How Many Passengers Can Fit in the Mercedes-Benz GLS

September 17th, 2026 by

Mercedes-Benz GLS SUV seating capacity

New Mercedes-Benz GLS For Sale

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How Many Passengers Can Fit in the Mercedes-Benz GLS?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS can seat up to seven passengers across three rows, giving families and larger groups plenty of room to travel comfortably. Its full-size cabin provides 40.3 inches of front-row legroom, 41.9 inches of second-row legroom, and 34.6 inches of third-row legroom. Third-row passengers also have 38.9 inches of headroom, making the GLS a practical choice for adults as well as children.

Cargo capacity remains useful with all three rows occupied, with about 17 cubic feet behind the third row. Folding the rear seats expands cargo space to about 85 cubic feet.

For drivers looking for a full-size luxury SUV in The Woodlands, thenew Mercedes-Benz GLS for sale combines three-row passenger capacity with flexible seating, power-adjustable rear seats, and premium comfort features. Explore the cabin in person and see which configuration works best for your family.

How Many Passengers Can Fit in Mercedes-Benz GLS Seating Configurations?

The Mercedes-Benz GLS seats up to seven passengers in its standard configuration. Mercedes-Benz also offers a six-passenger layout with second-row captain’s chairs for shoppers who prefer additional separation and easier access to the third row.

The GLS 450 4MATIC®, GLS 580 4MATIC®, and AMG® GLS 63 all feature three rows in a 2-3-2 configuration. The second-row bench seats three passengers, while the available six-passenger configuration replaces that bench with two individual captain’s chairs and a center walkway.

The result is a flexible cabin that can be configured around different passenger needs. Families that regularly carry seven people can use the second-row bench, while shoppers who prioritize second-row comfort and convenient third-row access may prefer the captain’s-chair configuration.

The Maybach GLS 600 takes a different approach. Its two-row configuration seats five passengers as standard, with an available four-seat configuration that replaces the second-row bench with a center console. The four-seat configuration is available at no additional cost and focuses on a more exclusive rear-seat experience.

When comparing your options, you can browseour new Mercedes-Benz inventory to see available GLS models and configurations. Shoppers interested in a recent pre-owned option can also explorenearly new vehicle options.

Dimensions & Capacity

Capacity and dimensions by trim

Feature

AMG® GLS 63

GLS 450 4MATIC®

GLS 580 4MATIC®

Maybach GLS 600

Seating

7

7

7

5 standard / 4 available

Cargo

17.4 cu ft

17.4 cu ft

17.4 cu ft

18.4 cu ft

Curb weight

5,798 lbs

5,467 lbs

5,754 lbs

5,756 lbs

Towing

7,700 lbs

7,700 lbs

7,700 lbs

7,700 lbs

Payload

1,367 lbs

1,808 lbs

1,731 lbs

1,409 lbs

Can Second-Row Seats Slide to Expand Adult Legroom in the Third Row?

Yes. The second-row seats in the Mercedes-Benz GLS can slide forward and backward to help distribute available legroom between the second and third rows.

The power-sliding second-row bench or captain’s chairs allow passengers to adjust their seating position based on who is riding in each row. Moving the second row forward can provide additional space for third-row passengers, while sliding it rearward gives second-row passengers more legroom.

The GLS provides up to 41.9 inches of second-row legroom, while the third row offers 34.6 inches. That combination gives the GLS useful flexibility when multiple adults are traveling together.

This adjustability can be particularly helpful for families in The Woodlands who use their SUV for everything from daily carpools to longer road trips. During a test drive, try different second-row positions to see how easily you can balance passenger space throughout the cabin.

Shoppers comparing used options can explore our pre-owned Mercedes-Benz vehicle selection and experience the GLS seating adjustments for themselves.

How Easy Is Third-Row Access and Power Seat Folding in the GLS?

Third-row access is designed to be simple, with standard EZ-ENTRY power controls that tilt and slide the second-row seats forward.

The EZ-ENTRY controls allow passengers to tilt and slide the second-row seat forward at the touch of a button. This creates an opening for third-row passengers without requiring them to manually move a heavy seat. After passengers enter, the second-row seat can return to its position.

The six-passenger configuration offers another convenient option: the open space between the second-row captain’s chairs provides a direct path to the third row.

The GLS also offers power-folding rear seats for added cargo flexibility. The third-row seats split 50/50, allowing owners to configure passenger and cargo space according to their needs. With the second and third rows folded, cargo capacity can increase to about 85 cubic feet.

