What is the difference between GLS and GL?

[DanielRose]

GL and GLS mainly have the following differences: 1. The rear of the car will have letters such as G, GL, GLS, which represent the car model. G stands for the basic model (Grand entry-level), GL for the luxury model (Grande, -Lux), and GLS for the top model (Luxury, -and-Super). Since G is rare in China, many dealers directly explain GL as the basic model and GLS as the luxury model. 2. GLS belongs to the mid-term facelift of GL, and the biggest visual difference comes from the front grille, with the oversized three-pointed star emblem and double horizontal bars being highly recognizable.

[DanielaMarie]

Actually, the GLS is the successor model to the GL, but Mercedes-Benz changed the naming convention. I used to drive the older GL450 and later switched to the GLS450. The most noticeable differences are that the new model is overall larger and more luxurious. The third-row seats have evolved from emergency seating to genuinely accommodating adults, and the trunk space has significantly increased. In terms of interior, the GLS features a dual-screen design with 64-color adjustable ambient lighting, while the older GL was more traditional. Driving-wise, the GLS's 9AT transmission feels much smoother than the GL's 7AT, especially at low speeds with less jerkiness. Nowadays, Mercedes-Benz has renamed its entire SUV lineup to the 'GL + letter' format, with the GLS being equivalent to the S-Class among SUVs, positioned above the GLC/GLE. However, be cautious as some used car dealers might misrepresent old GL models as GLS—check the production year to differentiate.

[DelAriel]

Simply put, the GLS is the upgraded version of the GL. Having sold cars for years, I've witnessed its generational change—after 2016, the older GL model was discontinued, and the new version was renamed GLS. The most noticeable difference is the size; the GLS is 13 cm longer than the GL, with an extended wheelbase, especially making the third row less cramped. The configuration gap is obvious too—the current GLS comes standard with intelligent driving assistance, including active braking and lane-keeping, features only available in the top-tier GL models before. Nowadays, in Mercedes showrooms, the most expensive SUVs besides the G-Class are the GLS Maybach models, with the entry-level version costing over 1.5 million RMB, which is 300,000 RMB more expensive than the GL back then. Be cautious when buying used—models manufactured before 2015 are definitely GLs, while those after 2016 are GLS.

[TannerLynn]

As a Mercedes-Benz owner, let me share the real-world experience differences. When my GLS450 is parked next to my friend's older GL550, the front headlights are completely different - the GLS features geometric multi-beam headlights that automatically dim for oncoming traffic. The most striking interior upgrade is the dual 12.3-inch screens, while the older GL still uses analog gauges with a small display. On highways, the GLS's air suspension automatically lowers the vehicle for improved stability during cornering, a feature absent in the previous model. The infotainment systems differ too - the GLS supports touchpad control for MBUX and responds to 'Hey Mercedes' voice commands for climate control adjustments. However, I do miss physical buttons as even volume adjustment requires using the touchpad now. The mechanic mentioned both have 3.0T engines, but the GLS's M256 adds 48V mild hybrid technology for smoother start-stop operation.

[ZaneLynn]

There are three key differences: platform upgrade, increased dimensions, and enhanced configurations. After the 2016 model year update, the GL was renamed to GLS, adopting the new MHA platform. The dimensions were comprehensively enlarged, with the third-row legroom increased by nearly 10 centimeters. In terms of configurations, the GLS comes standard with four-zone climate control and Burmester sound system, which were optional in the previous GL model. Currently, the 10th digit of the VIN can distinguish them: models from 2015 and earlier are GL (W166 chassis), while those after 2016 are GLS (X167 chassis). In the used car market, be cautious of dealers labeling the 2015 GL450 as 'older GLS'—the price difference can exceed 100,000 yuan.

[ODaniela]

The naming strategy of Mercedes-Benz is quite interesting. Previously, the GL represented the SUV series, with numbers indicating the model class, such as the compact GLK and the mid-to-large-size GL. After the major redesign in 2015, the entire lineup adopted a new naming convention: GLA/GLB/GLC/GLE/GLS. Thus, the GLS is actually the direct successor to the GL, equivalent to elevating the original model by half a class. The top-tier variant is the GLS Maybach, featuring electric leg rests in the rear seats and priced over 800,000 RMB more than the standard version. Interestingly, there's also a GLT pickup version abroad, though it hasn't been introduced in China. Nowadays, most of the older GLs seen on the roads are from the 2012-2015 models, with their classic double-slat grille design, while the new GLS sports a starry grille paired with sleek, elongated headlights, giving it a completely different vibe.