The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS is a full-size luxury SUV with three-row seating, designed for families and drivers who want flagship comfort with strong towing and all-weather capability. This model year belongs to the first-generation GLS (based on the GL-Class platform), making it one of the final years before the full redesign that arrived for 2020. It competes with premium rivals like the BMW X7 and Range Rover by focusing on a smooth ride, a quiet cabin, and classic Mercedes-Benz refinement. It’s an ideal fit for buyers who need real space for passengers and cargo but still want upscale materials and advanced tech.

Engine choices for 2019 include the GLS 450 with a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 (362 hp) and the GLS 550 with a 4.7L twin-turbo V8 (449 hp), both paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Three-row seating is standard, with easy long-distance comfort thanks to supportive seats, a composed highway ride, and available premium leather and wood trim. The cabin features Mercedes-Benz infotainment with a large central display, navigation options, Bluetooth connectivity, and available rear-seat entertainment depending on equipment. Towing capability is a strong point for the class, with properly equipped models commonly rated up to around 7,500 pounds. Safety and driver assistance features vary by package, but available options can include adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assistance, and automated emergency braking.

Shoppers researching 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS reliability often find that it can be a solid long-term SUV when maintained, but repairs can be expensive and a few recurring issues show up in owner reports. 1) Air suspension (AIRMATIC) leaks or compressor wear: Some GLS models equipped with air suspension can develop leaking air struts or a failing compressor, leading to a sagging corner overnight, a bouncy ride, or suspension warnings. This can show up anywhere from roughly 60,000 to 100,000 miles, though it varies by climate and road conditions. 2) Oil leaks from seals or gaskets: Owners commonly report oil seepage from areas like valve cover gaskets or other engine seals as mileage accumulates. Symptoms can include oil smell, small drips, or residue around the engine bay, often appearing in the 70,000+ mile range. 3) Electrical/infotainment glitches: Some drivers experience intermittent issues such as screen freezing, camera display dropouts, parking sensor warnings, or battery-related warning messages. These complaints are often tied to software updates, aging batteries, or module communication faults rather than a single “one part always fails.” 4) Brake wear and brake sensor warnings: The GLS is heavy, and frequent city driving can accelerate pad and rotor wear. Owners sometimes report brake warning lights or vibration under braking when rotors warp, commonly becoming noticeable around 30,000–50,000 miles depending on driving style.