2022 Mercedes-Benz SUV Lineup: What’s New With the GLC, GLE, and GLS
Updates to the Mercedes SUV range include new features for nearly every AMG model.
Some of the biggest updates to Mercedes-Benz SUVs for the 2022 model year involve the brand's AMG offerings. There's even a new, higher performance GLC63, as if the existing one's 469 horsepower wasn't extreme enough. But in a sign of the times, supply chain issues have compelled the automaker to temporarily suspend sales of 17 of its 2022 models in the U.S., all powered by a hybridized 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8. The list of affected vehicles includes both the AMG GLC63 and new AMG GLC63 S SUVs.
Updates aren't limited to the AMGs, though. Here's what's new and different with every 2022 Mercedes-Benz SUV.
What about 2022 Mercedes cars?Check out the changes here.
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class: What’s New
The GLA subcompact SUV receives two additions to its tech-leaning available Premium package for 2022. The optional package picks up SiriusXM satellite radio and a 115-volt outlet to go with its larger 10.3-inch screens, power folding side mirrors, and hands-free power liftgate.
The AMG GLA35 and GLA45 gain a standard USB-C cable and a couple of fresh optional equipment choices. Rose Gold paint is now an available exterior color, and an AMG Night Package Plus is also available. The Night Package Plus includes black exterior badges and a grille with black slats.
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class: What We Think
Is the current GLA an SUV or a sports car? That depends on which one you get. The GLA250 drives much bigger than its sizing suggests. It's not as fun as the range's hopped-up AMG models, but engine power from its 221 hp turbo-four is adequate, even punchy, handling is predictable and confident, and steering is precise. The cabin of the GLA250 boasts a thoroughly premium feel , with a cleaned up dash versus the first-gen GLA and better concealed hard plastics on the doors. An overly complicated infotainment system and too firm and unsupportive seats are among the interior's shortcomings.
The AMG GLA35 is more of a hot hatch than an SUV. Our enthusiast selves appreciate the model's tenacious grip, impressive braking, and remarkable speed, rocketing to 60 mph from a standstill almost two seconds quicker than the GLA 250. But ride quality is harsh, and the tires are loud, especially at freeway speeds. The GLA35 is a capable SUV, but it might be too rough and aggressive to be a fun upscale daily driver. The prices of higher trim levels can also get steep, which is a tough sell when mainstream automakers offer more compelling vehicles for less money.
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class: What’s New
The 2022 GLB compact SUV gets the same updates as its smaller GLA cousin. Those include SiriusXM satellite radio and an 115-volt outlet in the model's available Premium Package, and a standard USB-C cable for the AMG GLB35. Rose Gold exterior paint and an AMG Night Package Plus with black grille and badges are also newly available for the AMG GLB grade.
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class: What We Think
The GLB-Class is a suitable everyday SUV, but it's not as luxurious as other Benz crossovers. Its spacious and quiet cabin makes a good first impression, and power delivery from the GLB250's 2.0-liter turbo inline-four and eight-speed dual-clutch automatic is smooth, even peppy at times. Its supple suspension delivers a relaxing drive, and the GLB's size makes it a cinch to park in all but the smallest spaces.
The more time we spend in the GLB, though, the more its lack of polish emerges. Its cabin is festooned in chintzy plastics, and a lot of road noise seeps into the interior as speeds climb. In addition, the GLB's MBUX infotainment system is just as unnecessarily complex as the setup in the GLA. The GLB's footprint, design, driving manners, and features help make it a practical and attractive SUV, but there are less expensive rivals that have a quieter ride, better materials, and smarter infotainment.
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class: What’s New
It took a few years, but the AMG GLC63 finally receives the same 503-hp turbo V-8 that the AMG GLC Coupe got in 2018—or at least it did before Mercedes' V-8 pause. The AMG GLC63 S is supposed to be the new top trim level in the compact SUV lineup and its hand-built engine is backed by the same nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive system as the standard AMG GLC63. It will come outfitted with standard electronic limited-slip differential, 360-degree view camera system, 13-speaker premium sound system, and navigation.
