Used Mercedes-Benz GLS X167 (2020-2026): Buyer's Guide

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS carries four separate NHTSA recalls

Two of them are for air bags. One covers a sunroof that can slam shut mid car wash. One covers third-row seatback locks that can fail in a crash. None of that shows up when you're standing in a driveway looking at a clean, low-mile GLS 580 with the panoramic roof and captain's chairs. The bigger issue for a used buyer isn't any single recall, though. It's that this generation ships four different powertrains riding on three genuinely different suspension systems, and the parts for one don't fit the others. Get the wrong one and a routine suspension repair turns into a $10,000 problem. Here's what you need to know before you buy one used.

This Generation at a Glance

The X167 GLS launched for model year 2020, replacing the X166 GL/GLS on a longer, wider platform shared underneath with the GLE. It grew 7.7 cm in length and 6 cm in wheelbase over the old truck, mostly poured into third-row space, and it was the first Mercedes SUV with fully power-adjustable second and third rows, plus an optional six-seat captain's-chair layout. Every engine got Mercedes' 48-volt EQ Boost mild-hybrid system for the first time. Mercedes-AMG added the GLS 63 for 2021, and the ultra-luxury Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 arrived the same year.

A mid-cycle refresh landed for model year 2024: revised front fascia and grille, new LED taillights, a redesigned MBUX display with three selectable graphic styles, a new four-spoke touch-control steering wheel, and power increases on the GLS 450 and GLS 580. Nothing in the refresh reads as a reliability fix. Treat the mechanical issues below as running through pre- and post-refresh cars alike unless a specific recall says otherwise.

Buyers cross-shopping this generation are usually looking at the BMW X7, Range Rover, Cadillac Escalade, and Lincoln Navigator too. Pricing across that group clusters from around $75,000 up past $100,000 in top trims, with the Range Rover starting higher still. What sets the GLS apart in that field is the three distinct suspension technologies described below and the Maybach halo trim at the very top, something none of the domestic competitors match.

Current pricing and inventory: Mercedes-Benz GLS market data, with per-year pages for 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.

Powertrain & Trim Breakdown

Shared across the lineup, before you get into engine-specific details

A few issues show up regardless of which engine is under the hood. The 48-volt EQ Boost system that every X167 GLS uses is new to this generation, and forum reports describe early-life failures rather than high-mileage wear. One owner reported an evaporative-canister failure paired with an electric-motor fault at just 4,107 miles, replaced free under factory warranty. Separately, GLS 63 owners in an owner Facebook group report the 12-volt battery draining if the truck sits parked for three to five days. A standard 12V battery swap runs $200-$400. The 48V battery itself is a different story: replacement, if it's ever needed, runs $1,500-$3,000.

Early 2020 and 2021 GLS models have a documented water-intrusion issue traced to an AC drain hose that was routed incorrectly on the assembly line, letting water into the cabin instead of draining outside. Mercedes corrected the production process around February 2021. If you're looking at an early-build 2020 or 2021 truck, ask about any history of water intrusion, a musty carpet smell, or electrical gremlins that could point back to it. Interior trim quality is otherwise a minor complaint: MBWorld's "Common Problems" thread documents MBTex seat-bolster splitting on early front seats, which Mercedes addressed with a revised seat design partway through the run. There's also a broader 48-volt system service action across the GLE/GLS platform covering a ground-cable connection under the front passenger seat that Mercedes says could overheat in rare cases. You can't inspect that yourself, which is exactly why every VIN should go through the recall lookup tool before you buy, not after.

GLS 450: the volume choice, and the one with the transmission complaint pattern

The GLS 450's turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six is the powertrain most GLS buyers actually live with day to day, and owners generally like it: enough torque to move a 5,700-plus pound SUV without feeling strained, and EQ Boost's brief 20 hp / 148 lb-ft overboost smooths out low-speed acceleration. The recurring complaint is specific and repeatable. CarComplaints.com lists a harsh, jarring downshift when coming to a stop as the top-reported issue on 2020 and 2022 GLS 450s, and CarComplaints rates 2020 as the worst GLS 450 model year it tracks for complaint volume, repair cost, and mileage at failure. Mercedes separately addressed a transmission control unit software issue on V6-equipped 2020-2023 GLE 450 and GLS 450 models, where the software could mishandle a 7th-to-6th downshift during light braking and momentarily stall the engine. If a used GLS 450 lurches or bangs when it downshifts while you're braking gently to a stop, that pattern lines up with a known fix. Ask whether the transmission control software has been updated, and run the VIN through CarScout's recall lookup tool either way.

AIRMATIC air suspension is standard on the GLS 450, and E-Active Body Control was never a strong fit here. Mercedes reportedly pulled E-ABC from the 450's options list at some point in this generation's run due to low demand, though the exact model year isn't confirmed. Don't assume either way. Check the build sheet before you assume you know what's under the truck.

