Pack the whole crew and the cottage gear into the
May 11 2026,
The Mercedes-Benz GLS is the full-size luxury SUV that seats seven, handles Quebec winters without hesitation, and still turns heads on Sherbrooke Street. As of 2026, three rows of leather seating, standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive, and a powertrain lineup ranging from a turbocharged inline-six to a handcrafted 603-hp biturbo V8 make this SUV genuinely versatile for families across Montreal and the surrounding region.
Whether you're driving from Westmount to Mont-Tremblant on a Friday evening or working through the narrow streets of the Plateau with a full crew, the mercedes gls is built for Canadian roads and Canadian weather. This overview covers the full lineup, key features, winter readiness, and what Montreal-area buyers should know before heading to the dealership. Browse the current Mercedes-Benz inventory at Silver Star to see what's available today.
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS Lineup
Mercedes-Benz offers three distinct GLS trims for the Canadian market in 2026, each with a clear identity.
GLS 450 4MATIC
The GLS 450 4MATIC pairs a turbocharged engine with hybrid assist, producing 375 hp at 5,500 to 6,100 rpm and 369 lb-ft of torque across a broad band from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm. That wide torque plateau matters in real driving. Merging onto the A-40 with passengers and cargo feels effortless, and highway passing requires minimal effort. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes just 6.1 seconds.
Hybrid assist works quietly in the background. It recovers energy during coasting and braking, then feeds it back to smooth out throttle response and support the engine during acceleration. For daily Montreal driving, this translates to a refined, responsive feel at every speed.
GLS 580 4MATIC
Buyers who want more power will find the GLS 580 4MATIC worth a serious look. It steps up with a larger engine and standard 22-inch wheels, adding visual presence and on-road authority. The powertrain delivers confident acceleration for a vehicle of this size, making it well-suited to long highway runs across Quebec or Ontario.
AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+
For those who want the pinnacle, the AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+ features a handcrafted 603-hp biturbo V8 with hybrid assist. AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive and AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL round out the package. This is a full-size three-row luxury SUV that accelerates like a grand tourer. Few vehicles anywhere combine seven-passenger practicality with this level of performance.
Interior Comfort and Technology in the GLS
Step inside any GLS and you'll find an interior designed around genuine comfort for all three rows.
Seating and Space
Three rows of leather come standard across the lineup. Buyers can choose between a second-row power bench for seven-passenger seating or captain's chairs with a third-row walk-through for six-passenger seating. The third row folds 50/50 with power operation, so reconfiguring cargo space takes seconds rather than a wrestling match with heavy seatbacks.
Up to four or five climate zones mean passengers throughout the cabin can set their own temperature. On a humid Montreal summer day or during a minus-twenty-five January commute, everyone stays comfortable.
Front Seat Experience
Heated, ventilated, and massage front seats come standard. Long drives to the Eastern Townships or up to Laurentian ski country become genuinely relaxing. The 64-colour ambient lighting system lets you set the cabin mood to match your preference, whether subtle and warm or cool and modern.
Displays and Visibility
Twin 12.3-inch displays form the digital cockpit. They present navigation, vehicle information, and media in crisp, intuitive layouts. The standard 360-degree camera system includes a Transparent Hood feature, which projects a virtual view of the ground beneath the vehicle onto the display. Tight parking garages in downtown Montreal and narrow laneways become far less stressful.
GLS Winter Confidence with 4MATIC
Montreal winters test every vehicle. Heavy snowfall, ice, slush, sudden temperature swings. The GLS handles all of it with composure.
Standard All-Wheel Drive
Every GLS sold in Canada comes with 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The system distributes power between the front and rear axles continuously, adjusting torque split based on traction conditions. When a rear wheel hits black ice on a Ville-Marie Expressway on-ramp, the system shifts power forward before you even notice. When spring slush makes suburban streets unpredictable, 4MATIC keeps the GLS tracking straight and stable.
AIRMATIC Air Suspension
AIRMATIC air suspension is part of the GLS package. It adapts ride height and damping to conditions. For Quebec drivers, that means two real-world benefits. Ground clearance can increase for deeper snow or rough road surfaces, and the ride smooths out the frost-heaved pavement that Montreal produces every spring. At highway speeds, the suspension lowers the vehicle for improved aerodynamic stability on the Autoroute.
Lighting That Cuts Through Winter Darkness
All-LED adaptive headlamps come standard. Quebec's early winter sunsets mean you spend months driving in darkness. Adaptive headlamps adjust their pattern based on speed and steering input, illuminating curves before you reach them and reducing glare for oncoming traffic. The improvement over conventional headlamp systems is noticeable from the first night drive.
Exterior Presence and Wheel Options
The GLS makes a strong visual statement. A standard panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with natural light and gives rear-seat passengers an open, airy feel year-round.