All 2022 AMG GLC models receive a standard hands-free power liftgate. The AMG GLC43 upgrades to a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster display, and available adaptive LED headlights are a new standalone option. AMG or not, the 2022 GLC gains standard automatic high beams, parking damage notification, rear USB ports, and a USB-C adapter cable. Starling Blue Metallic is a new available exterior color for the lineup, and the available Premium package for the GLC300 now includes a hands-free power liftgate.
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class: What We Think
We have yet to test the GLC63 S SUV, but we've enjoyed driving the GLC43 . Although it isn't the most powerful AMG of the model lineup, it does intelligently blend usable performance with everyday luxury. Its body stays impressively level through corners and its well-weighted steering is tight and accurate, but a mushy brake pedal with poor feedback was a letdown.
Driving the less raucous 2020 GLC300 , we were surprised with the responsiveness and solid midrange power of its 255-hp 2.0-liter turbo-four, although it was a little clattery at idle. Braking performance and feel were good, handling confident, and steering accurate, if a little vague feeling. Areas of concern on our tester included a clunky, frustrating infotainment system and a nine-speed automatic that had trouble bringing the car to a smooth stop.
There's less cargo space behind the rear seats of the GLC than many of its rivals (even the smaller GLB boasts more cargo room with two rows in place) and the third row is tight as you might expect. That said, the cabin feels upscale and is less noisy that the GLB's interior. The GLC class starts to get pricey with options and the further up the trim range you go, but the 2017 SUV of the Year winner is still practical and enjoyable, and it deserves to sit near the top of its class.
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe: What’s New
The GLC scored the lion's share of updates for 2022, but the GLC Coupe also added quite a few goodies. Several features are now standard across the lineup, including automatic high beams, hands-free power liftgate, parking damage detection, USB ports for the rear row, and a USB-C adapter cable. The GLC Coupe is also offered in an available Starling Blue Metallic exterior paint. The AMG GLC43 Coupe swaps in a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and all AMG GLC Coupes can be equipped with available adaptive LED headlights, a new standalone option for 2022.
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe: What We Think
With its fastback side profile, the recently face-lifted four-door GLC Coupe successfully pulls off low slung and sexy , design elements not traditionally associated with SUVs. In AMG guise, that styling sleekness comes with performance chops. The V-6 and V-8-powered AMG GLC Coupes are impressively fast, and even the non-AMG GLC300 Coupe is nimbler than the GLC300 SUV. No GLC Coupe chassis disappoints, but the problem is they also don't excite, either.
We were more impressed by the model range's interiors. Yes, cargo space suffers compared to the GLC SUV, but cabins are polished and well appointed. In an AMG GLC63 S Coupe tester, we appreciated features like the high infotainment screen placement, fold flat second-row seats, and ample hatch opening. Interiors can get somewhat loud in the V-8 AMG models as the engine becomes the car's soundtrack, hinting at the car's fiercely quick acceleration.
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class: What’s New
Every midsize GLE SUV winds up with standard automatic high beams for 2022. The range also acquires an available Cirrus Silver exterior hue and new available upholstery combinations for the cabin that include Espresso Brown and Black Leather and White and Black Nappa Leather. New available standalone features for the AMG GLE53 and GLE63 consist of Mercedes' Air Balance air filtration and multicontour front seats with massage functionality.
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class: What We Think
At the opposite ends of the GLE trim level spectrum, you have the most affordable GLE350 and the range-topping AMG GLE63 S. Both models look similar but in significant ways could not be more different. Indeed, the GLE63 S is a technological marvel, equipped with features such as the now-paused 603-hp 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 with a mild hybrid system and an active anti-roll bar that keeps the SUV flat through corners. Its brakes are correspondingly stout, which come in handy on a machine that feels absurdly quick and overly potent.
