GLS-Klasse
The Mercedes-Benz GLS is the brand’s full-size family SUV, combining three seating rows, all-wheel drive and a comfort-focused character positioned close to the S-Class. Originally introduced as the GL, it adopted the GLS name during the 2015 update to emphasize its place at the top of Mercedes-Benz’s SUV range. The 2016-2020 period therefore covers the final years of the X166 generation, sold as the GLS from 2016 onward, followed by the arrival of the X167 generation in 2019. It also includes the launch of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC, unveiled in 2019 and brought to market in 2020. Within the model range covered here, the main reference points are the Base version for the 2016-2019 model years and the Maybach version associated with 2020.
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Variants by year
Make: Mercedes-Benz · Model: GLS-Klasse
3 / 3 versions shown
2020
2019
2016
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Klasse photos
Model summary
Data from the ScanRacer library, organized to compare versions quickly.
Model introduction
The Mercedes-Benz GLS is the brand’s full-size family SUV, combining three seating rows, all-wheel drive and a comfort-focused character positioned close to the S-Class. Originally introduced as the GL, it adopted the GLS name during the 2015 update to emphasize its place at the top of Mercedes-Benz’s SUV range. The 2016-2020 period therefore covers the final years of the X166 generation, sold as the GLS from 2016 onward, followed by the arrival of the X167 generation in 2019. It also includes the launch of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC, unveiled in 2019 and brought to market in 2020. Within the model range covered here, the main reference points are the Base version for the 2016-2019 model years and the Maybach version associated with 2020.
History
The GLS story begins with the Mercedes-Benz GL, a full-size seven-seat SUV developed for buyers seeking luxury, space and all-wheel-drive capability in one vehicle. The first generation, identified by the X164 code, appeared in the mid-2000s. It established the model’s core formula: a large body, 4MATIC all-wheel drive, advanced suspension technology and a cabin arranged around three seating rows. The second generation, known as the X166, arrived in the early 2010s. It retained the GL’s basic mission while bringing improvements to comfort, interior presentation and driver-assistance equipment. In 2015, Mercedes-Benz introduced a substantial update to the vehicle’s design and naming. The model became the GLS, following the company’s revised SUV nomenclature. Mercedes-Benz positioned it as the flagship SUV and described it as the “S-Class among SUVs”, a role reflected in the emphasis placed on refinement, safety and long-distance comfort. A new generation, the X167, was unveiled in 2019. It brought a more contemporary structure, digital interfaces and a broader range of luxury equipment while retaining the practical full-size SUV format. In the same year, Mercedes-Maybach introduced the GLS 600 4MATIC. Its market launch followed in the second half of 2020, adding an especially luxurious, rear-passenger-focused interpretation to the GLS family.
Generations
The period covered here mainly includes two distinct generations. The first is the X166, a direct development of the second-generation GL. In GLS form, it corresponds to the 2016-2019 model years. Its visual identity is defined by a tall and elongated body, a broad grille, swept headlights and a three-row cabin. The facelifted version also adopts a design language more closely aligned with Mercedes-Benz’s other SUVs of the period. Engine availability and equipment levels varied by country, model year and trim, so specifications from one market should not automatically be applied to another. The second generation is the X167, introduced in 2019. It can be distinguished from the X166 by its more sculpted bodywork, stronger front-end design, extensively digital dashboard and greater focus on passenger comfort. Mercedes-Benz emphasized touring ability, interior space and advanced suspension and assistance technologies. The X167 also provides the technical foundation for the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC. From a historical perspective, the X166-to-X167 change represents a genuine generation transition. By contrast, the GL-to-GLS change introduced in 2015 was primarily a model update and a repositioning within Mercedes-Benz’s SUV naming structure. That distinction is useful when comparing vehicles from 2016 onward.
