The S-Class of SUVs? 2025 Mercedes GLS facelift driving REVIEW

[@autogefuehl]

►Shop for merchandise: autogefuehl.shop/ ►Subscribe here: kzbin.info ►Also subscribe to our KZbin shorts channel: www.youtube.com/@thomasautogefuhl?sub_confirmation=1 ►Follow us on Facebook / Instagram / TikTok @autogefuehl ►Sustainability in the automotive industry documentary: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2nKf4uih6yhnaMsi=bCdeJZORRHNcVmV2 This is our in-depth review of the 2025 Mercedes GLS facelift. We're taking a look at Exterior, Interior and the driving experience. 00:00 GLS facelift 01:01 Length, wheels, rear 02:15 Indicators 02:32 Interior quality 03:48 Seats and comfort 05:16 Cockpit 07:12 Driver POV 07:58 Transparent bonnet 09:22 Rear seats 12:08 3rd row 7-seater 14:08 Trunk / boot 16:58 Sound and engine 17:50 Acceleration Autobahn 19:39 High speed 20:28 Suspension and steering 23:08 Agile driving 24:33 Consumption mpg 25:15 SUV driving 27:30 Assistance systems 28:09 Price and conclusion #Mercedes #MercedesGLS

[@colinchapman9534]

Thomas, I have been watching your reviews for years on a wide range of vehicle makes. I appreciate the time you take to not cut corners or miss things automotive enthusiasts and buyers actually care to hear about. Yes, we care about how doors closing sound, the feel/quality of materials, the feedback you get from different sized wheels, suspension and buttons etc. I could go on about your quality reviews but I don't need to, as they speak for themselves. If I am making a purchase for myself or my family, I always come here first to see if you have reviewed it. Thank you for your efforts and honesty when making your comparisons. Please don't change. As always Great work! Thanks!

[@autogefuehl]

lovely words, appreciate that so much - please recommend our channel!

[@morris_e6607]

1:37 The taillight chrome ornament at the back not aligned with the rest of the chrome is just unacceptable at this price point. Strange that Thomas didn't notice it :)

[@ViralVirus]

The doorhandles are chrome aswel.. what a mess

[@bnkh]

@@ViralVirus They have been chrome on cars with keyless go for over 10 years....

[@BokiXI]

Thomas is paid by the makers, of course he didn't notice it.

[@veni-sedi-vidi]

Thanks for staying honest. I also would like to add that the stitching of the seams on the back of the seats looks very irregular for such a high end car. Look at 9:56 at the top of the back part below the head rest, that would annoy me to no end if I spend that much money.

[@prothor]

Good review Thomas & Lea 😁. Appreciate your good collaboration together 🤗. Leas point of view is always very appreciated ❣️

[@autogefuehl]

thanks so much m8 !

[@Riste17]

The design is 10 years old 😢

[@davidnjuguna9477]

Is that not a good thing? Modern SUV designs have been termed as hideous. Prior to being updated for 2025, the Volvo XC90 was also a 10-year-old design but somehow still looked acceptable compared to the more recent designs.

[@Riste17]

@davidnjuguna9477 its definitely not good, lack of innovation and design too sad for mercedes

[@autogefuehl]

