Mercedes-Benz GLS

About Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz has introduced the 2024 GLS SUV in India following its global debut in April 2023. This updated model brings several new features and cosmetic enhancements. The most noticeable changes on the GLS facelift include a larger grille with four prominent horizontal slats and a redesigned front bumper with reshaped intakes.

It also features new alloy wheels, a revised rear bumper, and updated taillight designs. Inside, the MBUX system has been upgraded with new features and graphics. The SUV's off-road mode now includes enhanced graphics for gradient and steering angle displays and a new transparent bonnet view using the 360-degree camera system.

Key equipment includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster of the same size, memory seats with heating and ventilation, wireless phone charging, and more. Safety features include nine airbags, 360-degree cameras, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like Active Lane Keep Assist and Front Collision Avoidance Assist.

Two engines power the GLS: a 3.0-litre petrol producing 375 bhp and 500 Nm of torque and a 3.0-litre diesel with 362.07 bhp and 750 Nm of torque.

Mercedes-Benz GLS Highlights

Here are the key highlights of the Mercedes-Benz GLS:

• Mercedes-Benz GLS Price: The Mercedes-Benz GLS is priced at Rs. 1.32 - 1.37 crore (ex-showroom).

• Mercedes-Benz GLS Launch Date: The Mercedes-Benz GLS debuted in the Indian automobile market on January 8, 2024.

• Configurations for Mercedes-Benz GLS: The Mercedes-Benz GLS is predominantly available in a single, 4matic variant with petrol and diesel engine options. 

Mercedes-Benz GLS Ex-Showroom Price

The ex-showroom price tag for the Mercedes-Benz GLS is Rs. 1.32 - 1.37 crore.

Mercedes-Benz GLS Models and Price

This section will give you an overview of petrol and diesel models of the Mercedes-Benz GLS and their pricing.

• Mercedes-Benz GLS Petrol Model Price: The Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4matic petrol model is priced at Rs 1.32 Crore (ex-showroom). 

• Mercedes-Benz GLS Diesel Model Price: The Mercedes-Benz GLS 450d 4matic is a diesel engine model with an automatic transmission priced at Rs 1.37 Crore (ex-showroom price).

Mercedes-Benz GLS: Quick Review 

Below is an in-depth overview of the attributes and specifications of the Mercedes-Benz GLS, encompassing its exterior, interior, engine capacity, performance, transmission, dimensions, and advanced safety technologies. 

Exterior Design 

The Mercedes-Benz GLS is an example of luxury and performance. It has robust all-wheel drive and excels on any terrain, ensuring stability and control in diverse weather conditions. The MULTIBEAM LED headlights offer various smart modes, such as extended fog, cornering, country road, motorway lights, and more. 

They also include an adaptive high beam assistant, which adjusts the LED headlights based on traffic conditions. This system enhances visibility during cornering and off-road driving with an ultra-wide beam. The headlights provide a unique light display when unlocking or locking the vehicle.

The Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus allows for continuous use of high beams without blinding oncoming traffic by selectively dimming, when vehicles approach. This intelligent system uses precise LEDs to detect and avoid other vehicles, ensuring a clear view of the road and potential hazards with its extended range.

For added convenience, the car features aluminium-look running boards with illuminated rubber studs, making it easier to enter and exit. The panoramic sliding sunroof creates a spacious and bright interior ambience, complemented by an electric sun blind for comfort. 

The mirrors add to comfort, with electric folding exterior mirrors and an auto-dimming interior mirror that adjusts to light conditions automatically. Under-body protection ensures the vehicle is protected during off-road driving, reducing damage.

Interior and Features

The Mercedes-Benz GLS offers luxurious interior features designed to enhance comfort and convenience. The chrome package adds elegant touches throughout the cabin, with silver chrome accents on various controls, such as the EASY-ENTRY switch, interior door elements, and cup holders. These details elevate the interior's aesthetic appeal.

The Widescreen Cockpit integrates a fully digital display that can be customised to show different information and styles, such as Classic, Sport, Progressive, or Subtle. It's equipped with touch technology for intuitive operation, allowing drivers to adjust settings easily while driving.

The multifunction steering wheel, wrapped in Nappa leather, includes galvanised silver chrome shift paddles and touch control panels. This steering wheel allows drivers to manage essential vehicle functions without removing their hands, enhancing safety and convenience.

For climate control, the THERMOTRONIC system offers automatic adjustment across five zones, catering to individual comfort preferences for both front and rear passengers. It includes features like a fine dust filter and residual heat function.

Music enthusiasts will appreciate the Burmester® surround sound system, delivering premium audio quality with 13 speakers and 590 watts of power. It incorporates Dolby Atmos® technology for immersive sound experiences tailored to both front and rear seats.

Additional comfort features include memory settings for seats and steering column positions, 3-stage ventilation and heating for seats, and a 5+2 seater configuration with a foldable third row for extra passengers or cargo space. The Chauffeur Package allows rear passengers to adjust the front passenger seat electronically for more legroom.

Technological innovations like the MBUX Entertainment system provide integrated music streaming and internet radio, accessible via touchscreen or voice control. The system supports smartphone integration for seamless connectivity and offers navigation with 2D and 3D map displays.

Engine and Transmission

Mercedes-Benz GLS Engine CC (Capacity)

The M256M engine enhances power and torque with the smoothness of an in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine. It features an electric compressor for high torque at low speeds and a mild hybrid system for extra boost and fuel efficiency. Advanced components like NANOSLIDE® cylinder liners, aluminium crankcase and cylinder head, and efficient exhaust gas after treatment ensure durability and reduced emissions. This design delivers a responsive and powerful driving experience with 362.07 bhp power and 500 Nm torque.

