DecodedCars2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- Gls 450 4matic 4dr SUV, Gls 580 4matic 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 19 city / 23 hwy
- Length
- 205.1 in
- Curb weight
- 5,468–5,754 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- Few owner complaints0 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 28 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 17 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 4.0L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 205 inches long and 80 inches wide on a 123-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,468 lb (Gls 450 4matic 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (19 city / 23 highway), 12% better than the 2020 standard SUV average of 18.8 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2020
- New body dimensions: 3.1 in longer, wheelbase +1.9 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- New hybrid version
- Engine added: 4.0L 8-cyl turbo
- Engines dropped: 4.7L 8-cyl turbo and 5.5L 8-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG up from 18 to 21
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 GLS-Class →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gls 450 4matic 4dr SUV | 205.1 in | 79.9 in | 71.7 in | 123.2 in | 66.9 / 68.1 in | 5,468 lb | |
| Gls 580 4matic 4dr SUV | 205.1 in | 79.9 in | 71.7 in | 123.2 in | 66.9 / 68.1 in | 5,754 lb |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLS450 4matic Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 23 / 21 | +12% | $3,900 | 429 |
| GLS580 4matic Hybrid | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 21 / 18 | -4% | $4,550 | 487 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.
Similar 2020 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Cadillac Escalade | 17 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2020 Audi Q7 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2020 Tesla Model X | 351 mi | Not rated | 10 |
| 2020 Land Rover Discovery | 23 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2020 Lexus LX | 14 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Lincoln Navigator | 19 MPG | ★★★★★ | 13 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other GLS-Class years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 GLS-Class | 21 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 GLS-Class | 21 | 205.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 GLS-Class | 21 | 205.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 GLS-Class | 21 | 205.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 GLS-Class | 20 | 205.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 GLS-Class | 20 | 205.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 GLS-Class | 21 | 205.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 GLS-Class | 18 | 202 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 GLS-Class | 19 | 202 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 GLS-Class | 19 | 202 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →