Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Importing a used Mercedes-Benz GLS from the USA

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. The GLS and its GL-Class predecessor are built at Mercedes' Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant, which supplies the world. For a German importer that changes the whole customs conversation, because the VIN on a US-market GLS frequently points to that Alabama assembly line. Whether it delivers the 0% EU import duty still comes down to what the VIN and plant records prove, and we verify that before anything is promised. On top of that origin angle, the US market simply has more GLS supply, in bigger specifications, than Europe ever saw.

Production years and key changes

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. All three generations seat seven and were sold heavily in the States.

What is under the hood

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). Earlier X166 cars offered the GLS 450 twin-turbo V6, the GLS 550 V8, and even a GL 350 BlueTEC diesel in the US. At the top, the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 pairs the 4.0-litre biturbo V8 with mild-hybrid assistance for around 603 hp. Every US GLS is 4MATIC all-wheel drive with the 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic — ideal for German winters and Alpine trips.

Trims and body styles

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. Second-row captain's chairs are a popular US option, turning the GLS into a genuine six-seat luxury hauler.

What the US market offers

Off-lease X167 GLS 450 and 580 examples appear steadily, usually well equipped and with moderate mileage for their size. The older X166 GL/GLS is plentiful and more affordable, though age-related items grow. Southern and Western cars are the corrosion-safe picks. Because these are family flagships, many were dealer-serviced throughout, which the history report should confirm. Condition varies with use — school-run suburban cars versus heavily towed examples — so inspection matters. Availability and condition are discussed here; European pricing is not.

Who this import is for

Import a used GLS from the USA if you want a seven-seat luxury SUV with V6, inline-six or V8 power, full-time all-wheel drive and rich American-market equipment — and you value that its Alabama build often makes the origin question favorable. Families needing three genuine rows, and buyers who want the AMG GLS 63 that sold in numbers stateside, are the natural fit.

Technical data and figures

Reliability: trouble spots to check

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. The X166 could show issues with the panoramic roof drains, active-curve-system leaks (ABC on some), and worn suspension bushings given the weight. MBUX and the large screens occasionally need software updates. A car with documented suspension work and a full service file is the one to buy.

US vs. Europe differences

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. American trim logic bundles options differently, and US cars may carry the SiriusXM hardware and US navigation maps that need reconfiguring. None of this prevents German registration once addressed.

How the import works

Selection and VIN check come first, and on a GLS the plant-of-build origin check is especially worthwhile given the Alabama assembly. Next: a funded escrow to protect payment; inland haulage to the US port and ocean freight (container is common for a vehicle this valuable) to Bremerhaven or Rotterdam; customs clearance; TÜV inspection and individual approval; then registration. We manage each stage so the SUV does not sit idle at port.

Import duty, VAT and fees

Bottom line: what matters is the factory shown by the VIN – proven US origin unlocks 0% duty. The 19% import VAT always applies.

Keep the two charges separate. EU import duty on cars is normally 10% of the customs value, dropping to 0% where provable US origin is established via VIN and plant records under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461 (since 1 July 2026, direct transport, until 31 December 2029). A US-built GLS is a strong candidate for that origin, but it is only confirmed once the VIN is verified — never assumed. Separately, the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) always applies on the customs value plus any duty. All costs are passed through without margin.

From modifications to registration

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. After individual approval and documentation, the GLS registers normally. Large aftermarket wheels, if fitted, may need separate certification.

Pre-buy inspection points

Confirm before buying: (1) the VIN and plant of build for the customs position; (2) a Carfax or AutoCheck report covering accidents, title and odometer; (3) a clean, non-salvage title; (4) full service records including any air-suspension and transmission work; (5) the condition of all four air struts and the compressor; (6) underbody and frame condition, plus tow-hitch wear on used-hard cars; (7) a recent diagnostic scan with no stored faults.

What buyers ask most

Is a used GLS duty-free to import from the USA?

It can reach 0% duty because the GLS is built in Alabama and often proves US origin, but this is confirmed from the VIN and plant records, and the 19% import VAT always applies. Nothing is guaranteed in advance.

What is the difference between GL-Class and GLS?

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.

Does every US GLS have all-wheel drive?

Yes, US-market GLS models are 4MATIC all-wheel drive as standard.

How many seats does the GLS have?

Seven as standard, or six with second-row captain's chairs, a popular US option.

What are common GLS problems to check?

Air-suspension wear, roof-drain leaks on older cars, and 48-volt or V8 coolant items are the main areas.

Can the AMG GLS 63 be imported and registered?

Yes, after TÜV individual approval and standard lighting and documentation changes.

Will I still pay German import VAT on a GLS?

Yes. The 19% Einfuhrumsatzsteuer applies to every import, separate from any duty.

How is the GLS shipped from the USA?

Usually in a container for protection, sailing to Bremerhaven or Rotterdam, then cleared and inspected.

See the full Mercedes-Benz in the Carhub, compare related SUVs such as the GLE Coupe, the GL-Class and the GLC, or browse current GLS listings.