If you’re considering a certified model, explore our certified pre-owned Mercedes-Benz selection to find a GLS and experience its seating and cargo flexibility.

Engine & Performance

Powertrain specs by trim

Feature

AMG® GLS 63

GLS 450 4MATIC®

GLS 580 4MATIC®

Maybach GLS 600

Engine

4L

3L

4L

4L

Horsepower

603 hp

375 hp

510 hp

550 hp

Torque

627 lb-ft

369 lb-ft

538 lb-ft

538 lb-ft

Transmission

AMG® SPEEDSHIFT® TCT 9-speed

9G-TRONIC

9G-TRONIC

9G-TRONIC

Drivetrain

All-wheel drive

All-wheel drive

All-wheel drive

All-wheel drive

What Luxury Packages and Comfort Amenities Elevate Rear Passenger Seating?

The Mercedes-Benz GLS goes beyond passenger capacity with available comfort features designed to make all three rows more enjoyable.

The available Executive Rear Seat Package Plus adds multicontour second-row outboard seats with massage functions, heated seats, ventilated cushions, and a removable MBUX 7-inch rear tablet. Available wireless charging and additional center-console features can also give second-row passengers more control over their journey.

Third-row passengers receive amenities such as side armrests, cup holders, USB-C charging ports, and overhead air vents. Available five-zone automatic climate control adds a dedicated climate zone for third-row passengers, while the available Heated 3rd Row Seat package can provide additional cold-weather comfort.

For entertainment, the GLS includes a 13-speaker Burmester® Surround Sound System with Dolby Atmos®, while an available 26-speaker Burmester® High-End 3D Surround Sound System provides an upgraded audio experience.

Keeping these advanced seating, climate, and electronic systems operating properly is easier with professional maintenance. When your GLS needs service, you can schedule a service appointment with our factory-trained technicians.

Standard vs. Optional Features

Key equipment that moves from optional to standard across trims

Feature

AMG® GLS 63

GLS 450 4MATIC®

GLS 580 4MATIC®

Maybach GLS 600

Dashcam

Optional

Optional

Optional

6-seat cabin configuration

Optional

Optional

Optional

Burmester® High-End 3D Surround Sound System

Optional

Optional

Optional

Load Sill Protector (PIO)

Optional

Optional

Optional

Heated 3rd Row Seat

Optional

Optional

Leather Seating

Optional

Optional

Optional

Which Luxury SUV Offers Better Standard Seating Features: Mercedes-Benz GLS or BMW X7?

The Mercedes-Benz GLS provides more third-row legroom than the BMW X7, with 34.6 inches of third-row legroom compared with 33.3 inches in the X7. That difference can make the GLS especially appealing to shoppers who expect to regularly use all three rows.

Both SUVs offer seven-passenger seating as well as available six-passenger configurations with second-row captain’s chairs. However, the GLS offers 41.9 inches of second-row legroom and 34.6 inches of third-row legroom, compared with 37.6 inches and 33.3 inches, respectively, in the BMW X7.

The GLS also offers power fore-and-aft second-row adjustment and EZ-ENTRY third-row access, giving passengers more flexibility when getting comfortable or entering the back row.

Cargo space is another consideration. With all three rows in use, the GLS provides about 17 cubic feet of cargo capacity, compared with about 13 cubic feet in the BMW X7. The GLS also uses standard AIRMATIC® air suspension to help maintain ride comfort as passenger and cargo loads change.

If you’re ready to compare your current vehicle with a GLS, you canvalue your trade online and explore your next luxury SUV.

Test Drive a GLS at our Mercedes-Benz Dealership in The Woodlands, TX

If you’re searching for a new Mercedes-Benz GLS for sale, Mercedes-Benz of The Woodlands can help you compare available configurations and find the right three-row luxury SUV for your needs. Whether you prioritize seven-passenger seating, second-row captain’s chairs, third-row adult comfort, or flexible cargo space, the GLS offers a versatile cabin for families and luxury SUV shoppers.

Explore our available Mercedes-Benz SUVs, compare GLS configurations, and experience the cabin for yourself with a test drive. When you’re ready to take the next step, you can also complete ouronline finance application. Pleasecontact our Mercedes-Benz dealership in The Woodlands with any questions about our inventory.

New Mercedes-Benz GLS For Sale

Mercedes-Benz GLS Dealership

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