Beyond the Driver's Seat: Why the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS Transforms Three-Row Comfort
January 22 2026,
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS is the flagship three-row SUV in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, combining commanding road presence with refined interior appointments designed to elevate every journey. Whether transporting colleagues across the province or escorting family on extended road trips, the GLS delivers a sophisticated cabin experience that extends well beyond the driver's seat.
Three distinct powertrains anchor the 2026 GLS range, each paired with standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive and a 9-speed automatic transmission. The GLS 450 features a 3.0 L inline-6 turbo with mild hybrid drive producing 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, while the GLS 580 upgrades to a 4.0 L V8 biturbo with mild hybrid drive generating 510 hp and 538 lb-ft. The range-topping Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 delivers 603 hp and 627 lb-ft from its handcrafted 4.0 L V8 biturbo with mild hybrid drive, paired with AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive and an AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed transmission.
Second-Row Comfort: Executive-Class Seating for Every Passenger
The second row of the 2026 GLS is designed to rival the comfort of the front seats. Power-adjustable seating is standard across all three rows, with the second row offering heating, recline adjustment, and easy-entry functionality to facilitate access to the third row. Buyers can choose between a three-passenger bench configuration or individual captain's chairs with a walk-through centre aisle, allowing for either seven or six-passenger capacity.
Climate control extends beyond the front cabin with standard four-zone automatic climate control, ensuring personalized temperature settings for the front seats and each rear seating row. The GLS 580 includes a fifth climate zone as standard, while GLS 450 buyers can add it as an option. This multi-zone approach allows rear passengers to set their own comfort preferences independently of the driver and front passenger.
The second-row seats power-fold in a 50/50 split to ease entry into the third row, eliminating the need for manual adjustments. This feature proves particularly useful when transporting passengers of varying heights or when frequently accessing the rearmost seating area.
Third-Row Accommodations: Genuine Adult-Friendly Space
Unlike many three-row SUVs where the third row serves primarily as emergency seating, the 2026 GLS provides legitimate accommodations for adult passengers. The third row features power-folding capability in a 50/50 split, allowing for flexible cargo and passenger configurations. Headroom measures 988 mm across all three trims, while shoulder room spans 1,278 mm, providing adequate space for adults on shorter trips or children on extended journeys.
The panoramic sunroof extends over all three rows, offering natural light and an open-cabin feel throughout the vehicle. A power mesh screen allows occupants to control sunlight and glare, while the roof's rain-sensing auto-close feature adds convenience during unpredictable weather.
Interior Technology: Dual 12.3-Inch Displays and Ambient Lighting
The GLS cabin centres on twin side-by-side 12.3-inch displays. The left screen functions as a reconfigurable digital instrument cluster, allowing drivers to customize gauge layouts and information displays. The right screen serves as the multimedia touchscreen, providing access to navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings through the MBUX interface.
Ambient lighting in the GLS extends beyond simple accent strips. The 64-colour LED system highlights cabin contours and illuminates the footwells, with the ability to select, pair, and sequence colours to suit personal preferences. This lighting network enhances the cabin's visual appeal during evening drives and adds a layer of personalization to the interior environment.
Available logo projectors shine illuminated Stars onto the pavement when doors are opened, adding a distinctive welcome sequence. This feature exemplifies the attention to detail found throughout the GLS lineup.
Audio Excellence: Burmester Surround Sound Systems
Mercedes-Benz equips the GLS with audio systems developed by Burmester, a manufacturer known for high-fidelity home audio equipment. The standard system features nine speakers with Dolby Atmos technology, delivering immersive sound throughout the cabin. Buyers seeking enhanced audio performance can upgrade to the Burmester High-End 3D system with 29 speakers, which provides multi-dimensional sound staging and precise detail across all frequencies.
Both systems integrate directly with the MBUX infotainment platform, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. USB-C ports are distributed throughout the cabin, with the option to add wireless charging capability to the second row, ensuring devices remain powered during extended trips.
Seating Materials and Trim Options
Leather upholstery is standard across all three rows of the 2026 GLS, providing a cohesive interior aesthetic from front to rear. Front seats feature power adjustment with memory, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The armrests and steering wheel are also heated, enhancing comfort during colder months.
Interior trim selections allow buyers to customize the cabin's visual character. Options range from natural wood finishes to modern metal-weave patterns, each complementing the available upholstery colours and ambient lighting configurations. This level of customization enables owners to tailor the GLS interior to their personal aesthetic preferences.
Practical Considerations: Cargo Capacity and Towing
With all three rows in use, the 2026 GLS offers 355 litres of cargo space. Folding the third row expands capacity substantially, while folding both rear rows opens the full 2,400-litre cargo area. This flexibility accommodates everything from luggage for seven passengers to larger items requiring the full cargo floor.
Towing capacity varies by model. The GLS 450 and GLS 580 can tow up to 3,500 kg, while the AMG GLS 63 is rated for 3,300 kg. All models include a 90 L fuel tank, providing extended range between refuelling stops.
Trim-Specific Highlights
GLS 450 4MATIC SUV:
- 3.0 L inline-6 turbo with mild hybrid drive (375 hp, 369 lb-ft)
- 21-inch 5-triple-spoke wheels (10.0 x 21 front, 11.0 x 21 rear)
- 275/45R21 front and 315/40R21 rear all-season tires
- Four-zone climate control (fifth zone optional)
- 0 - 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds
GLS 580 4MATIC SUV:
- 4.0 L V8 biturbo with mild hybrid drive (510 hp, 538 lb-ft)
- 22-inch AMG multispoke wheels (9.5 x 22 front, 11.5 x 22 rear)
- 285/45R22 front and 325/40R22 rear summer performance tires
- Five-zone climate control (standard)
- 0 - 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds
Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+ SUV:
- Handcrafted 4.0 L V8 biturbo with mild hybrid drive (603 hp, 627 lb-ft)
- 22-inch AMG multispoke wheels (10.0 x 22 front, 11.5 x 22 rear)
- 285/45R22 front and 325/40R22 rear summer performance tires
- AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL suspension
- 0 - 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds
Advanced Safety and Driver Assistance
The 2026 GLS includes standard 360-degree camera technology, providing multiple viewing angles to simplify parking and low-speed manoeuvring. The system includes a Transparent Hood display, which uses cameras to create a virtual view beneath the front of the vehicle, useful for navigating tight spaces or uneven terrain.
Available DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control adjusts speed based on traffic conditions, posted speed limits, and upcoming turns in the navigation route. Active Steering Assist maintains lane positioning, while Active Lane Change Assist can execute lane changes with a single tap of the turn signal when conditions permit.
PRE-SAFE prepares the vehicle and occupants in the seconds before a potential collision by adjusting front seats and seat belts, closing the sunroof, and conditioning the cabin environment to reduce impact forces.
Experience the 2026 GLS at Mercedes-Benz Ottawa Downtown
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS delivers three-row luxury with executive-grade second-row accommodations, genuine third-row space, and technology that extends comfort to every passenger. Visit our team at Mercedes-Benz Ottawa Downtown to explore the GLS lineup and learn how this flagship SUV elevates the standard for family and executive travel.
