How Does the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS SUV Handle in Snow?

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How Does the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS SUV Drive in Snow and Ice?

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS brings useful equipment to winter driving: standard all-wheel drive, sophisticated suspension systems, and three rows of space for passengers and their cold-weather gear. The GLS 450 and GLS 580 use fully variable 4MATIC®, while the Mercedes-AMG® GLS 63 features AMG® Performance 4MATIC®+ with its own performance-focused torque management.

For drivers around Freehold, Lakewood, Toms River, and Princeton, that makes the GLS worth considering when winter brings slush, snow-covered side streets, and slippery driveways. However, the three models are not equally prepared for snow in their standard tire configurations. In particular, the GLS 580’s published summer-tire specification deserves attention before temperatures drop.

Here’s how the GLS’s equipment supports winter driving, what changes between trims, and where tires matter more than additional horsepower.

How the GLS Responds When Road Conditions Change

Fully Variable 4MATIC® Adjusts Power Between the Axles

The GLS 450 and GLS 580 come with fully variable 4MATIC® all-wheel drive. Rather than maintaining one fixed front-to-rear torque split, a multi-disc clutch in the transfer case adjusts distribution according to the driving situation. Mercedes-Benz says the system can send anywhere from zero to 100 percent of engine torque to either axle.

That flexibility helps the drivetrain respond when available traction differs between the front and rear wheels. Mercedes-Benz specifically identifies snowy and icy conditions as situations in which the Torque on Demand system supports traction.

The AMG® GLS 63 takes a related but distinct approach. Its AMG® Performance 4MATIC®+ system varies front-to-rear torque distribution using information such as driving mode, acceleration, and available grip. It can also direct up to 100 percent of torque to the rear wheels when appropriate.

These systems help manage propulsion; they do not create grip where the tires cannot find it. Mercedes-Benz explicitly recommends winter tires for the best snow performance.

Suspension Control Helps Manage Uneven Winter Roads

The GLS 450 and GLS 580 include self-leveling AIRMATIC® air suspension. For 2027, Mercedes-Benz adds standard cloud-based intelligent damper control, which can use Car-to-X information from other Mercedes-Benz vehicles to adjust damping before reaching a reported bump. Operation depends on activation, connectivity, and the applicable service requirements.

That technology is relevant to ride comfort over uneven roads, but it should not be confused with a system that detects every patch of ice or automatically finds traction beneath snow.

For GLS 580 buyers, optional E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL adds individual control of spring and damper forces at each wheel. Mercedes-Benz says it analyzes the driving situation 1,000 times per second and can raise the vehicle to increase ground clearance. It also counteracts body roll, pitch, and lift.

Additional clearance can be useful on an uneven route, but neither an adjustable suspension nor AWD guarantees passage through a deep plow bank.

GLS 450, GLS 580, or AMG® GLS 63: What Changes in Winter?

GLS 450 4MATIC® SUV: A Sensible Starting Point for Winter-Focused Buyers

The 2027 GLS 450 pairs a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with mild-hybrid assistance, producing 375 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. A 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic and fully variable 4MATIC® are standard, as is self-leveling AIRMATIC® suspension.

Its standard tire setup makes it an important starting point for this comparison. MBUSA lists 21-inch wheels with 275/45R21 front and 315/40R21 rear all-season tires. Those are the published standard specifications, not a guarantee that every available vehicle has the same wheel package.

For everyday winter use, the GLS 450 provides the core traction and suspension equipment without requiring a move to a V8. It is a logical model to consider if your main priorities are family transportation, AWD, and comfort rather than maximum acceleration.

Dedicated winter tires remain worth discussing if snow driving is a regular requirement. Even with the standard all-season setup, Mercedes-Benz recommends winter tires for the best performance in snow.

GLS 580 4MATIC® SUV: V8 Refinement With a Summer-Tire Caveat

The 2027 GLS 580 uses a 4.0-liter biturbo V8 with mild-hybrid assistance, generating 530 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. It shares the GLS 450’s fully variable 4MATIC® system and standard self-leveling AIRMATIC® suspension, while offering optional E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL.

The important winter distinction is not simply its additional power. MBUSA lists standard 22-inch AMG® multispoke wheels with summer high-performance tires: 285/45R22 at the front and 325/40R22 at the rear.

Before planning regular snow driving in a GLS 580, speak with our team about an approved winter wheel-and-tire setup. Its AWD and suspension equipment should not be treated as compensation for tires that are not suited to the conditions.

The GLS 580 also adds standard five-zone automatic climate control and multicontour front seats with massage. These features enhance cold-weather comfort, but they do not establish a traction advantage over the GLS 450.

