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USCar Trader import service
Choose a specific vehicle. Where data is available, its detail page shows the import cost calculation. We assess any possible duty benefit with you before purchase.
Important: A 0% EU import-duty rate may be available for a vehicle covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 that has US origin and is imported directly into the EU. CETA may apply to a vehicle with preferential Canadian origin. Whether the requirements are met is assessed for the individual case. Please contact us before purchase; we review the possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support through the process. Import VAT and other costs are assessed separately.
CarHub · Mercedes-Benz
The GLS is Mercedes' full-size, three-row flagship SUV, and there is a neat logic to buying one out of the United States: it is largely an American product to begin with.
Model profile
The lineage starts as the GL-Class: X164 (2006–2012) and X166 (2012–2019, renamed GLS in 2017). The current model is the X167 GLS (2019 onward), a longer, more Range-Rover-rivaling luxury SUV with the MBUX interior and available air suspension with E-Active Body Control. The Maybach GLS 600 sits at the very top of the X167 range.
Powertrain and equipment
US-market cars center on the GLS 450, using the 3.0-litre M256 inline-six with EQ Boost 48-volt mild hybrid (around 362 hp), and the GLS 580 with the 4.0-litre M177 biturbo V8 plus EQ Boost (roughly 483 hp).
The GLS is offered only as a large three-row SUV. US trims revolve around the GLS 450 and GLS 580, typically loaded with the Premium and Pinnacle equipment tiers: Burmester audio, panoramic roof, heated and ventilated first- and second-row seats, rear-seat entertainment, air suspension and driver-assistance packages.
Vehicle selection
Off-lease X167 GLS 450 and 580 examples appear steadily, usually well equipped and with moderate mileage for their size.
The assessment depends on the specific vehicle and the circumstances of the transaction. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase; we review any possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support. Import VAT and other costs are considered separately.
Vehicle data
| Body style | Typical figures (US-market): Full-size 3-row SUV |
|---|---|
| Length (X167) | Typical figures (US-market): approx. 5,207 mm |
| Wheelbase | Typical figures (US-market): approx. 3,135 mm |
| Kerb weight | Typical figures (US-market): approx. 2,400–2,600 kg |
| Seating | Typical figures (US-market): 6 or 7 |
| GLS 450 engine | Typical figures (US-market): 3.0 L turbo I6 + 48V (M256) |
|---|---|
| GLS 450 output | Typical figures (US-market): approx. 362 hp |
| GLS 580 engine | Typical figures (US-market): 4.0 L biturbo V8 + 48V (M177) |
| GLS 580 output | Typical figures (US-market): approx. 483 hp |
| AMG GLS 63 output | Typical figures (US-market): approx. 603 hp |
| Transmission | Typical figures (US-market): 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Typical figures (US-market): 4MATIC all-wheel drive |
| Fuel | Typical figures (US-market): Petrol (US diesel on older GL) |
| Generations | Typical figures (US-market): X164, X166 (GL/GLS), X167 (2019–) |
|---|---|
| US assembly | Typical figures (US-market): Tuscaloosa, Alabama (VIN-dependent) |
Values are reproduced verbatim from the existing article table. The documents for the specific vehicle govern.
Pre-purchase review
The GLS is robust but heavy and complex. On air-suspension cars, budget for eventual air-strut and compressor wear — sagging on one corner overnight is the classic symptom. The M256 inline-six is strong; check the 48-volt system and the integrated starter-generator function. On V8s, inspect for coolant and oil weeping and confirm the timing components on higher-mileage examples.
Germany and Europe
US GLS models run mph-primary clusters, US lighting with no rear fog lamp, and amber-free rear signals in some years — all TÜV items.
Typical work: fit a rear fog lamp, adapt headlights to the European beam pattern, and ensure the speedometer displays km/h. The odometer reading is checked for plausibility.
USCar Trader services
As a buyer based in Germany, you do not have to inspect the vehicle yourself in the United States or Canada. Within the agreed scope, USCar Trader can coordinate document review, a separately commissioned on-site inspection and purchase processing.
Covered inspection points are agreed in advance. An on-site inspection records condition at the appointment and is not a guarantee.
Next step: Before commissioning, USCar Trader and the customer agree which document, history, inspection and transaction checks suit the vehicle and are included in the service. This records what was actually checked.
Import process
The assessment depends on the specific vehicle and the circumstances of the transaction. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase; we review any possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support. Import VAT and other costs are considered separately.
Questions and answers
No, not automatically. A 0% EU import-duty rate may be available for a vehicle covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 that has US origin and is imported directly into the EU. CETA may apply to a vehicle with preferential Canadian origin. Whether the requirements are met is assessed for the individual case. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase; we review the possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support. Import VAT and other costs are assessed separately.
Same three-row SUV lineage; Mercedes renamed the GL to GLS in 2017, and the current X167 arrived in 2019 with more luxury and technology.
Yes, US-market GLS models are 4MATIC all-wheel drive as standard.
Seven as standard, or six with second-row captain's chairs, a popular US option.
Air-suspension wear, roof-drain leaks on older cars, and 48-volt or V8 coolant items are the main areas.
Yes, after TÜV individual approval and standard lighting and documentation changes.
Import VAT and other taxes or costs are assessed separately under the applicable rules and the circumstances of the individual case. A blanket answer for every vehicle would not be reliable.
Usually in a container for protection, sailing to Bremerhaven or Rotterdam, then cleared and inspected.
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