Our seat-of-the-pants evaluations of the AMG GLE63 S performance were accurate. Sprinting to 60 mph from zero took just 3.4 seconds , which is quicker than what a more powerful 2021 Shelby Mustang GT500 needs. Braking from 60 mph happens in 104 feet, nearly the shortest stopping distance of any super SUV we've ever tested. It's way more capability than most people will ever need.
While not as athletic as the AMG GLE63 S, we appreciate the GLE450 for its smooth 362-hp 3.0-liter inline-six, sharp handling, and quiet, comfortable interior. The GLE350 base model is the black sheep of the family. It suffers from poor handling, a middling turbo-four engine, and ungraceful nine-speed automatic. All GLEs come with a needlessly complex MBUX infotainment system.
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe: What’s New
Mercedes' 2022 AMG GLE Coupes gain standard automatic high beams, and an available Cirrus Silver exterior paint has been added to the model's color palette. New standalone options have also been made available, including massaging multicontour front seats with inflatable air chambers in the lower backrest and side bolsters. An advanced Air Balance air filtration system is the other new standalone available feature.
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe: What We Think
With their distinctive fastback profiles, SUVs like the GLC and GLE Coupes are something of an acquired taste. That might be shoppers' first dilemma when weighing whether to include the GLE Coupe on their short list. Its softly rendered body is not conventionally handsome, but it does attract attention .
GLE coupes are only offered in AMG trims, so you know you're getting top performance. Slip into the bulbous behemoth and you're met by a premium interior that can be optioned with upscale touches like available ventilated and massaging seats, armrest heaters, and soft-close doors. Our GLE53 Coupe tester came with the Acoustic Comfort package, which damped out most outside noise thanks to added cabin insulation and windows shielded in sound-absorbing film.
Dynamically the GLE Coupe is exactly what we expect of a modern AMG-badged SUV. Power delivery from the GLE53's 429-hp turbo inline-six mild hybrid engine is smooth, facilitated by the coupe's quick-shifting nine-speed automatic. Steering response is predictable, and the suspension tuned well. The GLE Coupe is a sporty, refined brute, but not quite as athletic as some of its rivals like the V-6-powered Porsche Cayenne S Coupe . It's also quite expensive and can be easily optioned up to a six-figure price tag.
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class: What’s New
More ways to option the full-size GLS are on tap for 2022. That includes available Cirrus Silver paint for the outside and Espresso Brown/Black Leather upholstery for the inside. The GLS450 picks up an optional Night package consisting of blacked-out grille and badges, and all the body flair and wheels for the AMG GLS63 are now available for the GLS450. Finally, all-season floor mats are available across the range.
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class: What We Think
Big and unsuspecting, the GLS is the closest thing Mercedes has to a minivan in the U.S. Its outer appearance belies the abundant luxury, style, technology, and performance that has gone into this mammoth nearly three-ton sport utility.
Let's start with performance. The GLS is equipped with either a turbo inline-six or the currently suspended turbo V-8, both mild hybrids, and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration in the top trim V-8 AMG GLS63 is stupid quick. We measured a 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds, which is quicker than the Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye and in the ballpark of the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 PDK . Transmission shifts are crisp, and the ride quality is smooth despite our tester's massive dimensions and 23-inch monoblock wheels. The GLS63's brakes are also responsive and brake pedal feel solid for such a big brick of a vehicle. Steering feel is somewhat numb, but otherwise, the AMG GLS is exciting to drive fast.
The GLS's interior is plush, crammed with the kinds of advanced technology, premium materials, and maximum comfort we've come to expect from the brand. We appreciate the abundance of tech in the cabin but have a love-hate relationship with its confounding MBUX infotainment system, a common gripe across Mercedes SUVs. There's a lot of space inside the GLS, but the third row is cramped and more suited for kids. The AMG GLS63 has Bentley levels of opulence, but if extreme luxury and exclusivity are your bags, Mercedes also offers a Maybach GLS .