Data & facts: Mercedes GLS Facelift updated front grill Standard look or AMG 63 length 5,13 m 202“ 20“-23“ wheels (21“ standard in NA and 22“ for GLS 580) air suspension optional e-active body control new rear lights optional offroad pack: underbody cover, +3 cm 1“ higher 7-seater standard or 6-seater with captain’s seats (no extra price) now with virtual bonnet feature steering wheel with capacitive buttons Artico/MBtex leatherette in black/brown/beige available for GLS 450 in NA market Engines now all MHEV with 20 hp e-boost GLS 450 3,0 l R6 380 hp 6,1 s (5,8 s US value) GLS 350d 3,0 l R6 270 hp 6,7 s GLS 450d 3,0 l R6 370 hp 6,1 s GLS 580 4,0 l V8 BiTurbo 520 hp 4,9 s (4,7 s US value) minimum consumption 12 l / 100 km 20 mpg US 23 mpg UK; Realistic mix 15 l 100 km 16 mpg US 19 mpg UK Maybach 600 4,0 l V8 BiTurbo 560 hp 4,9 AMG 63 4,0 l V8 BiTurbo 612 hp 4,2 s (4,1 s US value) towing 3,5 t prices NA GLS 450 89.000 USD, GLS 580 115.000 USD, equipped 130.000 USD EU GLS 350d 110.000 EUR, GLS 580 138.000 EUR, equipped 146.000 Euro Transparency note: Autogefühl videos are independent and free from editorial influence on opinion and rating. But since manufacturers enable us to do the reviews in the first place, for legal reasons this video is marked as _advertisement_.

[@MICHGO1]

FACELIFT? FIRST WE MAKE THE GRILLE MORE OBNOXIOUS...

[@Aiantaschr]

That front dash and interior are utterly ridiculous. I gave merc the benefit of the doubt. I have been trying to get used to that out-of-place feeling interior, and still can't. The dash looks absolutely not fitting to the "luxury" of the car, the gauge cluster is too crowded and unreadable. I seriously don't get manufacturers recently. Although I don't agree with manufacturers removing the analog gauge cluster only to replace it to tacky and tiring screens, I don't mind integration such as Porsche's which is making the digital gauge cluster look similar to the analog one.

[@JohnGuidetti751]

The dials defo are readable Lool

[@Aiantaschr]

@JohnGuidetti751 yea perhaps but imo it's absolutely ugly and tacky

[@abdelmoneim3796]

It is long wheel version of GLE. If MB wants an S class SUV, then it should look like the Saloon basically

[@matnewland1998]

Thomas is the best car reviewer hands down, looking forward to the new S Class Sedan review!

[@autogefuehl]

Thank you so much! Please recommend / share our channel and our videos 🙏

[@kurtwheller6295]

Your conclusion is superb Thomas! Thanks for the sincerity and giving all information.

[@Picard47Lock]

at this price point the GLS should have the separate waterfall style center screen on the S-Class which looks better and is more ergonomic.

[@JohnGuidetti751]

Its a generation behind just a facelift not a new model

[@cricho15]

More ergonomic? What? Operation in the S-Class is noticeably slower (as it is touch only), unsafe, uncomfortable and super unsporty due to the long operating times. You can only really use the voice control while driving - which takes even longer and disturbs phone calls, music and peace and quiet. In the price range above 100k, I would always prefer this control system (GLS).

[@Picard47Lock]

@@cricho15 GLS has a long rectangular screen that moves away from the driver where the S-Class is vertical and angled and you also don't feel like you are pecking at the screenI don't like the screen-only controls and capacitive buttons either but in terms of placement and making it feel like a cockpit I think the S-Class does a good job at that. Those handle bars in the center stack of the GLS look great but they are in the way of a better design for the center console IMO

[@martinsvensson6884]

@@Picard47Lock A narrow wide screen and buttons below is far better. The standing screen for everything in the S is an ergonomic disaster

[@Picard47Lock]

@@martinsvensson6884 was just talking about the placement of the screen and screen dimension- not a fan of having everything touch or capacitive which is why I stick with my pre-LCI G30 5-Series until the setup you are talking about returns

[@juanpablocorreiaecheverria2857]

I really like it! Well done Mercedes

[@danzen6246]

155k subscribers to go. Keep it up you'll achieve it.

[@autogefuehl]

Thank you so much! Please recommend / share our channel and our videos 🙏

[@danzen6246]

@@autogefuehl I always share to all my car loving family and friends they love your videos especially my dad's brother and his son

[@crisholmurb007]

The reason I watch this channel is that I know you are honest - think it is good Lea says what she thinks. The GLS is a very special vehicle which appeals to an equally special audience at least in Europe. Thanks for another good program Thomas and Lea.

