The GLS 450's restyled grille for 2026. Photo: Mercedes-Benz USA.

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450: Brooklyn Buyers Guide

Six cylinders doing a V8's job

Three hundred seventy-five horsepower sounds modest next to the numbers further up this range, but the GLS 450 isn't trying to win a stoplight contest. The turbocharged inline-six, helped along by a 48-volt starter-generator that fills in torque at low RPM, moves a full-size SUV with the kind of unhurried authority that makes the horsepower figure feel almost beside the point. What actually defines the driving experience is standard here and nowhere cheaper: AIRMATIC air suspension with adaptive damping, the same setup that keeps the pricier GLS 580 composed over the same broken pavement. On the FDR Drive's expansion joints, or the potholed stretch of the Belt Parkway near Coney Island Creek, that suspension is doing more work for ride comfort than any engine spec.

Inside, the GLS 450 shares its cabin wholesale with its pricier siblings: dual 12.3-inch displays, a panoramic roof with a power mesh shade, 64-color ambient lighting, and a 13-speaker Burmester system with Dolby Atmos standard. The step up to the GLS 580 buys a bigger engine and standard 22-inch wheels; it doesn't buy a nicer cabin.

The 21-inch wheel that comes standard, and what that means locally

The GLS 450 rides on 21-inch triple-five-spoke wheels standard, wrapped in 275-width front and 315-width rear all-season rubber. That's a lower-profile tire than a family SUV buyer might expect, and it matters here specifically: Brooklyn's pothole season runs practically year-round, and low-profile tires transmit road damage more directly than a taller sidewall would. It's not a reason to avoid the GLS 450 — it's a reason to keep tire pressure and alignment on the same rhythm as the car's Service A/B visits, both covered in the GLS service and repair guide.

A first Mercedes, more often than not

The GLS 450 is frequently the trim buyers choose the first time they step into this segment, and the store's reviews reflect it. Stacey H. wrote about the moment plainly: "Ken was the best salesperson. He was very courteous and patient with us. We left the dealership with our first Mercedes-Benz GLS 450. We are very happy." That kind of patience matters more on a three-row purchase than on almost anything else in the showroom, because the decision usually involves comparing captain's chairs against a bench seat, cross-shopping the GLE, and, more than once, bringing the whole family along for the test drive.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the 2026 GLS 450 cost?

$90,250 MSRP plus $1,250 destination before options, with New York City buyers adding 8.875% combined sales tax on a purchase. The pricing and leasing guide covers the full math, and current national offers refresh monthly.

What engine is in the GLS 450?

A 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with mild-hybrid assist: 375 hp, 369 lb-ft, 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic, standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive. It's the only six-cylinder in the 2026 GLS range — the 580 and AMG 63 both step up to V8 power.

Does the GLS 450 seat seven?

Yes, seven-passenger seating with a power-folding 2nd-row bench is standard, and a six-passenger layout with individual 2nd-row captain's chairs is available. Third-row legroom runs 34.6 inches, genuinely usable for shorter trips rather than a token perch.

Is the GLS 450 fast enough?

0-60 mph comes in 5.8 seconds, which is brisk for a full-size SUV moving well over 5,500 pounds and doesn't feel like a compromise in daily driving. Buyers chasing a faster number generally already know they want the GLS 580 or AMG GLS 63.

What fuel economy should I expect?

EPA estimates are 19 city / 24 highway / 21 combined on premium unleaded. That's the best fuel economy in the 2026 GLS lineup by a meaningful margin over the V8 trims.

Where can I see a GLS 450 in Brooklyn?

At Mercedes-Benz of Brooklyn, 1800 Shore Parkway, off Belt Parkway Exit 5, with more than 500 vehicles in stock. Sales hours run Monday through Saturday, 9am to 6pm.

The case for starting here

Everything that makes the GLS a GLS — the three rows, the standard air suspension, the cabin — is present at the 450's price point. The step to the GLS 580 buys eight cylinders and a bit more badge weight; the AMG GLS 63 buys a genuinely different car. For most families cross-shopping this segment, the 450 is where the decision quietly ends. Full-range context is in the 2026 GLS overview.