Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS Market Index2007-2023

About the Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS

The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (rebranded as the GLS-Class in 2016), manufactured globally since 2006, established the brand's dominance in the full-sized luxury SUV segment by offering genuine seven-seat capacity and significant presence. This flagship lineage consists of the rugged, unibody X164 (2006–2012), the more sophisticated X166 (2012–2019), and the current high-tech X167 (2019–present), which includes the opulent Maybach variants. In the 2026 Australian market, the GL/GLS series is highly regarded as the ultimate family tourer, with desirability peaking for the post-2016 GLS450 and GLS350d facelift models, as well as the current 2026 GLS450d, which is praised for its immense torque and "Magic Body Control" suspension. The buyer pool in Australia is composed of affluent families who require a functional third row and heavy-duty towers who utilise the 3,500kg braked towing capacity for large caravans or horse floats. Locally, market value has remained strong for Australian-delivered examples with a comprehensive service history, as 2026 buyers are prioritising vehicles that have seen proactive maintenance by specialists like Stuttgart Shop, Eurostar Diesels, or AustStar Motors to manage known age-related concerns such as Airmatic air bag leaks, oil cooler seal failures on diesel V6s, and DPF regeneration health. For the Australian adventurer, the GL/GLS represents the pinnacle of "go-anywhere" prestige, frequently serving as a standout for long-distance regional touring from the Snowy Mountains to the Margaret River.