The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is a three-row crossover SUV that redefines luxurious family transport.
Pros Sublime demeanor Posh interior Strong turbocharged engines Impressive dynamics AMG, Maybach editions sure to come
Cons Hefty price Hefty curb weight Hefty fuel consumption Occasional cheap touch
Sitting atop the Mercedes-Benz SUV hierarchy is the spacious and indisputably luxurious GLS-Class. It's all new for 2020 and it has big shoes to fill—we've named the outgoing GLS-Class to our 10Best Trucks and SUVs list for three straight years—but our first impressions of this new big Benz are very good.
Pros Tech-rich cabin, spacious in all three rows, refined powertrains.
Cons Anonymous styling, fussy infotainment system, heavily optioned models carry high price tags
New styling in line with other Mercedes SUVs.Powerful mild hybrid powertrains.Standard adjustable air suspension.All-new third GLS generation launched for 2020.
Pros MBUX infotainment is outstanding Tops in comfort and easily seats adults in all three rows Flexible cargo capacity Responsive powertrains feel like driving a smaller SUV
Cons Not as off-road-worthy as some rugged competitors Somewhat vague steering with large wheels and thin tires MBUX has a steep learning curve
For 2021, Mercedes gifts the GLC lineup with more standard features and more standalone options. A passive hands-free entry as well as a self-parking function and rear cross-traffic alert are now included on every model. Automatic high-beam assist and a 360-degree camera system are now available separately on a GLC300 without being bundled as part of a package.
Pros Quiet and refined, gorgeous and spacious interior, more space inside than a C-Class.
Cons Lacks driving verve, limited cargo space, most driver assists aren't standard should you want them.
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class can be a soothing urban oasis—or a roaring twin-turbo V-8 track star. It’s your call.
Pros Great looks AMG’s unbridled performance Comfortable ride and interior Good rear seat room Good active safety features
Cons Top prices approach $100,000 Compromised outward vision in coupes Small rear doors in coupes
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class's #3 ranking is based on its score within the Luxury Compact SUVs category. Currently the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class has a score of 8.2 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 28 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Potent engine lineup Posh, comfortable interior Surefooted handling User-friendly infotainment system
Cons Coupe models have cramped rear seats and cargo area Higher starting price than many rivals