[@autogefuehl]

thanks so much my friend!

[@aye3678]

Thank you for your honest reviews Thomas!

[@autogefuehl]

appreciated!

[@alexandruconstantin5808]

the cats in the background really love the car :)

[@autogefuehl]

Cats = kids

[@jazzjokesjalopies]

Lea is a delight. You’re a lucky man. Great video!😊

[@autogefuehl]

thanks =)

[@michag5561]

Why it still looks cheap?

[@pacmanc8103]

It doesn’t, like BMWs look cheap.

[@DominikFlying]

No chrome around the windows

[@pacmanc8103]

@@DominikFlying Ah…that’s because it was ordered with the night package.

[@s23bho38]

Very surprised this does not have the latest version of now standard infotainment touchscreens from the C Class up! Shocking. Great video Thomas and Leah!👏🏼👏🏼

[@autogefuehl]

cheers m8 ! Yeah its still based on older generation

[@mo_0912]

Okay, that X7 picture looked better than the Benz. Amazing cause usually Mercedes is classy and beautifully understated, not that time.

[@erikthie2253]

I would spec out the GLE instead. This looks really good, but my opinion is that it is too big. Like you said, in the city and in garage parking there would be issues with curbs. Great video. Thanks.

[@autogefuehl]

cheers !

[@InsEngineered]

I prefer this kind of exhaust. if someone rear-ends, many times only bumper takes the damage and not the real exhaust.

[@JoziGB]

Is that a cat crying in the background at the start of the video?

[@bestcakes]

I’ve also noticed that

[@autogefuehl]

children

[@billarmstrong5568]

Interior is so much better for being a bit less bling than Mercedes' recent efforts.

[@oliverstemp9132]

I still really like the GLS. It’s so flashy, but in an honest way. I hope it gets the new interior at some point though.

[@PratabAli]

Dear Santa, this Christmas, please bring Thomas a longer "measuring rule of truth", the Mercedes Big Boy has defeated is current rule, with all the seats down. 😂

[@autogefuehl]

😂

[@nvgwd3r]

feels like 2018 not 2025 version

[@pacmanc8103]

Nonsense.

[@DecensMagazin]

Few words to the special colour… in my childhood, the 80% of Trabants shined in this colour… so someone reinvented again the grey… congrats. I would be really happy to see real colours on streets…

[@thenorthwatch777]

The first generation GLS, and First Gen (2006-2012) and Second Gen (2012-2019) were very popular in my country. But this current one and all it's updates has been a disaster, I can't really say what went wrong or changed... Maybe pricing

[@sergpotapov]

Like if you miss Thomas’s old reviews where he held an old-school microphone in his hand. Thomas, if you could occasionally record car reviews with that microphone, I’d really appreciate it!

[@autogefuehl]

hehe =) I loved it too, but people rather wanted to modern one...

[@krzysztofcwik5347]

As for Audi, if q9/new Q7 would be as spacious as VW Atlas, with phev option and still with 7 seats just like Atlas, I am In

[@cricho15]

Oh man - the old controls are sooo much better than in the new models, but the cheap and really hard to use steering wheels are always irritating in this price range. I think the GLE looks good, but the rest of the SUV line-up doesn't suit my taste at all. The GLS design in particular doesn't look like the top model to me and even looks ridiculous in the Maybach version. The predecessor embodied this much better.

[@왜옹-z8h]

If you want iconic mercedes suv, then get the G wagon If you need comfort luxury suv, buy Range Rovers the GLS has no chance

[@pacmanc8103]

Silly comment. What - do you think the GLS is a brand new MB model? ‘No chance’.😂😂

[@GeorgePsaltas]

im glad the left the touchpad!! disappoing they remove it from gla/glb 2023 fl

[@ryanwhyte29]

Needs automatic knee extension and lumbar support on the side of the front seats. Not sure why the lower models have it and not the top of the line version? Very strange!

