Mercedes GLS (2019)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 861 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,131
£178/month
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Excellent
Road Tax
£200
Standard rate/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 30-42
2987cc Diesel
Great Choice
92% pass rate, £2,131/year to run. 10 points above average.
Check a specific Mercedes GLS
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Standard rate (from April 2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).
Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Mercedes brand average of 87%.
92% of MOT tests on Mercedes GLSs from 2019 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 5 years old. That's based on 861 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 48,209 miles.
Got a Mercedes GLS you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
48,209
Average miles
37,000
Expected for age
The average 2019 Mercedes GLS had 48,209 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
Looking at a specific Mercedes GLS?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2016 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 2018 model has the lowest at 90%. The 2019 scores 92%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Mercedes GLS by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Mercedes GLS
Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.
Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.
About the 2019 Mercedes GLS
The 2019 Mercedes GLS is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2987cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 861 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2019, the average MOT pass rate is 90%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 48,209 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes GLS owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2019 Mercedes GLS Fuel Costs
The 2987cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2019 Mercedes GLS?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,131 (£178/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Mercedes GLS Reliability Trend
The Mercedes GLS has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2019 Mercedes GLS
At 7 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2016 model has the highest pass rate at 93%.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Medium riskDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2019 Mercedes GLS stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes GLS(2019) | 92% | £1,676 | £200 | Grp 30-42 | £2,131 |
| Mercedes E(2019) | 90% | £1,676 | £200 | Grp 30-42 | £2,131same |
| Mercedes GLC(2018) | 91% | £1,676 | £200 | Grp 30-42 | £2,131same |
| Audi A5(2017) | 89% | £1,676 | £200 | Grp 30-42 | £2,281+£150 |
| Ford Ranger(2019) | 87% | £1,676 | £200 | Grp 35-50 | £2,281+£150 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2019 Mercedes GLS
Is the 2019 Mercedes GLS reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 92% of MOT tests on 2019 Mercedes GLSs ended in a pass, from 861 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.
How much does a 2019 Mercedes GLS cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,131 a year (£178 a month): £1,676 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2019 Mercedes GLS?
92% of 861 MOT tests on the 2019 Mercedes GLS ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 534th of 1,380 models first registered in 2019 (top half).
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% and the 2018 the lowest at 90%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2019 Mercedes GLS?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2019 Mercedes GLS is 48,209 miles, which is above the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
Related Mercedes Models
Explore other Mercedes cars or similar models in the same category.
Mercedes A
2019 · 1461cc Diesel
Mercedes C
2017 · 1991cc Hybrid
Mercedes A-Class
2017 · 1461cc Diesel
Mercedes E
2019 · 2925cc Diesel
Mercedes GLC
2018 · 2987cc Diesel
Audi A5
2017 · 2967cc Diesel
More on the Mercedes GLS
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Mercedes GLS.
Petrol vs Diesel in 2026: Which Actually Costs Less to Own?
8 min read
Buying GuideCars That Lose Value Fastest: Models to Avoid for Depreciation
8 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Run in 2026: Running Costs From DVSA MOT Data
9 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Common Problems: 7 Issues That Could Cost £1,500+ (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific Mercedes GLS
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a Mercedes GLS? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
With outstanding finance included