GLS 580: the popular V8, and the one where the suspension option actually matters

The 580's twin-turbo V8 is the volume performance pick, and it's the trim where the AIRMATIC-versus-E-Active Body Control decision has real financial consequences. AIRMATIC is standard; E-ABC was a roughly $6,500 option. The two systems use different pumps, different struts, and different hydraulic and electrical architecture. Parts don't interchange, and a shop unfamiliar with E-ABC can't just bolt on AIRMATIC components to patch a leak. MBWorld has an owner thread specifically walking through how to identify E-ABC on a used GLS by badge and option code before you buy, and that's exactly the kind of check worth doing before you sign anything.

Both suspension systems share a weak point: air spring leaks and compressor burnout, worse on this platform because of the vehicle's curb weight. Independent repair estimates put a full AIRMATIC repair anywhere from $800 to $4,000, with one estimator citing roughly $1,910 for an average strut replacement. E-ABC failures run higher and involve the tandem hydraulic pump, hydraulic lines, struts, and seals, and diagnosis takes longer because the parts and procedures don't overlap with standard AIRMATIC. One consequence worth knowing before you get a repair quote: a lot of "AIRMATIC fault" dashboard warnings on this platform trace back to a control-unit software issue rather than a bad strut. Ask any shop quoting a strut replacement whether they've tried a software update first.

MBWorld's GLS forum also documents throttle-response and transmission-lag complaints specific to the 580, separate from the 450's harsh-downshift pattern, and a fuel pump issue on 2022-2023 models where owners describe rough running or a dashboard warning shortly before the pump fails. If you're looking at a 2022 or 2023 GLS 580, ask whether the fuel pump has already been replaced under warranty.

AMG GLS 63: the fastest one, and the hardest on tires

The AMG GLS 63 pairs the same twin-turbo V8 architecture with a bigger turbo setup and EQ Boost tuning for 603 hp and 627 lb-ft, enough to move this three-row SUV to 60 mph in the low 4-second range. Owners consistently describe it as brutal on tires, worse than the already-short tread life other trims report. The suspension is its own system too: standard AMG RIDE CONTROL+ adaptive air suspension, tuned differently from base AIRMATIC and mechanically distinct from E-Active Body Control. Some later GLS 63s add a further evolution Mercedes calls AMG Active Ride Control, but there's no clean, confirmed cutover model year for the U.S. GLS 63 specifically. Ask the seller which system a given car has rather than assuming based on model year.

Brake costs are actually one bright spot. RepairPal pricing puts GLS 63 brake pad replacement at $636-$688, cheaper than the related GLE 63 AMG S ($738-$795) or GLC 63 AMG S ($788-$845). The 2021 model year, the GLS 63's first, is also covered by the same third-row seatback lock recall that hit the 450 and 580 (more on that below), so it carries the same crash-safety check regardless of how much power is under the hood.

Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600: a different ownership proposition

The Maybach GLS 600 shares the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 architecture at a milder 550 hp / 538 lb-ft tune, prioritizing isolation and cabin quality over outright speed. E-Active Body Control is standard here, so every E-ABC risk and repair cost described above applies with no lower-cost AIRMATIC fallback to switch to. Sales volume is low enough that public owner community discussion is thin. Some owners report factory fit-and-finish issues with rear seats not fitted correctly at the factory, but beyond that, expect to lean on dealer service history more than internet forums if you're shopping one of these.

Trim Levels

The GLS 450 and 580 share nearly identical option sheets otherwise: captain's chairs versus a three-passenger third-row bench, the panoramic sunroof (worth a look given the 2020 sunroof software recall below), and the Driver Assistance Package that adds more advanced adaptive cruise and lane-keeping. None of those change the mechanical risk profile the way the suspension choice does.

Which Model Years to Target Within This Gen

The third-row seatback lock recall (component: seats, mid/rear assembly) covers 2020-2022 GLS 450 and GLS 580 and the 2021 AMG GLS 63. Dealers inspect and replace the third-row seatback where the locks were affected, free of charge. If you're looking at a 2020-2022 GLS, confirm this one was completed before you finalize a deal. 2023 is arguably the sweet spot for value: it's recall-clear in CarScout's data, the platform had three years to mature, and it sits just before the refresh price premium kicks in.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

All trims:

• Check the option code or build sheet to confirm whether the truck has standard AIRMATIC or optional E-Active Body Control. They are not the same system, and a shop repairing the wrong one wastes your money.
• Watch the suspension warning light and ride height through a full startup and drive. A sagging corner, especially after sitting overnight, points to an air spring leak. Don't assume a warning light means a bad strut; ask whether a software update has been tried first.
• Cycle the third-row seats up and down. A motor that runs audibly but doesn't move the seat is a common complaint on this platform, and unlike older GL/GLS generations, the X167 doesn't have a manual-release strap to fall back on if it fails away from a dealer.
• Confirm the third-row seatback lock recall (2020-2022 GLS 450/580, 2021 AMG GLS 63) has been completed if the VIN falls in that range.
• Shift into reverse a few times and watch the backup camera feed. Some early GLS models have a documented quirk where the camera freezes or goes black; Mercedes addressed it with a software update.
• Check tread depth on all four corners of the staggered 21-inch wheels if equipped. Owners report rears wearing out in as little as 25,000-30,000 miles.

