Mercedes GLS

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 4 model years from 4,597 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

92%

Total Tests

4,597

Highest Pass Rate

2016 (93%)

Years Covered

About the Mercedes GLS

The Mercedes GLS was MOT tested 4,597 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 4 model years (2016 to 2019), with an average pass rate of 92%. That's comfortably above the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2016 model has the highest pass rate at 93% from 983 tests. The 2018 model has the lowest at 90%. With just a 3 point gap, pass rates are similar across these years. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

The Mercedes GLS has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (2016) averages 72,875 miles, while the newest (2019) averages 48,209 miles.

Compared to the Mercedes brand average of 87%, the GLS performs 5 points better, making it one of the more reliable options in the Mercedes range.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2987cc)

£1,676

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£2,131

Per month£178/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2019 details

How reliable is the Mercedes GLS?

vs average of all models+10% (82% avg)

vs Mercedes brand average+5% (87% avg)

Best to worst year spread3 percentage points

Reliability trendStable over years

Mercedes GLS by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2019	92%	861	48,209 mi
2018	90%	1,328	55,325 mi
2017	92%	1,425	62,721 mi
2016	93%	983	72,875 mi

Questions about the Mercedes GLS

Is the Mercedes GLS reliable?

Across its 4 model years in our data (2016 to 2019), the Mercedes GLS averages a 92% MOT pass rate, from 4,597 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2016 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 93%.

Which year Mercedes GLS has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2016 Mercedes GLS has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 2018 model has the lowest at 90%, a 3 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.