
GLS is equipped with two engines, namely a 3.0T twin-turbocharged engine and a 4.0T twin-turbocharged engine, with model numbers 256930 and 278912 respectively. The 3.0T engine has a maximum power of 270 kilowatts and a maximum torque of 500 Newton-meters, while the 4.0T engine has a maximum power of 310 kilowatts and a maximum torque of 600 Newton-meters. The transmission system paired with the engines is a 9-speed automatic manual transmission. The Mercedes-Benz GLS is a large SUV under the Mercedes-Benz brand, with a body length, width, and height of 5130mm, 1982mm, and 1849mm respectively, and a wheelbase of 3075mm.

















When researching luxury SUVs before, I paid special attention to the powertrain of the GLS. There are significant differences in engine configurations across different model years. The current main domestic model, the GLS 450, uses a 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engine codenamed M256, paired with 48V mild hybrid technology for exceptional fuel efficiency. The older GLS 400 model featured a 3.0T V6 engine from the M276 series. For those seeking ultimate power, the GLS 580's 4.0T V8 engine is truly impressive, delivering over 500 horsepower on demand with twin-turbo boost. When choosing a vehicle, remember to check the vehicle identification plate or have the salesperson verify the specific model, as parallel import versions might even come with diesel engines.

Last month, I just helped a client inspect a used GLS, with a focus on checking the engine condition. The currently available GLS 450 is equipped with the M256 engine, and the standout feature of this six-cylinder engine is its fast electronic turbo response, paired with the EQ Boost mild hybrid system for exceptionally quiet start-stop operation. In contrast, the discontinued older model GLS 400 used the M276 engine, where more attention should be paid to the aging of the engine mounts. The top-of-the-line GLS 580 overseas comes with the M176 4.0-liter V8, but it's relatively rare in the domestic market. During the inspection, it's essential to open the engine hood to verify the cylinder block number, as there are subtle differences in water pump designs across different batches.

Recently accompanied a friend to test drive the new GLS 450, where the salesperson specifically introduced the powertrain. The entire lineup now comes standard with a 3.0T inline-six engine, and all third-generation models with chassis code 167 use the M256 engine. This engine features an electric auxiliary compressor, delivering 500 Nm of torque at just 1500 rpm. According to mechanics at the repair shop, it's about 15% more fuel-efficient than the older M276 engine, with the ISG motor providing an additional 20 horsepower boost. Some U.S. versions use diesel engines, but domestic official channels only offer gasoline models.

Last year during the technical training, we focused on disassembling the GLS engine. The current main engine is the model M256 930 3.0T, featuring an all-aluminum cylinder block with nano cylinder wall coating. The turbo system is quite interesting, with the exhaust turbo and electric compressor working in coordination. Training materials indicate that the North American market GLS 580 is equipped with the M176 engine, featuring twin-scroll turbo with cylinder deactivation technology, though fuel consumption is indeed on the higher side. The generator bracket positions vary across different model years, requiring special attention during repairs.

Researching German car engine configurations is my daily interest. The current main engine in the GLS series is the M256 in the GLS 450, a 3.0-liter displacement unit with an electric turbocharger, featuring a special polymer crankcase for noise reduction. The older GLS 400 used the M276 engine, available in high and low power versions, all updated after the 2019 model year. The AMG version previously employed a 5.5T engine, but the current GLS 63 has switched to a 4.0T V8. To accurately check the model, you can refer to the 17-digit VIN under the windshield, where the 8th letter indicates the engine type.