2022 Mercedes-Benz G-Class: What’s New
There's no official word yet about short-term updates to the G-Wagen, but we do know the AMG G63 is on hold due to the V-8 pause. We also know that Mercedes is committed to the high-end off-roading platform, enough that it has confirmed plans for a zero-emissions variant in the not-too-distant future. In between now and then, we expect a hybrid model to come out, which could debut as early as 2022.
The internet is convinced a new G-Class 4x42 is on the horizon. The G 4x42 is a production off-road model that has in the past employed portal gear axles and large wheels and tires to achieve impressive ride height for going virtually anywhere. The previous G550 "Squared" (as it's known informally) sold in the U.S. for only a couple of years in the late 2010s.
2022 Mercedes-Benz G-Class: What We Think
We haven't driven Mercedes' eccentric and most expensive SUV in a few years, but the formula hasn't evolved much since it became a premium model in the 1990s . Its exterior is as iconic and popular as ever, and these days the interior looks like it was pulled out of the S-Class . Available Nappa leather, soft-touch surfaces, and both metal and wood trim befit the model's six-figure price tag , and Mercedes' available dual display screens create a sleek and modern setting.
The G-Wagen still has off-road skills, and on-road dynamics are much improved over older generations, although it exhibits understeer at the ragged edge and the brake pedal felt spongy in our tests . There's also lots of wind noise that seeps into the cabin (there's not much that can be done about a four-wheeled brick) but it's plenty quick whether it's the G550 or AMG G63. The G-Wagen is a niche vehicle not everyone will understand or appreciate, but that's ok. It remains a status symbol like few other SUVs in the marketplace.
2022 Mercedes-Benz SUV Lineup: What’s New
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class: Minor update
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class: Minor update
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class SUV: Significant update
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe: Minor update
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV: Minor update
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe: Minor update
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class: Minor update
2022 Mercedes-Benz G-Class: Minor update
My dad was a do-it-yourselfer, which is where my interest in cars began. To save money, he used to service his own vehicles, and I often got sent to the garage to hold a flashlight or fetch a tool for him while he was on his back under a car. Those formative experiences activated and fostered a curiosity in Japanese automobiles because that’s all my Mexican immigrant folks owned then. For as far back as I can remember, my family always had Hondas and Toyotas. There was a Mazda and a Subaru in there, too, a Datsun as well. My dad loved their fuel efficiency and build quality, so that’s how he spent and still chooses to spend his vehicle budget. Then, like a lot of young men in Southern California, fast modified cars entered the picture in my late teens and early 20s. Back then my best bud and I occasionally got into inadvisable high-speed shenanigans in his Honda. Coincidentally, that same dear friend got me my first job in publishing, where I wrote and copy edited for action sports lifestyle magazines. It was my first “real job” post college, and it gave me the experience to move just a couple years later to Auto Sound & Security magazine, my first gig in the car enthusiast space. From there, I was extremely fortunate to land staff positions at some highly regarded tuner media brands: Honda Tuning, UrbanRacer.com, and Super Street. I see myself as a Honda guy, and that’s mostly what I’ve owned, though not that many—I’ve had one each Civic, Accord, and, currently, an Acura RSX Type S. I also had a fourth-gen Toyota pickup when I met my wife, with its bulletproof single-cam 22R inline-four, way before the brand started calling its trucks Tacoma and Tundra. I’m seriously in lust with the motorsport of drifting, partly because it reminds me of my boarding and BMX days, partly because it’s uncorked vehicle performance, and partly because it has Japanese roots. I’ve never been much of a car modifier, but my DC5 is lowered, has a few bolt-ons, and the ECU is re-flashed. I love being behind the wheel of most vehicles, whether that’s road tripping or circuit flogging, although a lifetime exposed to traffic in the greater L.A. area has dulled that passion some. And unlike my dear ol’ dad, I am not a DIYer, because frankly I break everything I touch.
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