Wheel sizing starts at 21 inches on the GLS 450, steps up to 22 inches on the GLS 580, and reaches up to 23 inches on the AMG GLS 63. Larger wheels fill the wheel arches more aggressively and suit the SUV's proportions well. For Montreal buyers, pairing your chosen wheel size with a dedicated winter tire and wheel package is a smart move, it protects your factory wheels from road salt and potholes during the colder months.
How to Choose Between GLS Trims
Each mercedes gls trim serves a different buyer. All three share the same spacious cabin, three rows of leather, 4MATIC capability, and core technology. The differences come down to powertrain character.
The GLS 450 4MATIC offers 375 hp and hybrid-assisted efficiency, the right choice for buyers who want refined daily performance and a modern powertrain approach. The GLS 580 4MATIC adds more power and 22-inch wheels for those who prioritize effortless acceleration and stronger road presence. The AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+ is for buyers who want 603 hp, AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL, and the unmistakable character of a handcrafted biturbo V8 in a full-size family SUV.
Contact Mercedes-Benz Silver Star to discuss which trim fits your driving style and family needs. The Silver Star service team supports all three trims with certified Mercedes-Benz maintenance after purchase.
What Montreal GLS Buyers Should Know for 2026
The luxury SUV field shifts every year, and for the 2026 model year, there are a few things worth knowing before you visit the dealership.
The 2026 GLS incorporates hybrid-assist technology across its turbocharged powertrains. This reflects a broader industry movement toward electrification, and for buyers curious about the Mercedes-Benz electric and hybrid lineup, the mercedes gls sits comfortably in a portfolio that spans fully electric EQ models to performance-oriented AMG vehicles. Mercedes-Benz Canada provides a full overview of current GLS powertrain options on their official GLS model page.
Quebec's winter tire mandate runs from December 1 through March 15. A vehicle of this calibre deserves a dedicated winter setup. Ask your Silver Star advisor about tire packages suited to the GLS.
And for buyers considering a certified pre-owned GLS as an entry point into the lineup, Silver Star carries CPO inventory backed by the Mercedes-Benz certified programme. CPO vehicles go through a thorough inspection process and include extended warranty coverage. It's a strong path into GLS ownership for buyers across Laval, Longueuil, the West Island, and the South Shore.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many passengers does the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS seat?
It seats six or seven passengers, depending on second-row configuration. A power bench seat provides seven-passenger capacity, while available captain's chairs reduce the count to six but add a walk-through to the third row. The third row folds 50/50 with power operation, so cargo flexibility is built in. Three rows of leather seating come standard across every trim, meaning rear passengers enjoy the same material quality as front occupants.
Is the GLS a good choice for Montreal winters?
Absolutely. Standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive distributes torque between axles to maintain traction on snow, ice, and slush. AIRMATIC air suspension adjusts ride height and damping for rough or snow-covered surfaces, and all-LED adaptive headlamps improve visibility during Quebec's long winter evenings. Pair the GLS with a quality winter tire set and it's exceptionally capable in cold-weather conditions throughout the province.
What is the difference between the GLS 450 and GLS 580?
The GLS 450 4MATIC produces 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque from a turbocharged engine with hybrid assist. The GLS 580 steps up with a more powerful engine and standard 22-inch wheels compared to the 450's 21-inch set. Both share the same interior appointments, 4MATIC AWD, and AIRMATIC suspension. Your choice comes down to whether you prefer the 450's efficient hybrid-assisted character or the 580's additional power reserve.
What makes the AMG GLS 63 different from the other trims?
The AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+ carries a handcrafted 603-hp biturbo V8 with hybrid assist, AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, and AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL suspension. Wheels reach up to 23 inches. It takes the GLS from a refined luxury hauler into a genuine performance SUV that still seats six or seven. For buyers who want real acceleration alongside family practicality, the AMG 63 occupies a rare position in the full-size luxury segment.
Where can I see the Mercedes-Benz GLS in person near Montreal?
Mercedes-Benz Silver Star serves buyers across Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the West Island, and the South Shore. You can browse current GLS availability online or book a test drive directly with the dealership. Contact Silver Star for current availability and to discuss trim options, colour choices, and any questions about the ownership experience.
Does the GLS come with a panoramic sunroof?
Yes. A panoramic sunroof is standard on the GLS. It spans much of the roofline, bringing natural light into all three rows and giving the interior an open, spacious atmosphere. Combined with the 64-colour ambient lighting system, the cabin can shift from bright and airy during the day to warm and refined at night. It's one of many features that make the mercedes gls a genuinely pleasant place to spend time, whether you're commuting across Montreal or heading north to the Laurentians for the weekend.
How does hybrid assist work in the GLS 450?
The hybrid assist system in the GLS 450 recovers energy during coasting and braking, storing it for use during acceleration. As of 2026, this technology operates smoothly in the background, you won't notice it switching between modes. What you will notice is immediate throttle response and a refined feel that suits both city driving in Montreal and long highway stretches. It also contributes to a more efficient powertrain overall compared to a conventional combustion engine of similar output.
Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle, feature availability.
