2019 Mercedes Benz GLS Review

Detailed Review

The first generation Mercedes-Benz GLS designated X164, was produced between 2006 and 2012. The engine selection includes V8 petrol engines as well as turbocharged V6 and V8 diesel engines. All models are only available with all-wheel drive (4MATIC). The second generation, known as the X166 GL-Class, was produced between 2013 and 2019. The second generation model also had the high-performance GL63 AMG variant, which was powered by the hand-built M157 engine.  Following a 2016 redesign, it was called the GLS to conform with Mercedes-Benz’s new nomenclature strategy. The model update also included minor exterior and interior design changes, as well as performance enhancements.

In 2019, the third-generation model was revealed. The wheelbase has increased by 2.3 inches and the width has increased by nearly an inch. It boasts MBUX, two 12.3-inch screens, E-Active Body Control, and car-to-X communication, and is built on the same architecture as the current GLE.  The appearance has been changed, and the headlamps and taillamps are now more streamlined. Mercedes-Maybach’s first SUV model, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC, was unveiled in late 2019.

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS is available with three engines: 3.0 L (petrol), 3.0 L (diesel), and 4.7 L (petrol), 5.5 L (petrol), which are mated to a 9-speed and 7-speed automatic transmission.

2019 Mercedes Benz GLS Grades

1. GLS 450 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. GLS 550 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

Mercedes-Benz has established the standard for high-end automobile interiors.

The first row of seats is exceptionally comfortable, with plenty of headroom and legroom. Passengers in the second row have plenty of head- and legroom, as well as the option to move and recline the seats. These seats smoothly fold and tumble forward to offer access to the third row.

The third row is ideal for children, but it can also accommodate adults on short trips.

Cabin Storage

The 2019 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 2019 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 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS has an LED intelligent lighting system with multi-beam adaptable LED headlights. The Mercedes emblem is an illuminated star set on a horizontal fin, giving it a magnificent appearance.

The side of this SUV is equipped with footboards that assist passengers in entering and departing the vehicle. The rear has dual exhaust pipes at the bottom, as well as LED tail lamps and turn signals. Its tailgate is powered electronically, which is incredibly convenient, especially when your hands are full of cargo.

2019 Mercedes Benz GLS Safety Features

The 2019 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

2019 Mercedes Benz GLS Fuel Consumption

2019 Mercedes Benz GLS 3.0 L petrol engine consumption-  9.1km/l on average

2019 Mercedes Benz GLS 3.0 L diesel engine consumption-  10.3km/l on average

2019 Mercedes Benz GLS 4.7 L petrol engine consumption-  8.3km/l on average

2019 Mercedes Benz GLS 5.5 L petrol engine consumption-  7.7km/l on average

2019 Mercedes Benz GLS Acceleration

2019 Mercedes Benz GLS 3.0 L petrol accelerates from 0-100km/h in 7.5 secs

2019 Mercedes Benz GLS 3.0 L diesel accelerates from 0-100km/h in 6.9 secs

2019 Mercedes Benz GLS 4.7 L petrol accelerates from 0-100km/h in 5.5 secs

2019 Mercedes Benz GLS 5.5 L petrol accelerates from 0-100km/h in  4.9secs

2019 Mercedes Benz GLS Fuel Tank Capacity: 100 liters

Ground Clearance

The 2019 Mercedes Benz GLS has a ground clearance of 8.4 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 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS is one of the greatest SUVs with excellent stability and handling. This car has a steering wheel that responds to road curvature and may be electronically adjusted to meet the driver’s preferred position. The wheels are equipped with a double wishbone suspension type at the front and a multi-link suspension type at the rear, which gives an incredibly comfortable and smooth ride, resulting in minimal vibrations in the cabin.

This SUV contains an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which is designed to reduce skidding, which is caused by locked wheels when braking forcefully. It also has a traction control system which gives it a firm grip on the road.

Reliability

Mercedes as a brand understands how to entice customers all around the world with their magical components. The 2019 GLS class is no exception. It has good ground clearance and because it is all-wheel drive, it can easily handle moderate off-road terrain.

This premium SUV, like any other car, suffers from the failure of the 48-volt secondary battery, which is supposed to aid the vehicle’s startup and power car components, as several buyers have reported.

Other customers have complained that the alert safety design is insufficient and that the external sensors are insensitive.

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 2019 Mercedes Benz GLS

Above-average driving dynamics

Spacious and luxurious interior

Stellar powertrains

Great build quality

What we don’t

Poor fuel economy

Standard features are costly

Small cargo space behind the third row of seats

Conclusion

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS is enormous and quick, but it’s also calm and graceful. The GLS class is a status symbol deserving of its perch atop the SUV mountain. Individuals that are passionate about these automobiles must have large resources in order to keep them functioning.