Key differences
The main differences separate the X166 GLS from the X167 GLS. The X166, represented from 2016 to 2019 within the period considered, retains a design closer to the earlier GL: upright proportions, a more conventional cabin layout and less extensively integrated digital instrumentation. It remains a traditional full-size SUV concept with seating capacity that can extend to seven occupants. The X167, introduced in 2019, brings more contemporary bodywork, a more technology-focused interior and a stronger connection with Mercedes-Benz’s upper luxury models. Its digital interfaces and comfort-oriented engineering make it a new generation rather than a simple facelift. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC is more clearly differentiated. It uses the X167 GLS as its technical basis but adds distinctive styling, enhanced sound insulation, rear-seat luxury equipment, electrically deployable running boards and a cabin limited to two seating rows. Engine, transmission and equipment differences still need to be checked against the exact market and model year, since Mercedes-Benz specifications were not identical worldwide.
Photo recognition
To identify a 2016-2019 X166 GLS, start with its proportions. The body is long, tall and relatively upright, with generous glass area and a three-row passenger compartment. Its grille and headlights use the Mercedes-Benz design language of the mid-to-late 2010s. The GLS badge appears on the tailgate, although exterior details vary with trim, engine and market. The X167 GLS, introduced in 2019, has more sculpted bodywork and a visually broader front end. The cabin is one of the most useful clues: its central display and digital instrument cluster are integrated into a newer dashboard design than the X166’s. Exterior details such as bumpers, wheels and lighting signatures depend on the selected equipment packages. The Maybach GLS 600 is easier to distinguish. Key clues include its grille with fine vertical bars, extensive chrome detailing, the upright bonnet star, electrically deployable running boards and, on some examples, two-tone paint. The absence of a third seating row is another important identifier. Badges alone should not be treated as conclusive, since replacement parts and aftermarket modifications are common.
Important versions
Within the 2016-2020 scope, the Base version corresponds to the X166 GLS for the 2016-2019 model years. It represents the mainstream Mercedes-Benz full-size SUV configuration, combining family practicality, long-distance comfort and all-wheel-drive versatility. Exact specifications depend on the country and equipment level. The Maybach version refers to the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC, unveiled in 2019 and introduced during 2020. It provides a much more exclusive interpretation of the GLS, with a 4.0-liter V8, 48-volt EQ Boost system, AIRMATIC air suspension, dedicated rear-passenger equipment and a two-row cabin. Its vertical-bar grille, illuminated running boards and extensive personalization options make it visually and conceptually distinct. AMG derivatives and other GLS powertrains were also offered in selected markets, but they are not included among the supplied variants for this scope.
The name “GLS-Klasse” follows Mercedes-Benz naming, with its rules and its exceptions. Decode a Mercedes-Benz name
References
- Der neue Mercedes-Benz GLS: Die S-Klasse unter den SUVs definiert Komfort neuMercedes-Benz Media
- Der neue Mercedes-Maybach GLS: Eine neue Art von LuxusMercedes-Benz Media
- Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class X166 2016-2019 brochureBrochure Catalogue Voiture Neuve
- Souveränität auf höchstem Niveau: Der neue Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+Mercedes-Benz Media
- https://g-class.mercedes-benz.com/en/gls-suvg-class.mercedes-benz.com
- https://static.oneweb.mercedes-benz.com/css-oom-assets/en-ab/pdf/mercedes-amg-gls-owners-manual-supplement-march-2025-1.pdfstatic.oneweb.mercedes-benz.com
- https://static.oneweb.mercedes-benz.com/css-oom-assets/en-ca/pdf/mercedes-gls-suv-2026-july-x167-mbux-operators-manual-1.pdfstatic.oneweb.mercedes-benz.com
- https://static.oneweb.mercedes-benz.com/css-oom-assets/en-ca/pdf/mercedes-amg-gls-supplement-september-2020-1.pdfstatic.oneweb.mercedes-benz.com
Frequently asked questions
- What years was the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Klasse produced?
- ScanRacer's referenced versions cover 2016 - 2020.
- How many Mercedes-Benz GLS-Klasse examples are documented on ScanRacer?
- 4 published scans from 4 members, with the latest photo added in August 2026.
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