The GLS 550 is the V8 version of the Mercedes GLS, sold in the US for the 2017 to 2019 model years. When new, the 2019 GLS 550 4MATIC cost $95,750 before delivery, but Kelley Blue Book now values one at about $27,730 from a dealer. That makes it one of the cheapest ways to get a seven-seat V8 luxury SUV.
Here is what a GLS 550 costs today, how it compares with the GLS 450, its recall record and whether it is reliable.
GLS 550: quick answer
- Years sold: 2017–2019 (replaced by the GLS 580 for 2020)
- Engine: 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8, 449 hp
- 0–60 mph: 5.2 seconds
- Used price: about $27,730 for a 2019 from a dealer (Kelley Blue Book)
- Best year: 2019, with the fewest NHTSA recalls (2)
Specs: V8 vs V6
| Spec | GLS 550 4MATIC | GLS 450 4MATIC |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4.7L twin-turbo V8 | 3.0L twin-turbo V6 |
| Horsepower | 449 hp | 362 hp |
| 0–60 mph | 5.2 seconds | 6.5 seconds |
| Fuel economy (city/hwy/combined) | 14/19/16 mpg | 16/22/18 mpg |
| Seats | 7 | 7 |
| 2019 MSRP | $95,750 | $70,150 |
Source: Mercedes-Benz USA 2019 GLS quick reference guide. MSRP excludes the $995 destination charge.
How much does a GLS 550 cost?
Kelley Blue Book values a 2019 model at:
| 2019 V8 4MATIC | Value |
|---|---|
| Dealer (fair purchase price) | $27,730 |
| Private sale | $24,150 to $27,050 |
| Trade-in | $20,840 to $23,340 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book, November 2026. Values vary by mileage, condition and location.
That is a loss of about 70% from the original sticker price, which is great news if you are buying one used.
Is the GLS 550 bigger than the 450?
No. Both use the same body, with seven seats and the same cargo space. The difference is under the hood: the V8 has 87 more horsepower and is 1.3 seconds quicker to 60 mph, but it uses more fuel, with a combined 16 mpg against 18 mpg. For a wider look at size, see our largest Mercedes SUV guide.
Recalls by model year
| Model year | NHTSA recalls | Main areas |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 5 | Software, front suspension, door latches |
| 2018 | 3 | Brakes, door latch, software |
| 2019 | 2 | Software |
Source: NHTSA recalls database, checked November 2026.
Reliability and running costs
It is a well-rated used buy, but a costly one to run. Owners rate the 2019 model 4.4 out of 5 on Kelley Blue Book. The recall count fell every year it was sold, so the 2019 is the safest choice. NHTSA owner complaints for the 2017 GLS most often mention the engine and electrical system. A twin-turbo V8 is expensive to repair, so get a pre-purchase inspection and a full service history before you buy.
What replaced it: the GLS 580
For 2020, Mercedes replaced the V8 GLS 550 with the GLS 580, part of an all-new generation. That first year had many more recalls: the 2020 GLS 450 alone had 22. If you want a newer GLS, read our used Mercedes SUV buying guide for the best years and our GLE vs GLS comparison.
GLS 550 FAQs
How much does a GLS 550 cost?
About $27,730 from a dealer for a 2019, according to Kelley Blue Book. It cost $95,750 new.
Is the GLS 550 bigger than the 450?
No. They are the same size. The 550 has a V8 and the 450 a V6.
Is the Mercedes GLS 550 a reliable car?
Owners rate it 4.4 out of 5 on Kelley Blue Book. The 2019 has the fewest recalls, at 2.
Which year GLS is most reliable?
Of the V8 models, the 2019. Of recent GLS models, the 2023 and newer have had far fewer recalls than the 2020.
How fast is the V8 GLS?
0–60 mph takes 5.2 seconds, according to Mercedes-Benz USA.
What replaced the V8 model?
The GLS 580, from the 2020 model year.
Related reads
- Largest Mercedes SUV: GLS Size, Space and vs BMW X7
- GLE vs GLS: 2026 Price, Size, Third Row and Which to Buy
- Used Mercedes SUV Buying Guide: Best and Worst Years by Model
- Mercedes 3-Row SUV Guide 2026: Which Third Row Actually Fits Adults?
For more Mercedes SUV guides, visit MercedesSUV.com.