Back in the day, the Mercedes-Benz GLS was the first SUV from the German marque to accommodate seven people. Back then of course, it was called the GL-Class and the G in its name came from the legendary G-Class, while the L meant ‘lightweight’. And when Mercedes-Benz changed the way it named its SUV, the GL became the GLS, affirming that it is to SUVs what the S-Class is to sedans – the ultimate in luxury and comfort, while also living up to the G in its name! The current generation GLS has proved that and gets a midlife facelift now, aiming at making the SUV an even more tempting proposition for those looking for the ultimate in luxury comfort while sitting a foot above the ground. What’s it got? We spent a day with the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 to find out.
It’s easy to note the design updates at the very first glance because it all starts with the new, thick, four-slat grille that dominates the face and lends the SUV a more butch appearance. Of course, the Mercedes-Benz logo sitting bang in the centre of the grille is the size of a regular dinner plate too, while the updated headlamp units flank the grille on either side. The new bumper looks regal, but also gets two faux air dams at the edges that make it look sporty. The headlamps use all-LED technology like before and even do a bit of a dance to welcome you now. Not much has changed on the sides and the rear follows suit, though what has been updated at the back are the tail lamps which Mercedes-Benz calls new Signet Tail lamps. These are cleaner looking and minimalistic as compared to the outgoing version’s.
If the exterior design sets the tone for the SUV’s luxe quotient, wait till you step inside. The sense of grandeur begins from the moment you step foot inside the cabin – whether at the front or the rear. The cabin is swathed in beige leather, complimented well by lots of brushed metal finishes while the dashboard uses soft touch plastics from end to end, while the multitude of colours you can choose from for the ambient lighting is sure to help you find a shade that suits your mood. The dashboard looks similar to the outgoing version’s in terms of the layout and positioning of the displays and air-conditioning vents, thus feeling familiar. The driver’s perch is a position probably used by some of the highest-paid chauffeurs around and if you do happen to take the wheel, you’ll be welcomed by a redesigned steering wheel, reminiscent of the S-Class with its touch panels.
A 13-speaker Burmester Surround Sound stereo ensures a premium audio experience across trims and for those seeking an even more immersive experience, an optional Burmester 3D audio system is available, boasting a 26-speaker configuration! The ambience inside is unmistakably S-Class and the GLS does feel close to the sedan from the second row in terms of space and comfort both, along with fully-electric controls. Even the third row accommodates my size when the second row is moved slightly forward. Having said that, it is feasible for adults but is best for children or teenagers. While the front seats offer heating and ventilation, the second row only offers heating by default, with the option to upgrade to ventilation through the Rear Passenger Comfort package.
I was anticipating the large tablet screen that new-gen Mercs use, but the same has not made its way into the GLS and I suspect we will see something like it in the next generation version. What grabs your attention however, are the expansive dual 12.3-inch digital displays dominating the dashboard. One functions as the configurable instrument cluster like before, while the other manages infotainment duties, running on the latest version of Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX, complete with a virtual assistant. The dash gets a pin striped piano black finished trim and vents from the GLS Maybach. Standard features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, in-dash navigation and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot.
You can even control the front passenger seat from the second row like before, minimising distractions for the chauffeur. The second row is a bench configuration with an arm rest that integrates a wireless charging pad and a detachable Samsung tablet using Android OS to control most of the SUV’s function, thereby ensuring the boss is always in control. This GLS introduces a new five-zone climate control system eliminating concerns about conflicting temperature preferences between you and the wife! The rear entertainment package also gets you two 11.6-inch touch screens mounted at the back of the front seats with HDMI functionality and can be controlled using the tablet, in case you feel like leaning forward to use their touch function. The displays are interactive and you can move content between all three displays too. Like most new Mercedes cars you get Type-C USB ports all round and there’s enough to ensure you’ll never be left without one, irrespective of where you sit.
Second row windows also get electric sunblinds as standard and the switches for these sit along with the window switches and even let you control the sunroof!
The GLS retains the M256 3.0-litre, inline-six cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. It offers better performance through hybridisation and you have 400PS and 500Nm at your disposal, making for a claimed 0 to 100kmph acceleration time of just 6.1 seconds. Looking at the GLS it’s a little hard to believe a mothership as big and as heavy as it can achieve the figure, but trust the big, burly SUV to leave many ‘fast’ cars behind in a straight line! Despite its substantial size, the GLS also feels nimble on twisty roads, though obviously it does not prioritise a sporty driving experience. Standard features include air suspension, but Mercedes also offers the E-Active Body Control system, utilising a forward-facing camera to adapt the suspension to the road conditions. While the option may seem appealing, the standard air suspension flattens out every undulation on the road, and admittedly, reminds me of the S-Class!
The GLS thus glides over surfaces effortlessly, insulating occupants from outside disturbances with minimal road noise. This again feels just like the S-Class, though the only difference is you literally look down on most cars outside given how high above the ground you sit. Ride quality on our test car remained uncompromised even with optional 21-inch wheels on our test vehicle, which speaks volumes about the focus on comfort. Taking the GLS off-road is something most buyers, at least in India will never do, but when it is the only way to reach your newly built farmhouse on the top of the hill, the GLS will manage it without breaking a sweat. The off-road mode raises the suspension, while the transparent bonnet function that we first saw in the new-generation GLC last year helps avoid obstacles when venturing off the beaten path.
From behind the wheel, the light steering and seamless acceleration can deceive you about the SUV’s size, but that’s only until it’s time to park in a tight spot. Parking manoeuvres bring its dimensions in focus, but the GLS addresses any and every concern here too, thanks to its excellent 360-degree camera views and real-time graphics on the infotainment screen. The parking assistance system scans for parking spaces at slow speeds and assists in parking through steering, throttle, and braking assistance. Further, the GLS also provides warnings about cross traffic when entering or exiting parking spaces, showing Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to simplifying the driving experience for its flagship SUV. ADAS adds to the sense of safety on the road besides helping reduce fatigue levels on long highway drives. The GLS is meant to offer a palatial feel on the road, whether you’re behind the wheel, riding shotgun or relaxing in the second row.
That said, I won’t deny, the second row is a place that almost compels you to shut your eyes and fall asleep, something I experienced first-hand! The bottom line is, the standard GLS has always been a very compelling package and is only second to the Maybach GLS 600 in terms of comfort and the updates it receives as part of the facelift only help it get closer. So whether you’re chauffeuring your children, their friends, and even their friends’ friends to school or embarking on a cross-country run to replenish your wine collection, the GLS excels in providing comfort for every occasion on pretty much every road.