Mercedes-Benz's most powerful diesel engine receives technological updates, maintaining its benchmark status in driving dynamics and fuel efficiency. 

Mercedes-Benz GLS Transmission

The Mercedes-Benz GLS features a sophisticated 9-speed automatic transmission that seamlessly integrates with its powerful engines. It is designed for petrol and diesel variants and ensures smooth gear changes. 

So, whether navigating city streets or tackling off-road adventures, the 9-speed automatic transmission optimises power delivery while maintaining fuel efficiency. Combined with a 48V mild-hybrid system, it supports the vehicle's dynamic capabilities and contributes to a refined driving experience characteristic of the Mercedes-Benz brand.

Mercedes-Benz GLS Performance

The Mercedes-Benz GLS, renowned for its exceptional driving experience, particularly shines in its latest iteration, the GLS 450. Boasting a smooth ride, responsive handling, and precise brakes, it embodies luxury and performance. Its standout feature is the diverse engine lineup, featuring a standard V8 and diesel and petrol updates, ensuring a tailored driving experience globally. 

Mercedes-Benz extends its refined on-road abilities to off-road capabilities, accommodating varied terrains with adjustable seats, steering, and robust suspension. With advanced features like eight air suspension settings and hill descent control, the GLS navigates rough terrain effortlessly, making it an ideal choice for versatile driving needs.

Mercedes-Benz GLS Mileage 

The Mercedes-Benz GLS has an automatic transmission for petrol and diesel variants. Both fuel types offer a mileage of 11 km/l, ensuring a smooth and efficient driving experience regardless of the engine choice.

Mercedes-Benz GLS Ground Clearance

The Mercedes-Benz GLS features a 200 mm ground clearance, balancing off-road capability with on-road maneuverability. Its advanced air suspension technology provides ample ground clearance, enabling smooth navigation across various terrains.

Mercedes-Benz GLS Boot Space

The Mercedes-Benz GLS provides a generous boot capacity ranging from 355 to 520 litres, offering ample space for luggage and equipment. This spacious boot ensures convenience for both short outings and longer journeys. Its versatile design simplifies the loading and unloading of cargo, making it an ideal choice for various travel needs.

Mercedes-Benz GLS Dimensions

The dimensions of the Mercedes-Benz GLS combine practicality with stylish aesthetics. Featuring a spacious interior and a striking exterior design, it measures approximately 5209 mm in length, 2157 mm in width, and 1823 mm in height. A wheelbase of around 2782 mm ensures ample passenger legroom and stable handling.

Mercedes-Benz GLS Colours

The Mercedes-Benz GLS is available in 5 colour options:

• Polar White

• Obsidian Black

• High-tech Silver

• Selenite Grey

• Sodalite Blue

Safety 

Rear side airbags protect passengers' chests during a side impact by inflating between the door and the passenger, working with standard window airbags to reduce injury risk. The knee airbag prevents the legs from hitting the steering column or dashboard in a frontal crash, stabilising the body and working with the seat belt.

The Parking Package, including a 360-degree camera, Active Parking Assistant, and PARKTRONIC, simplifies parking by finding spaces and parking the car with all-around visibility or automatically. The Driving Assistance Package enhances comfort and safety, featuring Active Stop-and-Go Assist to reduce motorway traffic stress.

Blind Spot Assist warns of side collisions with visual and audible alerts when signalling, remaining active after driving to warn of potential hazards when opening doors. Power closing gently locks doors, and the KEYLESS-GO system allows keyless starting and locking. HANDS-FREE ACCESS enables automatic tailgate operation without contact.

Mercedes-Benz GLS Rivals

The Mercedes-Benz GLS competes with the BMW X7. It also competes with Range Rover Sport and Audi Q8.

Mercedes-Benz GLS: Old vs Facelift

The Mercedes-Benz GLS was launched in 2023. This year, the facelift version came to India. Here's how it differs from its previous model. 

Exterior 

The 2024 facelift of the Mercedes-Benz GLS brings notable exterior updates. The front grille has been redesigned for a more aggressive look, accompanied by new LED headlights that offer improved illumination. The bumper has been restyled, adding a sportier touch, and the rear now features updated taillights with a sleeker design. New alloy wheel designs and additional colour options further enhance the vehicle's aesthetic appeal. Compared to the 2023 model, these changes give the 2024 GLS a more modern and dynamic appearance, maintaining its luxurious presence on the road.

Interior

The interior of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS highlights luxury and comfort with premium materials and meticulous craftsmanship. It offers spacious seating for up to seven passengers, complemented by ambient lighting and advanced climate control. The dashboard features state-of-the-art digital displays integrated with the MBUX infotainment system, providing intuitive access to navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings. High-quality finishes and optional executive seating configurations enhance passenger comfort, creating a refined and sophisticated cabin environment.

Features

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS excels in both luxury and technological prowess. Safety innovations like lane keep assist and active brake assist ensure a secure driving experience. The new GLS sets a benchmark in its class for blending comfort, safety, and cutting-edge technology.

Engine and Gearbox

The old model had an OM656 Turbocharged I6 engine type with Automatic (TC) - 9 Gears, Paddle Shift, and Sport Mode. The facelifted models retained the transmission option, including a range of 2.0L petrol and diesel engines mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. 

Pros and Cons of the Mercedes-Benz GLS

Pros

• Luxurious and spacious interior 

• Powerful engine options with smooth performance

• Advanced technology features

• Comfortable ride quality 

• Generous cargo space 

• Excellent safety features

Cons

• High starting price compared to competitors in its class

• Fuel efficiency may be lower than some rivals due to powerful engines

• Large size can make parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces challenging