2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS Review- Large SUVs Matter

Ditching the whole "less is more" vibe and not giving a hoot about the environment, Mercedes-Benz India is throwing opulence at you with the GLS. Does size matter in crowded city streets? Well, this SUV thinks so, proudly dubbing itself the S-Class of SUVs. It's got the whole three-row, 7-seater gig going on for that VIP feel, but let's not kid ourselves—the GLS comes with a price tag that could make a small fortune cry. But for those with discerning taste, is it really about the money, or is it all about bathing in the glory of opulence? You decide.

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS: Exterior

The GLS has this reassuringly old-school Mercedes vibe, not because it's lacking in the design department, but more like it's not trying too hard to be in your face. Unlike the X7 or the Q7, which are all about aggression in their 2023 outfits, the GLS takes a different route and goes for a more dapper look.

The exterior has a strong presence that turns heads thanks to its new yet massive face and tall frame. Up front, there's a bold new grille flaunting the iconic three-pointed star, and those LED headlights give it an elegant yet confident vibe.

The overall shape is bold, with a flowy appearance and sharp edges. The overall shape is bold, especially in this Sodalite Blue paint scheme – classy, right? There are four other colour options, but this one screams rich. Chrome details are sprinkled for that extra touch of sophistication. Flip to the back, and you've got LED taillights that match the sleek style of the front. The fake dual exhaust outlets throw a hint of power and sportiness into the mix. Although the 21-inch alloy wheels steal the show, wouldn't 22 or 23 inches be the real flex? Maybe, the AMG division can help.

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS: Tech & Interior

The GLS' cabin isn't just eye candy; it's got space for seven, well, almost without feeling like you're stuffed in there. Once you squeeze in, it's hard to stay mad. Standard leather upholstery and our test ride sported a Brown and Black dual-tone, but there's also an all-black theme that screams straight-up gangster! Wood and metal trim pieces add a touch of class – not too shabby. A panoramic glass roof; heated and ventilated front seats with a massage feature, and soft-close doors– it's like being cradled like a pampered child. And don't even get me started on the ambient lights; Mercedes-Benz owns that game.

Now, onto the geeky side. The dual 12.3-inch Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system – one in the centre and one for the driver – guarantees you're always entertained and connected. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 8 Type C charging ports up to the third row, and wireless chargers for the first two rows– talk about a thoughtful touch. Five-zone climate control means no more bickering over who's sweating and who's turning into an icicle. For audiophiles, the 13-speaker Burmester high-end 3D surround sound system is a symphony on wheels.

With the Acoustic Comfort Package, the windows get special insulation and damping to cut off any noise from the outside, With the Rear Seat Comfort package as standard, a tablet gives rear seat passengers control of the infotainment and comfort settings, while the Entertainment package adds a couple more screens that can play music or movies as well as letting you surf the web.

Honestly, there's little to gripe about when it comes to the equipment list, and even less when it comes to keeping the passengers happy. The GLS seems to have it all – but hey, can anything ever be perfect?

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS: Second & Third Row Comfort

So, is the GLS the MVP of passenger comfort, or is it just another SUV with grand promises? The folks in the back of the GLS should throw a party because the second row is a palace on wheels. There's enough headroom and legroom to make a giraffe jealous. And guess what? Electric seat adjustments so that you can play the lord or lady of the manor. You can even squeeze in three adults without having to break out the personal space issues handbook. Only gripe? The transmission tunnel hinders space for the middle-seat passenger, so an adult should avoid this spot.

Now, usually, this is where we'd crack a joke about the third row being a punishment for anyone taller than a garden gnome but hold your horses – the GLS seems to defy the seven-seater curse. Tall people back there? Not a big issue.

Boot space – the GLS nails it. With seven seats up, you get a not-so-impressive 355 liters, almost like what you'd find in a subcompact SUV. But hey, fold down the second row, and you're looking at a whopping 1,470 liters of cargo heaven.

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS: Safety Features

So, is the GLS the Fort Knox of safety, or is it just another car with a fancy alarm system? It's got the usual parking aids – front and rear sensors, plus the full 360-degree camera magic. Crosswind assist ensures this mammoth SUV doesn't turn into a kite on a windy day. And then we have adaptive cruise control, playing chauffeur to maintain a decent distance from the car in front, even in the chaos of traffic.

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS: Engine & Transmission

You can choose between a petrol or a diesel engine with the standard GLS, while the high-end Mercedes-Maybach and AMG versions feature high-powered petrol engines. The 450 d continues to employ the same 3.0-litre, OM656M engine with a 6-cylinder set-up. But our test vehicle is a petrol version, yes, the GLS now also gets a second option, a 3.0-litre, M256M engine, also with a 6-cylinder layout. Both get mild-hybrid with integrated starter-alternator (ISG) as standard. Does it help? Well, kind of. Both engines are coupled to a 9-speed automatic gearbox, which remains standard on most of Merc’s large SUVs.

Regardless, the engine has punchy power that comes in handy for sprinting down motorway slip roads to join traffic, and once the GLS is on a cruise it proves extremely quiet and comfortable.

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS: Ride & Handling

Is the GLS the driving maestro we've been waiting for, or is it just another SUV playing in the luxury sandbox? Alright, let's get real – when you're cruising in one of these fancy-pants premium luxury SUVs, overtaking and matching the freeway flow is no sweat. The GLS 450 is practically always on its toes, responding with the kind of decisiveness that would make your GPS jealous. Well, almost always, because the gearbox occasionally decides to moonlight.

Now, with its trusty 4Matic all-wheel drive and air suspension, the GLS tackles life's twists and turns quite effortlessly. Sure, there's a bit of a body motion, but it's like the SUV's way of saying, "Don't worry, I got this" while cradling you like a newborn. Steering, on the other hand, is like a feather-light dream – not much feedback, but it's direct. The brake pedal, though, is a bit of a silent type – uncommunicative, soft, and with a long travel distance, which could get a bit unnerving at times. The second row is the VIP section. Smooth sailing over rough patches, almost lulling you into a power nap.

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS: Verdict

When they start throwing around the term 'S-Class of SUVs,' you know your wallet is about to go on a diet. The outgoing Mercedes-Benz GLS has a price tag of ₹ 1.33 crore (ex-showroom, India).

Now, for those of us not counting our money in six zeroes, the 2024 updated price is still under wraps. But let's face it, it's not going to be pocket change, courtesy of those shiny new features.

Photography By: Jitendra