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2018
Mercedes-Benz GLS 550

Starts at:
$94,950
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2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550

Notable features

New Grand Edition
Three-row, seven-seat SUV
All-wheel drive standard
577-hp AMG GLS63 available

The good & the bad

The good

Third-row space and accessibility
Interior quality, amenities

The bad

Leather upholstery not standard
V-8 gas mileage

Expert 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take


What it is: The seven-seat GLS-Class SUV has standard all-wheel drive, three rows of seats and three available engines: two turbocharged V-8s and a turbocharged V-6. As with other Mercedes, the top-shelf version of the GLS-Class is a performance-oriented AMG edition, the AMG GLS 63. Competitors include the Audi Q7, Cadillac Escalade, Infiniti QX80 and Lexus LX 570.


Available for the GLS 450 and GLS 550, a new Grand Edition includes diamond-quilted Nappa leather upholstery, a Nappa leather dashboard, open-pore brown ash trim, ambient lighting and brown velour floormats. Exterior Grand Edition cues include special badges and two-tone wheels – 20 inches on the GLS 450 and 21 inches on the GLS 550.

AMG GLS 63
The AMG GLS 63 packs big power into a big SUV: 577 horsepower from a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-8 engine that works with a seven-speed automatic transmission. 

What’s Special

  • All-wheel drive splits 60 percent of the SUV’s power to the rear wheels and 40 percent to the front
  • AMG air suspension
  • AMG sport exhaust system
  • Widened fenders to fit 21-inch wheels

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 review: Our expert's take


What it is: The seven-seat GLS-Class SUV has standard all-wheel drive, three rows of seats and three available engines: two turbocharged V-8s and a turbocharged V-6. As with other Mercedes, the top-shelf version of the GLS-Class is a performance-oriented AMG edition, the AMG GLS 63. Competitors include the Audi Q7, Cadillac Escalade, Infiniti QX80 and Lexus LX 570.


Available for the GLS 450 and GLS 550, a new Grand Edition includes diamond-quilted Nappa leather upholstery, a Nappa leather dashboard, open-pore brown ash trim, ambient lighting and brown velour floormats. Exterior Grand Edition cues include special badges and two-tone wheels – 20 inches on the GLS 450 and 21 inches on the GLS 550.

AMG GLS 63
The AMG GLS 63 packs big power into a big SUV: 577 horsepower from a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-8 engine that works with a seven-speed automatic transmission. 

What’s Special

  • All-wheel drive splits 60 percent of the SUV’s power to the rear wheels and 40 percent to the front
  • AMG air suspension
  • AMG sport exhaust system
  • Widened fenders to fit 21-inch wheels

Available cars near you

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
4 years / 50,000 miles
Powertrain
4 years / 50,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
4 years / 50,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
6 years old or less / less than 75,000 miles
Basic
1 year / unlimited miles
Dealer certification
164-point inspection

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Consumer reviews

4.7 / 5
Based on 6 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.7
Interior 5.0
Performance 5.0
Value 4.7
Exterior 4.7
Reliability 4.8

Most recent

  • Capable SUV for all conditions

    I picked up a 2018 550 and fell in love! By far one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. The big comfortable SUV is responsive both with acceleration and handling. The 3rd row is actually usable unlike others! There are many suspension settings that actually work. I drive from the highway in sport mode, through feet of snow In the mountains in winter to the the class 4 roads of VT in mud season! Never have a problem. If this was the last car I ever own, I would be satisfied!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    11 people out of 13 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Safety car ever

    This car is a dream car. It is a reliable, comfortable, and safe car. It has many nice features such as seat massage and lane assist.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    7 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • I expect more from a vehicle of this price

    the car has many fine features as it should. Areas that need improvement - smart phone integration, the rear seat headrests are awkward and uncomfortable, all of the side window molding becomes discolored. It's ugly. The most disappointing thing is Mercedes' reaction. In an industry where customer service is usually paramount they just don't seem to care.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    17 people out of 21 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Perfection

    Can?t wait until I have one of my own! It truly is a modern marvel full of thoughtful engineering and intuitive controls for top of the line driving experience.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    0 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • One of the best car I?ve drove

    Very smooth driving ! More leg space in front and back! Excellent features while lane changing! Heated seats front and back! The look and shape are too good! Excellent interior
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • This isn?t a car, it?s a magic carpet

    Oh my goodness. First Mercedes and first luxury car. This car is a wonderful combination of a high strength steel safety cage, 440 horsepower, 500 foot pounds of torque on a responsive air suspension dominating and subduing the highways at great speeds. The headlights light up the night. The leather seats cosset. The style is timeless and classy. My wife feels elegant and special as she should whenever she drives it. This car is worth it. I would buy again, but for my wife.....I?ll stick with my Dodge Durango. This is the vehicle that may save my family?s lives in a crash. Worth every penny.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550?

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 is available in 1 trim level:

  • GLS 550 (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550?

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 offers up to 14 MPG in city driving and 19 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550?

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 reliable?

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 has an average reliability rating of 4.8 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 owners.

Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550. 83.3% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.7 / 5
Based on 6 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.7
  • Interior: 5.0
  • Performance: 5.0
  • Value: 4.7
  • Exterior: 4.7
  • Reliability: 4.8

Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 history

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