GLS 450 specific: Test a few gentle stops from moderate speed and pay attention to how the transmission downshifts. A harsh, jarring downshift is a documented pattern on this powertrain.

GLS 580 specific: Ask whether the fuel pump has been replaced, especially on 2022-2023 models, and whether the car has any rough-running history.

AMG GLS 63 specific: Get tire wear history and a suspension inspection from an independent shop, not just the dealer. This trim is hardest on both.

Run every VIN through the recall lookup tool regardless of what you find in person. This checklist covers what CarScout's data and forum research turned up, not necessarily every open campaign on a specific vehicle.

Running Costs

Budget for tires as a recurring cost, not a one-time one. Staggered 21-inch setups reportedly wear rear tires in 25,000-30,000 miles and fronts closer to 50,000, and full sets run several hundred dollars per corner. Insurance runs higher than the broader luxury-vehicle average too: GLS 450 owners report roughly $3,800-$4,200 a year, with the full GLS range spanning about $2,450-$4,130 and the AMG GLS 63 at the top of that range, largely a function of repair cost and parts pricing rather than any safety or theft factor.

Real-world highway fuel economy tends to beat the EPA combined figure on sustained trips: owners report 24-29 mpg on highway-heavy driving in the GLS 450, well above its 20-21 mpg combined rating. City and mixed driving lands closer to or below the EPA city number given the vehicle's weight. Given how expensive a multi-corner suspension failure can get, this generation is one where an extended warranty genuinely earns its keep. Mercedes prices the GLS in its highest coverage tier alongside the S-Class, and the reasoning tracks: a single AIRMATIC strut failure can run $3,500, and because all four corners tend to age out within roughly a year of each other, a full-suspension replacement can climb toward $10,000-$14,000.

FAQ

Is the Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 reliable? The GLS 580's twin-turbo V8 itself is solid. The bigger reliability question is the AIRMATIC or E-Active Body Control suspension, both prone to air leaks and compressor wear on this heavy platform, plus a documented 2022-2023 fuel pump issue. Verify suspension type and fuel pump history before buying.

What year GLS X167 should I avoid? 2020 carries the most recalls of any year in this generation, including two separate airbag campaigns. 2022 rates as the worst overall model year on CarComplaints for complaint volume and repair cost. 2023 through 2025 are cleaner in CarScout's recall data and worth prioritizing if the price gap isn't extreme.

AIRMATIC or E-Active Body Control: which is better on a used GLS? AIRMATIC is standard across the lineup and simpler to repair, with parts more widely available. E-Active Body Control rides smoother but uses entirely different, non-interchangeable parts and costs more to fix when it fails. For a used buyer prioritizing repair simplicity, AIRMATIC is the safer bet.

How many miles does a Mercedes-Benz GLS last? There isn't enough high-mileage data yet on this specific generation to state a number with confidence; the oldest X167s are only six model years old. The bigger risk isn't the engine reaching a mileage ceiling, it's suspension and electrical repair costs outpacing the vehicle's depreciated value as it ages.

Is the AMG GLS 63 worth the extra cost over the GLS 580? If you want the extra power and the AMG-specific suspension tuning, yes, but go in expecting faster tire wear than even the already-short life other trims report. Brake costs are actually reasonable relative to other AMG models. Budget for tires more than anything else.

Bottom Line

The 2023 GLS 580 is the generation's sweet spot: recall-clear in CarScout's data, a mature platform, and priced below the 2024 refresh premium. Before you buy any GLS X167, confirm whether it has AIRMATIC or E-Active Body Control, since that single detail changes your repair bill for years to come. Run every VIN through the recall lookup tool, especially for 2020-2022 trucks still within the third-row seatback lock recall window. CarScout members hunting a specific GLS trim, year, and suspension combination can set a scout at usecarscout.com and get a daily email when a match shows up, instead of refreshing listings themselves.

Sources

Data sourced from NHTSA recalls carried in CarScout's own vehicle records, EPA fuel economy data, and real owner experiences from MBWorld, Benzworld, CarComplaints.com, and independent repair-cost estimators including Go-Parts and RepairPal. See the full Mercedes-Benz GLS market data for pricing and inventory.