[@christopherstreet2214]

I have never understood why don’t they use the s class platform or even the Pullman platform

[@krzysztofpoznan5226]

Yor girlfriend was right with comparing this car to V-class😂👏

[@autogefuehl]

🤣

[@JH-ml5cp]

I think that with the heavy weight of the car its made to drive in a comfort way at legal speeds, to make it stop in short lengths it must be hard

[@panathaninf]

Great option for a used car as it typically costs less than a 7 seater GLE. No way 100k for a new one though....

[@Zee_Bul]

Just a small correction: Mercedes GLS has 5,21 meters, not 5,13.

[@autogefuehl]

Thanks! Correct, sorry somehow a wrong number entered the data sheet

[@hfurqonpurnomo994]

wait, this is the facelift? i thought they gonna use starry taillight just like current E class and use superscreen based from camouflage leak

[@AWMJoeyjoejoe]

That rear panel alignment with the chrome strips and taillights is atrocious. How much is this car again? 😂

[@MaximilianvonPinneberg]

It looks like hatch alignment. Again inexcusable at this level. Although saying that, Range Rover build quality isn’t great either.

[@sharkishark2094]

I like the exterior of the this SUV, however the interior is missing the mark for a vehicle over 100k. The power seats in the second row are slow, those USB ports in the second row are basically hiding. What's with the knit seat back pockets. This should of been better executed for the brand name and price.

[@yufei6056]

2025？War das Facelift nicht schon 2023 da?

[@autogefuehl]

Das ist der 2025er Modelljahr in den USA, 2024 ist aber auch schon so.

[@yufei6056]

@@autogefuehl Danke für die Erklärung. Was ist dann neu hier bei dem 2025er?

[@autogefuehl]

Man setzt nur die aktuelle Jahreszahl vorweg damit man weiss dass es das aktuelle Modell ist, 2024 u 2025 sind hier gleich

[@RajeevHiralal]

I drove a 2022 C class with the tablet style infotainment screen; it had a wow effect! Don’t understand why upper models just have the small version rectangular screen same as the CLA / EQA class for example. In my feeling this screen looks basic. This high end SUV would deserve the Hyperscreen from the E class. Currently drive a Audi E-tron, love the car but miss the MBUX system/screens from the C class.

[@MichaelMerten]

Let's just face facts, Mercedes just looks way better than BMW.

[@SDav21]

This car is not built to the standard of a car of this price. There are multiple issues you can see here with build quality and fit and finish which is unacceptable. The X7 does not have these issues and is cheaper. Also, Mercedes has always struggled with irregular bumps for its suspensions. BMW manages to deal with bumps better when riding on big wheels and most other manufacturers have managed to do the same. Yet somehow, even till now, Mercedes has not managed this.

[@autogefuehl]

Gotta agree

[@MichaelMerten]

Lots of of road functions for a car that'll never be driven off road.

[@dusandestanovic5884]

It's nice and fat. The acceleration is niiice! It doesn't have to be an AMG, but it has to be a 4Matic. THE BOSS, definitely, THE BOSS.

[@Tootfarangi]

The new Mercedes interiors are a downgrade. Even in this so-called "flagship" GLS the interior materials feel cheap, and the over-reliance on touchscreens just complicates things. Gone are the days of solid, tactile buttons that gave you a sense of quality and control. Now, it’s all glossy surfaces and #CapacitiveBS. The once-iconic Mercedes's attention to detail seems to be slipping, replaced by tech gimmicks that might look impressive in a showroom but fail in real-world use. It's like they’ve prioritized flash over function.

[@pacmanc8103]

Nonsense - come into the 21st century, where there are things called computers.

[@Digiphex]

We tolerate so many quirks and actual disregard for common sense, it is good to see some real thought in this design. Not perfect though, it still has a Samsung in your face display and lack of comfort.

