Mercedes GLS X167SUV2019–present

Mercedes GLS X167 Engines — The Complete UK Guide

Every engine fitted to the third-generation GLS full-size luxury SUV — from the M256 straight-six petrol to the M176 V8, the M177 AMG V8, and the OM656 straight-six diesel that powers the GLS 400 d. Real UK costs, honest reliability data, and the 2023 facelift's engine updates explained. Backed by real UK enquiries in 2025 [PATTERN DATA].

Explore X167 Engines
X167Enquiries (2025)
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Mercedes GLS X167 Engine Codes — The Complete Database

Every engine fitted to the X167 GLS specifically — including pre-facelift M256/M176 units, the 2023 facelift updates, and the range-topping AMG and Maybach variants.

Engine CodeFuelPowerYearsReliabilityEnquiriesAvg. Recon Cost
M256.930M256Petrol, mild-hybrid367 PS / 270 kW (+22 PS EQ Boost)2019–2023★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£3,500–£6,000 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]
M176.980M176Petrol, mild-hybrid489 PS / 360 kW2019–2023★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£6,000–£10,000 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]
M176.980M176Petrol, mild-hybrid517 PS / 380 kW2023–present★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£6,500–£11,000 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]
M177.980M177Petrol, mild-hybrid612 PS / 450 kW2019–present★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£12,000–£18,000 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]
M177.980M177Petrol, mild-hybrid557 PS / 410 kW2019–present★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£10,000–£16,000 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]
OM656.929OM656Diesel330 PS / 243 kW2019–present★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£3,500–£6,000 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]
OM656OM656Diesel286 PS / 210 kW2019–present★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£3,200–£5,500 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]
OM654OM654Diesel313 PS / 230 kW2020–present★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£2,800–£4,500 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]
BMW 3 Series E90

Overview

Mercedes GLS X167 — Overview

The X167 is the third-generation Mercedes-Benz GLS, the flagship full-size luxury SUV produced since October 2019.

It replaces the X166 GLS and is built on the MHA platform (a variant of the MRA architecture). The engine range spans M256 straight-six petrols with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, M176 V8 petrols in the GLS 580, M177 V8s in the AMG GLS 63 and Maybach GLS 600, plus OM656 straight-six diesels. A 2023 facelift brought power increases and updated engines.

Key Facts

Platform

Mercedes MHA (Modular High Architecture)

Predecessor

Mercedes-Benz GLS (X166)

Successor

None (current generation)

Sibling body styles in this generation

None (GLS is a standalone model)

Market Intelligence

The X167 GLS generated UK engine enquiries in 2025 [PATTERN DATA], with the M256 petrol six and OM656 diesel six remaining the most commonly discussed among specialists.

Best & Worst Engines

 engine

Thin-Data Summary

Thin-Data Fallback mode — one paragraph: The X167's most dependable engine is the OM656 2.9-litre straight-six diesel (GLS 400 d, 330 PS) — Mercedes' latest-generation straight-six diesel, offering effortless torque, excellent refinement, and proven durability. The M256 3.0-litre straight-six petrol (GLS 450, 367 PS) is the best petrol option — smooth, refined, and with EQ Boost mild-hybrid assistance adding 22 PS and 250 Nm of torque. The M176 V8 in the GLS 580 (489 PS) offers effortless V8 performance but carries significantly higher running costs. The M177 V8 in the AMG GLS 63 (612 PS) is a masterpiece — epic performance but eye-watering maintenance bills. Avoid any car without documented service history, and be cautious of the V8 engines' cooling systems — the hot-vee design generates significant heat that can affect ancillaries.

Who it's for:

Mercedes GLS X167 — Ownership Economics

EngineTypical MileageCommon Major FailureRepair Cost (Specialist)Replacement Cost (Recon)Ownership Verdict
M256.930 (GLS 450)60k–100k48V battery, water pump, ignition coils£500–£1,200£3,500–£6,000
Best Petrol — smooth straight-six, proven M256
M176.980 (GLS 580 489 PS)50k–90kCooling system, valve stem seals, engine mounts£800–£1,500£6,000–£10,000
V8 Power — effortless but costly to maintain
M176.980 (GLS 580 517 PS facelift)50k–90kCooling system, valve stem seals£800–£1,500£6,500–£11,000
Facelift V8 — more power, same caveats
M177.980 (AMG GLS 63 612 PS)30k–70kValve stem seals, coolant pipes, engine mounts£2,000–£3,500£12,000–£18,000
AMG Icon — epic engine, epic bills
M177.980 (Maybach GLS 600)30k–70kValve stem seals, cooling system£1,500–£3,000£10,000–£16,000
Luxury V8 — refined but costly
OM656.929 (GLS 400 d 330 PS)80k–130kAdBlue system, EGR cooler, injector wear£400–£900£3,500–£6,000
Best Diesel — the torque king
OM656 (GLS 350 d 286 PS)80k–130kAdBlue system, EGR cooler£400–£800£3,200–£5,500
Solid Diesel — proven straight-six
OM654 (GLS 400 EQ Boost)60k–100kAdBlue system, injector wear£400–£800£2,800–£4,500
Modern Four — efficient but less torque

The X167 rule

A £3,500–£6,000 recon on a sub-£30,000 X167 sits at 12–20% of the car's value — viable on most examples. Against a £10,000 engine bill on a GLS 580, the car's value determines the decision — a £50,000 GLS 580 justifies a £6,000–£10,000 recon; a £30,000 example makes it a much harder call. For an AMG GLS 63, a £70,000+ car justifies a £12,000–£18,000 recon. Our 70% Mercedes-Benz threshold is the line — most X167s sit comfortably above it.

Key Takeaways

  • Which X167 Costs Least To Own?

    GLS 350 d (OM656) — proven straight-six diesel, excellent economy, cheapest to maintain.

  • Which X167 Costs Most To Own?

    AMG GLS 63 (M177) — V8 complexity, specialist-only work, eye-watering parts prices.

  • Which X167 Is Best Value?

    GLS 450 (M256.930) — 367 PS straight-six, reliable, refined, without V8 running costs.

Common Problems

X167 Engine Replacement Costs — By Engine and Condition

Core Variants

Core Variants

Scope note: All variants listed are X167 GLS only. The GLS is a standalone model with no sibling body styles in this generation. The X167 was launched in October 2019, with a 2023 facelift bringing updated power outputs and styling changes. The Maybach GLS 600 is the ultra-luxury variant.

Market Intelligence

Most Requested E90 Engines (2025)

    Most Requested E90 Variants

      Average E90 Replacement Cost

      Most Common E90 Failures

        FAQ

        BMW 3 Series E90 rear three-quarter view

        Why UK Mercedes GLS X167 Owners Trust MercedesEngines.uk

        • Trusted X167 Engine Suppliers

          every garage and engine rebuilder in our network is vetted, rated and reviewed by real Mercedes owners, as part of the Engine Finders network. We only work with specialists who understand the X167's MHA platform, 48V systems, and V8 intricacies.

        • Compare X167 Engine Replacement Companies

          see prices, warranty terms and supply & fit options side-by-side before you commit. Whether you need a reconditioned OM656 or a used M177, we show you the real market.

        • UK Engine Replacement Services for X167

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