo space. Remove the third row of seats, and you get a generous 49.4 cubic feet of space. When you remove the second row, however, you get a nearly best-in-class maximum of 93.8 cubic feet of cargo space. Whatever bulky items need hauling, you can easily tote them around in the back of the GLS.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2018 Mercedes Benz GLS Class – The Cons

1. The COMAND Interface is Obnoxious

The biggest downfall of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is that the COMAND infotainment interface is just plain bizarre and borders on annoying. It seems way too touchy, so it's a good thing that smartphone app integration is included in the GLS. Get used to using Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

2. The Diesel Engine Option Got Axed

The diesel engine option (the 350d) has been removed from the 2018 lineup. It was far more fuel-efficient than the regular models, but, in the aftermath of the Volkswagen diesel crisis in early 2017, Daimler (Mercedes-Benz's parent company) did not decide to seek EPA-approval for their diesel engines. While this is certainly disappointing, consumers continue to hope that diesel engines will be reintegrated in the near-future.

3. The Switchgear is Antiquated

Some of the switchgear along the dash looks a bit antiquated. While this isn't a major gripe, it slightly detracts from the contemporary appeal of the rest of the vehicle. A few small changes could go a long way in 2019.

4. Lacks Fuel Efficiency

With the discontinuation of the diesel engine option, fuel efficiency is simply not to be found in the GLS lineup. The best you can hope for is the 450's 19 mpg combined (17 mpg city/22 mpg highway). The 550 has a lowly 16 mpg combined (14 mpg city/19 mpg highway).

How it Stacks up to the Competition:

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class vs. 2018 Cadillac Escalade

The 2018 Cadillac Escalade is loaded up with a powerful engine, handles well in almost all situations, and has a dazzlingly upscale interior. On the downside, the Escalade has soft brakes and gets a fuel economy similar to the GLS.

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class vs. 2018 Lincoln Navigator

The 2018 Lincoln Navigator looks stellar inside and out. It also has a spunky powertrain for a big SUV. The infotainment system in it is far superior to that on the GLS. However, the Navigator feels fairly bulky to drive.

Conclusion

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class just doesn't feel complete without the diesel engine option. However, it more than makes up for the loss in the amount of standard and optional features it offers. The fact that AWD is standard should still be enough to draw in new customers.