[@rithvickunnikrishnan7752]

In India, atleast the part of the country where I am from, people who want to show off their status are generally the ones who buy the GLS. With the proportions of the vehicle, I personally have never understood the practicality of this Merc model. Maybe thats just me lol. Anyways, fantastic review as always Thomas and Leah 👍

[@autogefuehl]

thanks keep tuning in !

[@Explosivo93]

Modern cars are getting worse and worse

[@MichaelMerten]

Duh the back tablet screen ia for people who can't see so good.

[@beinjar5634]

The interior is not whispering “S Class” 🥱

[@rudimussrodeln]

I actually prefer the horizontal grill. I cant see the panamericana anymore.

[@Thecsyu]

V Class OMG!!!

[@yungdadi]

Where is the face lifted?

[@MD-vp7yn]

Your pants won’t get dirty. They are so short 😂

[@matt112fly]

what happened to the tall screen?

[@bestpilot98]

GLS's new grille is garish. Leave that crap to Cadillac's Escalade crowd, Mercedes!

[@patrickchebos6041]

Hi Thomas, perhaps Leah should be the one trying out the third row seats, because you are way too tall to fit.

[@MrLuba6a]

very disappointing for the second-row seats! They don't fall flat like the third row and Mercedes lost me as a client. Do they have ANY wagons with flat-fold back seats? Maybe after 2008, they stop doing this very important detail for me

[@autogefuehl]

You dont consider this as flat? Please explain

[@MrLuba6a]

@@autogefuehl No! flat is the third raw! the second has some angle, just enough to disturb your nap! I had an MB wagon, model 2008 and the back seats were perfectly flat . But as far as I know, MB decided not to do so with the next models. This is one of the reasons I don't want to buy a wagon anymore. And the hope is an SUV, but it seems like the problem is the same. Anyway, thanks for the reply! You are my favorite out there 👍Blessings 🙏 ❤

[@autogefuehl]

Cheers m8!

[@MrLuba6a]

@@autogefuehl what do you mean?

[@otavongryf1379]

Looks nice

[@martinsvensson6884]

Sensitive steering around center on the motorway is t-h-e W-O-R-S-T....

[@topthecat2259]

Will there be a maybach version?

[@autogefuehl]

there is one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYSanpyZhL-MrZo

[@topthecat2259]

@@autogefuehl I did search before posting but only got the video with AJay from 3 years ago in the results. I saw one in a post office car park in Munich a week ago. What a beast, nearly as big as the DHL trucks.😂

[@DoctorAtomTNT]

>facelift >looks the same as the past 8 yrs GLS

[@irdibasha391]

Basicaly an GLE only bigger and same interior as the 2016 e class

[@MichaelMerten]

I would like the big centre screen though.

[@vagosts1619]

For a moment i thought i watched a 2015 video... Even bmws have far better design from this kiosk with wheels. No words for the interior. Even a g wagon is more interest than this.. Germans wake up, the Chinese are coming fast...

[@badrs2019]

One of the least popular suv's ever

[@olivierl2172]

It’s an expensive luxury vehicle. Of course not everybody can drive one.

[@SirAMG63]

Wdym least popular? 🤓

[@badrs2019]

@@olivierl2172 the range rover is more expensive yet way more popular

[@cannyscott]

I had an original one. Most unreliable car ever. Still loved it tho. V8 TT diesel

[@patrickamponsah679]

​@@cannyscottStop lying. The original one never came with a v8 diesel.

[@PaulMeier-cu3ds]

Thank you for the review, but this is just not for me.

[@sumitdasgupta7766]

Can you tell me, what devices you use to shoot?

[@baronvonjo1929]

It along with the BMW X7 and Audi Q7 just never looked as serious about the segment being unibody in my opinion. It looks a step below the body on frame global competition in my opinion. Not saying those are better built or offer more. But I'm actually suprised how...none impressive the interior is. It's just Mercedes as usual. Just looks cheap to me. But in terms of looks the three German offerings cant even compare in terms of a premium vibe. A crossover vs a real SUV really.

