Looking to buy a 2020 GLS 450 - Any known issues, opinions, feedback??
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Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2020
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GL 450
Looking to buy a 2020 GLS 450 - Any known issues, opinions, feedback??
I currently own a 2016 GL450 with 130k miles. I was looking to upgrade to a 2020 GLS with 55k miles. I would greatly appreciate anyone opinions, known issues or feedback on this model? Is it a good buy or should I avoid it? Thank you.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 330
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From: Tennessee
2015 MB S550 & 2020 MB GLS 450
In November 2022 I purchased a CPO 2020 GLS450 with 20k miles and currently have 53k miles on the vehicle. I’m in TN and my vehicle is believed to have been a special order for a MB supplier executive, as it is loaded (MSRP $106k) and even has Sport Brakes, which was not an available option. I have only had a couple of minor issues that were resolved with software updates. Some will say avoid the first year of a new generation, but I believe sufficient time has passed that any issues, including the 48v battery issues, have been resolved.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 330
Likes: 119
From: Tennessee
2015 MB S550 & 2020 MB GLS 450
You can search on the forum and find several threads discussing the issue, but my recollection is that it just seemed to be a bad batch of batteries that left many stranded.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2019
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From: U.S.
Current/Last 5-years:GLS;G70;Alpina B8;X7;Accord. Sold:X7,TeslaS;S560;S550,X5;530e;L.Navigator;LS460
Is there a significant difference between a 2020 GLS 450 with 55K miles and the same model with lower mileage? I think the difference is small… If you’re considering the 2020 model, it should have depreciated sufficiently even for those with lower mileage.
We’ve primarily used our GLS 450 for our long-distance trips, state to state, as well as towing too for some trips. It has been EXTREMELY reliable, more than any other car we’ve ever owned. Since we purchased it 1.5 years ago, we put so many miles on it than any other car we’ve owned, almost 20,000 miles in 1.5 years. The only significant mechanical repair required was the left lower arm ball joint and the evap sensor. Otherwise, the engine, suspension, and entire cabin still in like-new condition.
One thing I like about the GLS is that it still feels incredibly comfortable even when carrying six passengers….. Our X7 felt a bit too firm and less comfortable when the passenger load was maxed-out. Also, the GLS’s AC is significantly better, and the inline-six engine is better than any other engine I’ve driven… Great engine for road trips, smooth and very powerful. I think the EQ boost combined with the inline-6 and turbocharger is the magic sauce for smoothness with great torque.
Good luck with your purchase.
We’ve primarily used our GLS 450 for our long-distance trips, state to state, as well as towing too for some trips. It has been EXTREMELY reliable, more than any other car we’ve ever owned. Since we purchased it 1.5 years ago, we put so many miles on it than any other car we’ve owned, almost 20,000 miles in 1.5 years. The only significant mechanical repair required was the left lower arm ball joint and the evap sensor. Otherwise, the engine, suspension, and entire cabin still in like-new condition.
One thing I like about the GLS is that it still feels incredibly comfortable even when carrying six passengers….. Our X7 felt a bit too firm and less comfortable when the passenger load was maxed-out. Also, the GLS’s AC is significantly better, and the inline-six engine is better than any other engine I’ve driven… Great engine for road trips, smooth and very powerful. I think the EQ boost combined with the inline-6 and turbocharger is the magic sauce for smoothness with great torque.
Good luck with your purchase.
Last edited by S_W222; Sep 19, 2025 at 12:49 AM.
