What Is the Largest Mercedes SUV?

The mighty GLS-Class is the largest Mercedes SUV on the market today. It also happens to be one of the best SUVs you can buy, hands down.
Written by R.E. Fulton
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is the largest
Mercedes
SUV on the market. But it’s got more going for it than sheer size: it’s also among the most competent, comfortable, and downright awesome SUVs available for purchase right now. 
If you’re in the market for a big Mercedes SUV, the GLS 450 should be on your radar. From its striking, broad-shouldered frame to an ultra-luxe, roomy interior, it’s everything you could ask for in a three-row luxury SUV—and with GLS models available from Mercedes’s high-performance and luxury divisions, you’ll have your pick from among the giants. 
Here to introduce you to the largest SUV Mercedes makes is
Jerry
, the app that upgrades your
car insurance
in seconds. Let’s take a closer look at the GLS 450 and its powerful siblings. 

Meet the biggest Mercedes SUV: the GLS-Class 

Standing proud at 5,412 pounds and 205 inches, the Mercedes-Benz
GLS 450 4Matic
is a three-row marvel of luxury SUV mastery. If you’re looking for Mercedes’ biggest SUV, this is it
Size isn’t the only thing that matters when it comes to the GLS-Class. Sure, it can seat up to seven in next-level comfort thanks to roomy seats in every row and extra-large windows that maximize the sense of space in the cabin. And, yes, its burly mild hybrid six-cylinder engine is capable of towing up to 7,700 pounds of cargo in addition to whatever you can stow in 84.7 cubic feet of cargo space. 
But that’s just the beginning. For the GLS 450’s $78,900 starting price, you’ll get an SUV capable of breaking 60mph in just six seconds, with a competitive 20 mpg combined city/highway EPA fuel economy rating, and outfitted with the absolute best—and we do mean best—in automotive technology. 
We’re talking best-in-class driver assistance aids, including adaptive cruise control, active brake assist, and an optional semi-autonomous driving mode. We’re also talking about USB-C ports in every row, standard wireless charging pads, and—of course—standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. 
While the base GLS 450 offers just about everything you could want in a big Mercedes SUV, it has three better (and pricier) selves: the V8-powered GLS 850, the high-performance AMC GLS 63, and the ultra-luxe Maybach GLS 600
Take a look at the tables below for more detail on key specs for the largest Mercedes SUV. 
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Dimensions

Want to see the straight measurements for Mercedes’ largest SUV? We’ve got all the dimensions of the 2022 GLS 450 right here—and these measurements largely hold true, with some slight variations, for other GLS-class models.
Exterior dimensions
Wheelbase
123.4 inches
Length
205 inches
Width (without mirrors)
77 inches
Height
71.8 inches
Front track width
65.7 inches
Rear track width
66.6 inches
Ground clearance
7.9 inches

Engine and performance

A big SUV needs a big engine—and the GLS-Class has plenty to offer. The table below compares the engines available for each of the four GLS-Class SUVs.

Cargo and towing

Owning a big SUV isn’t just about who you can fit inside—it also needs to be able to haul all the cargo that makes your travel exceptional. You’ll find the same cargo capacity in every GLS-Class SUV: 
  • Cargo volume behind first row: 84.7 cubic feet 
  • Cargo volume behind second row: 42.7 cubic feet
  • Cargo volume behind third row: 17.4 cubic feet 
The 17.4 cubes on offer with all seats in use isn’t mind-blowing—you’ll find more suitcase space in mid-size SUVs like the
Volkswagen Atlas
and the budget-friendly
Kia Telluride
, both of which break 20 cubic feet behind the third row. But with seats that fold flat into the floor and tons of small-object storage integrated throughout the cabin, the cargo capacity of the GLS 450 is more than adequate. 
When it comes to what you can haul behind your Mercedes SUV, on the other hand, the GLS-Class rises to the challenge. The GLS 450’s six-cylinder engine can tow up to 7,700 pounds with the proper configuration. If you’re looking for a little extra towing capacity, it might be worth looking at the
Lincoln Navigator
, which can unlock
an extra 1,000 pounds
of towing capacity—but for most drivers, the GLS’s 7,700 is more than enough.

Mercedes GLS-Class vs. the competition

The GLS-Class might be the biggest SUV Mercedes makes, but how does it compare to other three-row utes in the luxury class? The table below compares the dimensions and other key specs for the GLS-Class and a few of its most direct competitors. 
In most areas, the GLS-Class stands up shoulder to shoulder with these other SUV giants—and its smooth-riding mild hybrid engine and optional E-Active Body Control suspension give it an edge in terms of efficiency and ride quality. But for sheer size and might, both the Lincoln Navigator and the
Jeep
Grand Wagoneer give it a run for its (considerable) money.
Model
Starting price
Engine
Wheelbase
Length
Base curb weight
Seating capacity
Cargo volume w/seats down
Cargo volume w/seats up
2022 Mercedes GLS 450
$78,900
362-hp 3.0-liter inline-six combined w/21-hp AC motor
123.4 inches
205.0 inches
5412 pounds
6 to 7
84.7 cubic feet
17.4 cubic feet
2022 Lincoln Navigator
$78,965
440-hp 3.5-liter V6
122.5 inches
210.0 inches
6078 pounds
7 to 8
103.4 cubic feet
20.9 cubic feet
2022 Cadillac Escalade
$79,440
420-hp 6.2-liter V8
120.0 inches
211.9 inches
6270 pounds
7 to 8
121.0 cubic feet
25.5 cubic feet
2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
$89,995
471-hp 6.4-liter V8
123 inches
214.7 inches
6400 pounds
7 to 8
94.2 cubic feet
27.4 cubic feet
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How to upgrade your Mercedes insurance policy 

A huge part of owning a luxury vehicle is maintaining your asset. Now, you might think we’re talking about oil changes and routine tune-ups—and we are! But your Mercedes’ insurance policy can also benefit from regular maintenance—and with
Jerry
, a
car insurance
tune-up takes less than a minute. 
That’s because Jerry is a
licensed insurance broker
partnered with over 55 of the nation’s top insurance companies. It’s also the world’s first super app for car owners. Plug your information into Jerry, and you’ll get competitive quotes and policy options tailored to your unique vehicle in just 45 seconds. 
When you select a quote in the app, Jerry’s team of insurance experts are standing by to usher you through the quickest, most painless sign-up process known to man. 
It’s as simple as that! Shopping with Jerry is the best way to maintain high-quality car insurance on the largest Mercedes SUV—or any vehicle you drive! 
“Because I have a luxury car, I was more interested in finding better coverage than the exact price.
Jerry
helped me upgrade my policy, and when my record is cleared next year, I will be using Jerry again to choose an even cheaper plan!” —Paige W.
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