2018 Mercedes Benz GLS Review

Detailed Review

The first generation Mercedes-Benz GLS, codenamed X164, was manufactured between 2006 and 2012. The engine lineup includes V8 petrol engines as well as turbocharged V6 and V8 diesel engines. All variants are only available with all-wheel drive (4MATIC). The second generation, known as the X166 GL-Class, was built between 2013 and 2019. The second generation model also included the high-performance GL63 AMG variant, which was powered by the hand-built M157 engine.  The third-generation model was introduced in 2019. The wheelbase has grown by 2.3 inches and is nearly an inch wider. It is built on the same architecture as the current GLE and has MBUX, two 12.3-inch screens, E-Active Body Control, and car-to-X connectivity.

The 2018 Mercedes Benz GLS comes with an option of three engines; 3.0 L (petrol), 3.0 L (diesel), and 4.7 L (petrol) engines with a 9-speed automatic transmission.

2018 Mercedes Benz GLS Grades

1. Utility 4D GLS450 4Matic- This entry grade comes with 20-inch alloy wheels, traction control, 8 speakers, 1 LCD monitor in the front, keyless entry, heated seats, multi-zone climate controls, child safety rear door locks, and variable speed window wipers.
2. Utility 4D GLS550 4Matic- This variant has a navigation system, power windows, multizone climate controls, 21-inch alloy wheels, active blind spot assist, 14 Harmon/ Kardon speakers, digital signal processor, traffic real-time display, Bluetooth connectivity, heated seats, and traction control.
3. AMG GLS 63- This trim comes with black roof rails, chrome door handle inserts, 21-inch alloy wheels, rack-pinion steering type, Harman/Kardon logic 7 surround sound system, Navigation map, streaming audio, Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity, 1 LCD monitor in the front and Apple car play.

Interior

Legroom & Space

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS interior combines luxury, elegance, and comfort.

The first row has plenty of legroom and headroom, as well as reclining seats that can be adjusted to meet any preferred position. The second row has plenty of knee and headroom. The third row of seats is perfect for children, although adults can fit as well, but only on short drives.

Cabin Storage

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS has a glove compartment box, heated and cooled cupholders, a large center console, and bottle storage mounted against the doors which can be used to store or keep personal items like cell phones, keys, beverages, and other items.

Boot Space

The cargo space in the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS is 16.5 cubic feet when the third row of seats is in place, 31.4 cubic feet when the third row of seats is folded, and 84.7 cubic feet when the second and third rows of seats are folded. With the flip of a switch, each of the five back seats may be lowered.

Exterior

The front of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS is robust and muscular. The Mercedes emblem is linked to horizontal fins, which give it a magnificent appearance. On both ends are complete LED headlights that react to road curvature, and the AMG Stein race on the bumper adds dynamic style. Twin air vents on top of the hood aid in cooling the engine.

The side features a longer wheelbase and an illuminated running board to help in boarding and alighting the vehicle. The tailgate is electrically driven, and it sports LED tail lights and turn signals. The bumper at the bottom houses the dual exhaust.

2018 Mercedes Benz GLS Safety Features

The 2018 Mercedes Benz GLS features SRS Airbags, Curtain airbags, DCS and TCS, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Pre-crash Safety System, Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Pedestrian Warning, Lane Departure Alert, Frontal Collision Warning, Automatic High Beam, Run Flat tires, Active Roll Stabilization, Electronic Damping Control, Anti-whiplash, Pretensioners

2018 Mercedes Benz GLS Fuel Consumption

2018 Mercedes Benz GLS 3.0 L petrol engine consumption-  9.6km/l on average

2018 Mercedes Benz GLS 3.0 L diesel engine consumption-  10.2km/l on average

2018 Mercedes Benz GLS 4.7 L petrol engine consumption-  8.6km/l on average

2018 Mercedes Benz GLS Acceleration

2018 Mercedes Benz GLS 3.0 L petrol accelerates from 0-100km/h in 7.7 secs

2018 Mercedes Benz GLS 3.0 L diesel accelerates from 0-100km/h in 7.0 secs

2018 Mercedes Benz GLS 4.7 L petrol accelerates from 0-100km/h in 5.3 secs

2018 Mercedes Benz GLS Fuel Tank Capacity: 100 liters

Ground Clearance

The 2018 Mercedes Benz GLS has a ground clearance of 8.5 inches.

Service Intervals

Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil.

Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.

Spare Parts and Availability

Service parts are fairly priced and available in major towns in Kenya. Body parts are expensive and mostly available in Nairobi

Stability And Handling

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS features superb stability and handling, as well as a smooth and comfortable ride that is ideal for long trips.

Its suspension system (front double wishbone and rear multi-link) is optimized for comfort, giving a smooth ride that effectively absorbs road irregularities and bumps. The SUV also has a well-weighted steering system that provides good feedback and quick handling, allowing it to easily navigate tight curves and winding roads. It also boasts an all-wheel-drive system that improves traction and stability, especially during rainy seasons.

Reliability

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS is a car you can rely on whether it is the rainy season, winter season, or dry season because it is designed to manage harsh conditions courtesy of its high ground clearance and suspension types that absorb road irregularities.

However, as with any other car, this premium SUV suffers from the failure of the 48-volt secondary battery, which is designed to aid the vehicle’s startup and power car components, as some customers have noted.

For a detailed reliability report, refer to the Mercedes Benz GLS buyer guide. We also recommend that you always adhere to the guidelines outlined in the owner’s manual.

Resale Value: Average

Mercedes Benz GLS Competitors:  BMW X7, Lexus GX, Audi Q7, Volvo XC90, Lincoln Navigator, and Cadillac Escalade.

What we like about the 2018 Mercedes Benz GLS

Luxurious cabin

Transmission smoothness

Vehicle maneuverability

What we don’t

The large price jump from GLS 450 to GLS 550

Many desirable features don’t come standard

Conclusion

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS class is large, fast, composed, and elegant, earning it a spot at the top of the luxury SUV class. Car maintenance and service may be tough for people with little financial resources.