The Mercedes-Benz GLS: An SUV Like No Other

In the minds of our customers, the GLS name means true quality—and it isn’t at all difficult to see why. The new Mercedes-Benz GLS is a paragon of luxury, a dependable family hauler, and a high-performance SUV with power to spare. If you’re looking for a model that really can do it all, you can’t go wrong with the S-Class of SUVs. But what does “GLS” mean in practice? We’ve laid out everything you need to know.

The S-Class of SUVs Sets an Unrivaled Standard

Mercedes-Benz GLS: Inside the Cabin

The Mercedes-Benz GLS isn’t just an SUV; it’s the S-Class of SUVs. And, as any driver familiar with the S-Class meaning will understand, this means that the GLS delivers a luxurious touring experience that no rival can match. Don’t just take our word for it. Check out some of the standard and available features now:

• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Heated second and third-row seats
• Power-folding rear seats
• AIRMATIC®® suspension with Adaptive Damping System
• 4-zone automatic climate control
• HANDS-FREE ACCESS® liftgate
• Mercedes-Benz User Experience
• Voice Control with Natural Language Understanding
• MBUX Interior Assistant
• Inductive wireless charging with NFC pairing
• 64-color ambient interior lighting
• Head-Up Display technology
• Air Balance cabin-air purification system
• Acoustic Comfort Package
• MB-Tex® or Nappa Leather upholstery
• Seating for up to seven passengers
• More than 40 inches of second-row legroom
• More than 35 inches of third-row legroom
• Up to 84.7 cubic feet of cargo space
• And so much more!

Mercedes-Benz GLS: Under the Hood

Of course, this is a Mercedes-Benz that we’re talking about! Once you look past the long list of interior features and amenities, you’ll find even more to appreciate under the hood. Choose from three powerful engines:

• The GLS 450 SUV includes a 3.0L turbocharged i6 engine with 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. It goes from 0 to 60 in just 5.9 seconds.
• The GLS 580 SUV takes you from 0 to 60 in 5.2 seconds with its 4.0L biturbo V8. It churns out 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.
• If you move up to the AMG® GLS 63 SUV, you’ll receive a 4.0L biturbo V8 with 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. 
• In any configuration, DYNAMIC SELECT® allows you to switch between ECO, Comfort, Sport, and Off-Road driving modes with a small dial.

Naturally, the S-Class of SUVs comes with an extraordinary range of safety and driver-assistance features too. Blind Spot Assist with Exit Warning Assist, PARKTRONIC® with Active Parking Assist, and a Surround View System are all standard. For even more convenience, upgrade with the Driver Assistance Package PLUS.

What Does GLS Mean?

You know that the GLS is the S-Class of SUVs, but what does “GLS” actually stand for? The letters GLS all have a deeper meaning:

• G stands for Gelandewagen, a German word that means something like “cross-country vehicle”. Like the original G-Class, the GLS is ready for any terrain.
• L stands for Leicht, another German word that means “lightweight”. Even though the large and powerful GLS weighs more than 5,000 pounds, it’s classed as a light vehicle, not a heavy-duty model.
• S stands for Sonderklasse, which means “special class”. Since this aspect of the GLS meaning is shared with the S-Class sedan, we think it’s more or less self-explanatory. With a “special class” vehicle, you can expect unrivaled luxury.

Mercedes-Benz GLS History

Every vehicle has a story, and the modern Mercedes-Benz GLS is the result of nearly two decades’ worth of research and development. Find out how far we’ve come:

• 1st-Generation GLS: The 1st-Generation GLS was released in 2006. Drivers in South Riding and Centerville were immediately eager to learn about the brand’s first-ever 7-passenger SUV, and now, this model is an indispensable part of the lineup.
• 2nd-Generation GLS: After the first generation was retired in 2012, the 2nd-Generation GLS was released to even more fanfare in 2013. This generation included the very first AMG® GLS SUV, which provided that family-friendly comfort and invigorating performance really could go hand in hand.
• 3rd-Generation GLS: The GLS received its last major redesign in 2020, and the third-generation GLS SUV is currently available at Mercedes-Benz of Chantilly. 

Experience the S-Class of SUVs at Mercedes-Benz of Chantilly

You’ve explored the ins and outs of the GLS meaning, so you just might be ready for an even closer look! We’re sure you’ll love what you find in our new GLS inventory, and you can even enjoy a more luxurious shopping experience when you find out how to buy online from your home or office in Chantilly or Ashburn. Start exploring our SUV lease and finance specials today.