Mercedes-AMG® GLS 63 SUV: Advanced Chassis Control, Not an Automatic Snow Winner

The 2027 Mercedes-AMG® GLS 63 produces 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque from a handcrafted 4.0-liter biturbo V8 with hybrid assistance. It pairs that output with an AMG® SPEEDSHIFT® TCT nine-speed transmission and AMG® Performance 4MATIC®+ all-wheel drive.

Its AMG® ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL system adds active roll stabilization. Independently operating electromechanical actuators at each axle help reduce body roll and support more precise damping adjustments. In straight-line driving, the system also helps manage bumps affecting one side of the vehicle.

Those features distinguish the AMG®’s chassis, but they are not evidence that it will stop sooner or corner more securely on ice than another GLS on appropriate tires.

MBUSA lists 21-inch wheels with high-performance tires as standard. Because the listing does not describe them as the GLS 450’s all-season specification, verify the actual tire type on the vehicle and discuss an approved winter setup before using it in snow.

Choose the AMG® GLS 63 for its performance character and equipment. Snow capability still depends on the tires, road surface, and how progressively the driver applies its substantial power.

Which GLS Would We Start With for a New Jersey Winter?

For a buyer focused primarily on winter commuting, the GLS 450 is the straightforward starting point. It includes fully variable AWD and AIRMATIC®, and its published standard equipment includes all-season tires. Moving to the GLS 580 or AMG® GLS 63 adds power and other equipment, but does not by itself establish better snow performance.

A useful comparison is:

These distinctions come from the current MBUSA model pages and the GLS launch information. Check the actual vehicle because optional wheel packages can change its tire configuration.

Snow Traction and Stopping Distance Are Different Questions

An AWD system can help distribute engine power when accelerating, but that does not make a slippery road easier to stop on. Mercedes-Benz cautions that its systems remain limited by available traction, and NHTSA advises reducing speed and increasing following distance on snow-covered surfaces.

The GLS’s size and substantial power should not encourage dry-road driving habits during a storm. Leave more time for braking, approach turns cautiously, and avoid assuming that a confident launch from a stop means the road offers equally good braking grip.

Driver assistance has limits, too. Mercedes-Benz states that Distance Assist DISTRONIC does not replace active driver involvement, and that braking effectiveness depends on tire and road conditions as well as brake maintenance. Follow the operator’s manual when deciding whether conditions are suitable for using assistance features.

Cold-Weather Comfort for All Three Rows

Winter ownership is also about keeping passengers comfortable. The GLS 450 includes heated and ventilated front seats, while the GLS 580 and AMG® GLS 63 feature five-zone automatic climate control, including a dedicated third-row climate zone.

All three models list seating for six, with seven-passenger seating optional, and cargo capacity ranging from 17.4 to 84.9 cubic feet depending on the seating arrangement. That flexibility can help accommodate passengers, luggage, and winter supplies—but cargo should always be secured using the vehicle’s designated tie-downs.

These are practical reasons to consider a GLS for family winter travel, separate from its traction capability.

Before the First Storm: Prepare Your GLS

The most important winter purchase may be the right tires, not the next trim level.

• Confirm the fitted tire type. Pay particular attention to the GLS 580’s published summer-tire setup and verify the AMG®’s actual tires.
• Ask about an approved winter package. Mercedes-Benz recommends winter tires for the best snow performance; confirm appropriate wheel sizes, fitment, and operating requirements for your GLS.
• Check cold tire pressures. Use the recommended pressures on the vehicle label or in the owner’s manual, not the maximum pressure printed on the tire.
• Inspect visibility equipment. Check lights, defrosters, wiper blades, and winter washer fluid before severe weather arrives.
• Allow more braking room. Reduce speed and increase following distance rather than relying on AWD to compensate for slippery pavement.
• Plan around road conditions. Check weather and traffic reports, carry winter supplies, and postpone nonessential travel when routes are not in good shape.

Compare the GLS Lineup at Ray Catena of Freehold, NJ

Whether you prefer the GLS 450’s six-cylinder powertrain, the GLS 580’s V8 refinement, or the Mercedes-AMG® GLS 63’s performance-focused chassis, choose a configuration that fits both your everyday driving and your winter plans.

Visit Ray Catena of Freehold, NJ, to discuss available Mercedes-Benz GLS SUV models and winter wheel-and-tire options. Our team can help you compare equipment, confirm the specifications of a particular vehicle, and arrange a test drive. Contact Ray Catena of Freehold to plan your visit from Freehold, Lakewood, Toms River, Princeton, or another nearby community.

Equipment and tire specifications vary by configuration. AWD, suspension systems, and driver-assistance features cannot overcome limited traction or replace attentive driving. Follow the operator’s manual for approved tires and proper system operation.