[@alioscopy-glasses-free-3D]

Good morning T&L - after watching your video on this GLS dinosaur, I watched the latest video from this UK channel (kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYe8doyifr-Cjtksi=06E7WzfLKiPXLSb6) - where they exclusively service older MB cars. Can you imagine what it would cost to keep an out-of-warranty GLS on the road?! 😳 With all those electric motors - just for the seats! And that's on top of needing your own oil-well & refinery… to be able to keep the petrol tank full !!! Vehicles like the GLS won't be missed, and they are dying-out at a rapid pace. Have a good Sunday.

[@ChrisBa303]

Mercedes and VW are the master of making cars look worse with facelifts.

[@glennbusby2092]

What a terrible coat.

[@jescow.4105]

5:27 big bezel merc. Looks so outdated

[@Mattisttam]

Why does every automaker have to use black everything for their interiors. It’s peak laziness to come across as “minimalist”.

[@pacmanc8103]

They don’t. It just happens to be black on this vehicle. The question is ‘why do people I order vehicles with black interiors?’.

[@romanzzzz2]

Old interior (

[@Anashere_Narrnda]

why u would pay this much of cash more if u can get the same interior in the Gle it's obv not a s class suv this interior is a clear downgrade compared to the s class

[@ASHbyGiM]

I wonder when you two will change rolls, even if I don't agree, if Lia would be the one presenting the car and she would be dressed les conservative I sure the channel would have more views (unfortunately).

[@autogefuehl]

=) she's not that into moderation but I always encourage her

[@34msr]

Looks old

[@snoopdagg7900]

a real tank, i cant imagine the comfort of driving a boat like this

[@JackKing12.]

Excess consumption. Not necessary. Save the planet.

[@pacmanc8103]

Ride a bicycle.

[@lucassitanggang5154]

GLS is Good. But GLS Maybach is better

[@DinoMartin]

That’s not a facelift 😂 too funny how you make a video that’s supposed to informative and you give the wrong information. There’s no body element different from a 2024 😂 but hey let’s go with facelift 👏

[@autogefuehl]

This is the facelift like we introduced with the static review, kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYSanpyZhL-MrZosi=ElF-pLf8Dqr4sXTK Just that this is now the driving review like always. No wrong information

[@Samlevip777]

Ald look at the quality of the leather installed.. even my granmother can do better. That’s a S class SUV? Looooool ! HAVAL and CHERY are 1000% better

[@miklu26]

Still the gle interior..

[@tag5037]

This came out 18mo the ago

[@autogefuehl]

we covered that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYSanpyZhL-MrZo Just didnt get the chance to drive it yet

[@sunlevata7345]

Plastic in a gls…wow

[@pacmanc8103]

Seriously?

[@samsonwamalwa]

The predecessor looks better

[@golfbuddy1969]

I really think it is ugly and obnoxious. I prefer straight lines, or crease and fittings that are parallel to the ground, and with each other. Or vertical lines that are truly vertical. In Mercedes designs lately, the lines and angles are all over the place.

[@AA-qm3gm]

looks outdated, would rather go for huawei luxeed and save 100k too

[@pacmanc8103]

No one even considers a Chinese car at this level. Geely?😛

[@jasperdany]

No new innovations, that's pretty sad.

[@mjadamci]

Is Lea your wife? Love your videos

[@autogefuehl]

Thank you so much! Please recommend / share our channel and our videos 🙏 ye she is :)

[@mjadamci]

@@autogefuehl lived in Germany for 2 years in the 80s in Buedingen US Army. And I love my 2023 BMW X3 M40i! Germans cars ROCK!! Thanks for the great videos too.

[@autogefuehl]

🙌🙌

[@astrocsm7203]

Of course X7

[@KHD1982]

Every year, face-lift 🤨