2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class: Comprehensive Car Seat Safety Review

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class represents the evolution of the brand's flagship three-row SUV, now better aligned with Mercedes' contemporary design language and technological advancements. While it boasts impressive luxury features and performance upgrades, families considering this vehicle should pay special attention to its car seat compatibility and child safety provisions.

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Detailed Car Seat Installation Analysis

Our team of certified child passenger safety technicians conducted extensive testing with multiple car seat configurations to evaluate the GLS-Class's family-friendliness. Here's our comprehensive breakdown:

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Second Row Performance

The GLS-Class's second row presents both advantages and challenges for child seat installation:

• LATCH Anchors: Recessed about 1/3 inch into the seat bight, making connection difficult with rigid connectors, especially with the stiff leather cushions interfering
• Tether Anchors: Three well-placed anchors about two-thirds down the seatback with clear labeling (note: avoid confusing them with nearby cargo hooks)
• Seat Belt Buckles: Sturdy bases that children can easily manipulate when using booster seats
• Head Restraints: Large and adjustable (but not removable) can push booster seats too far forward from the seatback

Third Row Assessment

The rearmost seating area offers reasonable accommodation for older children:

• LATCH Anchors: Positioned about 1 inch into the seat bight with large openings that make connector maneuvering challenging
• Tether Anchors: Two anchors located directly behind the seats on the cargo floor
• Access: Excellent thanks to power-folding second-row seats activated by buttons near the head restraints
• Space: Forward-facing convertible seats fit adequately, though installation requires patience
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Car Seat Fitment Grades

Based on our standardized evaluation criteria, here's how the GLS-Class performs:

Important Considerations for Parents

When using the 2017 GLS-Class as a family vehicle, keep these crucial points in mind:

• LATCH Weight Limits: Remember that the LATCH system has a 65-pound combined weight limit (child + seat)
• Installation Alternatives: If LATCH proves difficult, the seat belt installation method may provide a better solution
• Booster Seat Fit: The non-removable head restraints may affect proper booster seat positioning
• Three-Across Potential: While possible in the second row, it requires careful seat selection and may compromise comfort
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Comparison to Previous Model Years

The transition from GL-Class to GLS-Class brought several changes affecting car seat installation:

• New seat cushion materials that affect Latch connector accessibility
• Revised anchor positioning in both rows
• Improved but still imperfect head restraint design for booster seats
• Enhanced multimedia system that doesn't impact safety features

Expert Recommendations

Based on our testing, we suggest the following for GLS-Class owners:

1. Practice installations before your first trip with children
2. Consider seat models with flexible LATCH connectors rather than rigid ones
3. For rear-facing installations, adjust front passenger position carefully
4. Clearly identify tether anchors to avoid confusion with cargo hooks
5. Have your installation checked by a certified technician

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Final Verdict

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class offers respectable but not exceptional child seat accommodation. While it provides adequate space for up to four child seats and excellent third-row access, the challenging LATCH anchor accessibility and head restraint issues prevent it from being a top choice among three-row luxury SUVs for families with young children. Parents should weigh these factors carefully against the vehicle's many other luxury and performance attributes when making their purchasing decision.