2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS63 AMG

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS63 AMG is a high-performance SUV that blends luxury with impressive power. It primarily features a handcrafted 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine paired with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed transmission. The engine produces 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. Owners typically praise its potent engine, luxurious interior, and advanced technology features. Common dislikes often revolve around its high price tag, considerable fuel consumption, and potential for costly repairs. The GLS range also includes models with different engines such as the GLS 450 featuring a 3.0-liter inline-6 turbo with mild hybrid drive, and the GLS 580 featuring a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo with mild hybrid drive.

Engine

4.0L V8 Biturbo

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the engine, loss of power, check engine light. Can be caused by oil starvation or component failure.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty turbocharger(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $8,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil puddles under the vehicle, burning oil smell, low oil level warning. Can originate from various seals and gaskets including valve cover gaskets, rear main seal, or oil cooler lines.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking seals or gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Misfires
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, hesitation during acceleration, check engine light with misfire codes. Can be caused by faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel injectors.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel injectors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-Speed

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed gear changes, especially during acceleration or deceleration. Sometimes accompanied by a clunking noise.
  • Solution: Software update, transmission flush, or valve body replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine revving without corresponding increase in speed, difficulty engaging gears, or complete loss of drive.
  • Solution: Complete transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $6,000 - $10,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sitting unevenly, ride height not adjusting properly, “Suspension Malfunction” warning light. Often due to leaking air struts or a faulty air compressor.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty air struts or air compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Adaptive Damper Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Stiff or bouncy ride, lack of damping control, error messages related to the adaptive damping system.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty dampers or associated sensors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The MBUX system freezes, restarts unexpectedly, or becomes unresponsive.
  • Solution: Software update or replacement of the MBUX control unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunctions (Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitoring, etc.)
  • Description/Symptoms: False alarms, intermittent operation, or complete failure of driver-assistance systems.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty sensor(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ per sensor.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The car’s battery dies prematurely, especially if the vehicle is not driven frequently. Can be caused by parasitic draw from various electronic modules.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic draw or replace the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, excessive wind noise, or water leaks.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof motor, rails, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Automatic Tailgate Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Tailgate not opening or closing automatically, error messages, or unusual noises during operation.
  • Solution: Replace the tailgate struts, motor, or sensors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power seats not adjusting properly or at all, grinding noises, or getting stuck in one position.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty seat motor or related components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Trim Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noises from door panels or dashboard.
  • Solution: Securing or replacing loose trim pieces.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS63 AMG, while offering exceptional performance and luxury, can suffer from a range of issues. The most concerning are engine and transmission related issues, with turbocharger failures, oil leaks, and rough shifting being prominent. Suspension problems, particularly with the air suspension, are also relatively common and can be costly to repair. Electrical glitches, especially with the infotainment system, can be frustrating. The cost of repairs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor issues to several thousand dollars for major engine or transmission work. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and consider a thorough pre-purchase inspection.