🇩🇪 Deutsch
Mercedes-Benz · Full-Size SUV · 2019–2025

Mercedes-Benz GLS X167

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 4 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

476–612 PS

4.0L V8 BiTurbo AMG Benzin

612 hp three-row — the most muted V8 in the M177 lineup

Fun to Drive!

Generations


Engine Overview

The Mercedes-Benz GLS X167 is available with 7 engine variants — from 272 to 612 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

GLS 350d · Diesel· 286 PS
2019 2025
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
GLS 400 d · Diesel· 340 PS
2019 2025
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
GLS 400d · Diesel· 330 PS
2019 2025
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
AMG GLS 63 · Benziner Mild-Hybrid· 612 PS
2020 2025
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
GLS 450 · Benziner Mild-Hybrid· 367 PS
2020 2025
Be Careful 9 weaknesses
GLS 580 · Benziner Mild-Hybrid· 489–517 PS Engine Change
2019 2025
Be Careful 9 weaknesses
2020 2025
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
2023 2025
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
Maybach GLS 600 · Benziner Mild-Hybrid· 557 PS
2020 2025
Be Careful 8 weaknesses

The Mercedes-Benz GLS 350d (Diesel, 286 PS) has the OM656 (2.9L R6 Diesel) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS 400 d (Diesel, 340 PS) has the OM656 (2.9L R6 Diesel) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS 400d (Diesel, 330 PS) has the OM656 (2.9L R6 Diesel) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The Mercedes-Benz AMG GLS 63 (Benziner Mild-Hybrid, 612 PS) has the M177 (4.0L V8 BiTurbo AMG) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 (Benziner Mild-Hybrid, 367 PS) has the M256 (3.0L I6 Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 9 known weaknesses.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 (Benziner Mild-Hybrid, 489–517 PS) comes with 3 different engines: M176 (2019–2025, Be Careful) und M177 (2020–2025, Be Careful) und M177 (2023–2025, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the GLS 580!

The Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS 600 (Benziner Mild-Hybrid, 557 PS) has the M177 (4.0L V8 BiTurbo AMG) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
Recall: 48V earth connection fire hazard

The 48V earth connection under the passenger seat was fastened with insufficient torque. High currents raise junction temperature — fire risk. 52,363 vehicles affected.

Symptoms: Burning smell at passenger seat, fault in 48V electrical system, fuse blows
Low
Recall: A/C condensate — fire risk

Incorrectly routed A/C condensate drain hoses allow water ingress into the interior. Contact with electrics causes short circuits. 171,463 vehicles affected.

Symptoms: Wet mat under dashboard, short circuits, eCall activates, engine limp mode
Low
!MBUX System Crash and Sluggish Response

MBUX shows crashes during extended operation (black screen). Total failures occur especially after long drives over 400 km. Software updates often only provide temporary relief.

Symptoms: Black screen while driving, no radio, no navigation, voice control unresponsive
Medium
MBUX system freezes

The MBUX infotainment no longer responds to inputs or displays frozen content. After software updates, stability sometimes worsens.

Symptoms: Touchscreen frozen, navigation display outdated or black, climate control blocked
Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above Average
1 complaints · 2019–2025
Latches & Locks
1

Top Reported Issues

Latches & Locks (1 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

Alternatives

Same Segment

Volvo EX90 I

Großer SUV (2023–2026)

Same Segment

BMW XM G09

Großer SUV (2022–2026)

Same Segment

Land Rover Range Rover Sport L461

Großer SUV (2022–2026)

Same Segment

BMW iX I20

Großer SUV (2021–2026)

Same Segment

Land Rover Range Rover L460

Großer SUV (2021–2026)

Same Segment

Toyota Highlander XU70

Großer SUV (2021–2025)


Known Problems and Issues

A total of 38 weaknesses have been documented for the Mercedes-Benz GLS X167 (2019–2025) — 32 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Electronics, Gearbox, Suspension.

GLS (OM656, 2019–2025) — Be Careful: Recall Coolant Pump — Fire Hazard (Action Code 2090008), Bosch CP4 Pump Sensitive to Fuel Quality, Coolant Pump Leaking — Fire Risk (Recall). Power: 286 PS.

GLS (OM656, 2019–2025) — Be Careful: Recall Coolant Pump — Fire Hazard (Action Code 2090008), Bosch CP4 Pump Sensitive to Fuel Quality, Coolant Pump Leaking — Fire Risk (Recall). Power: 330 PS.

GLS (OM656, 2019–2026) — Be Careful: Recall Coolant Pump — Fire Hazard (Action Code 2090008), Bosch CP4 Pump Sensitive to Fuel Quality, Coolant Pump Leaking — Fire Risk (Recall). Power: 340 PS.

GLS (M176, 2019–2025) — Be Careful: Timing Chain Stretch — M176 4.0L V8, Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Draws Oil into Wiring Harness, Coolant Pump Leaking. Power: 489 PS.

GLS (M256, 2020–2025) — Be Careful: 48V ISG Battery Failure, Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Leaking — Oil in Wiring Harness, Elevated Oil Consumption at Higher Mileage. Power: 367 PS.

GLS (M177, 2020–2025) — Be Careful: MCT Gearbox — Clutch Wears in City Traffic, Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Draws Oil into Wiring Harness, Camshaft Cover Gasket Leaking — Hot-V Area. Power: 612 PS.

GLS (M177, 2020–2026) — Be Careful: MCT Gearbox — Clutch Wears in City Traffic, Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Draws Oil into Wiring Harness, Camshaft Cover Gasket Leaking — Hot-V Area. Power: 489 PS.

GLS (M177, 2020–2025) — Be Careful: MCT Gearbox — Clutch Wears in City Traffic, Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Draws Oil into Wiring Harness, Camshaft Cover Gasket Leaking — Hot-V Area. Power: 557 PS.

GLS (M177, 2023–2026) — Be Careful: MCT Gearbox — Clutch Wears in City Traffic, Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Draws Oil into Wiring Harness, Camshaft Cover Gasket Leaking — Hot-V Area. Power: 517 PS.

What to watch out for with the Mercedes-Benz GLS? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Mercedes-Benz GLS X167 have? +
The Mercedes-Benz GLS X167 has 32 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Mercedes-Benz GLS X167? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: M256 (3.0L I6 Turbo), M176 (4.0L V8 BiTurbo), M177 (4.0L V8 BiTurbo AMG), OM656 (2.9L R6 Diesel). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the M177 (4.0L V8 BiTurbo AMG).
Which Mercedes-Benz GLS X167 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Mercedes-Benz GLS X167 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} The heaviest M177 vehicle: over 2.5 tonnes with seven seats. The V8 fights the mass, the EQ Boost system helps at launch. Sound heavily muted inside — the three rows of seats absorb the V8 character. Emotion Start removed via OTA update since April 2024. For those who want a full-size luxury SUV with V8 power: outstanding. For AMG purists: too muted, too heavy, too technical.
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLS X167 worth buying used? +
The Mercedes-Benz GLS X167 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Mercedes-Benz GLS X167? +
The Mercedes-Benz GLS X167 is available with engine variants from 272 to 612 hp. Petrol: M256 (3.0L I6 Turbo), M176 (4.0L V8 BiTurbo), M177 (4.0L V8 BiTurbo AMG). Diesel: OM656 (2.9L R6 Diesel).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee