2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4Matic Review

The luxury 7-seater SUV market has always been the focus of high-end family users and business professionals in Malaysia. Consumers not only pursue the sense of identity brought by the brand but also value spatial practicality and driving comfort. As one of the representative models in this segment, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4Matic focuses on its key features such as a 3.0L turbocharged engine, long wheelbase, and intelligent safety configurations across all models. This time, we conducted a test drive to deeply experience its performance in daily commuting, highway cruising, and light off-road conditions to see if it matches the positioning of a luxury SUV.

From the exterior, the 2020 GLS 450 4Matic continues the bold style of the Mercedes family. The overall lines are squared and exude a sense of power. The front face features a large three-pointed star grille, complemented by chrome trim strips, giving it high recognition. The sharp design of the LED headlight clusters on both sides provides clear visual effects when lit. The car's side adopts a straight waistline design that runs from the front to the rear, with 21-inch multi-spoke wheels (on the test model) further enhancing the sense of luxury and stability. At the rear, a chrome strip connects the two LED taillights, and the dual-exhaust layout below the bumper adds a touch of sportiness. The overall design maintains a business-like feel while harmonizing with modern aesthetics, meeting the exterior expectations of high-end consumers.

Sitting inside, the luxurious interior is immediately striking. The dashboard is wrapped in a large amount of soft-touch materials, paired with wood grain panels and metal trim, offering a refined and premium feel. The central control area is equipped with an 11.6-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with smooth operation. The physical buttons on both sides are rationally arranged for convenient blind operation by the driver. The instrument cluster is fully digital and provides multiple theme options for clear and intuitive information display. The seats are wrapped in leather materials; the front seats support electric adjustment, heating functions, and multi-directional lumbar support adjustment, making long periods of sitting less fatiguing. The rear row features independent LCD screens that allow multimedia control and also includes rear air vents and USB charging ports, enhancing rear passengers’ comfort.

In terms of space performance, the 2020 GLS 450 4Matic has body dimensions of 5207mm×1956mm×1823mm, with a wheelbase of 3135mm, providing ample layout space for three rows of seats. The second-row seats support forward and backward sliding and backrest angle adjustment. For a passenger with a height of 175cm, the legroom when seated reaches more than two fists, with one fist of headroom left. Although the third-row seats are more suitable for children or short-distance adult passengers, the legroom is still adequate for basic comfort without feeling too cramped. As for storage space, the boot capacity is 355L in its regular state and can be expanded to 890L by folding down the third-row seats, fully meeting the storage needs for family travel or business purposes.

In terms of performance, the 2020 GLS 450 4Matic is equipped with a 3.0T V6 turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 367PS and peak torque of 500N·m, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. During daily driving, the engine provides smooth power delivery. The throttle response is sensitive during the start-up phase, offering plenty of power with just a slight press. Acceleration in the mid-to-late stages remains robust, with quick shifts and noticeable thrust when stepping on the gas hard, and the official 0-100km/h acceleration time of 6.2 seconds is reflected in actual driving. The driving modes include Comfort, Sport, Economy, and other options. Switching to Sport mode makes throttle responses more aggressive, and the transmission’s shift logic tends to hold lower gears, enhancing power output efficiency.

In terms of handling and chassis performance, the steering wheel offers moderate resistance, with good precision. At low speeds, it feels light and agile, while at high speeds, it becomes stable, offering the driver ample confidence. The suspension system uses air suspension (as equipped on the test model), and in comfort mode, it effectively absorbs minor road surface bumps, keeping the body stable when going over speed bumps or rough roads without causing noticeable jolts. When switched to sport mode, the suspension becomes firmer with enhanced support, minimizing body roll during cornering and improving handling stability. The all-wheel-drive system primarily operates as front-wheel drive during normal driving and automatically distributes power to the rear wheels on slippery or lightly unpaved roads, ensuring the vehicle's passability.

In terms of fuel efficiency, real-world tests show that fuel consumption is approximately 11-12L/100km in urban driving, decreasing to 8-9L/100km during highway cruising. The combined fuel consumption is close to the official figure of 9L/100km. For a mid-to-large luxury SUV, this fuel economy is within a reasonable range. In terms of noise control, the vehicle effectively suppresses wind and tire noise during highway driving, while engine noise is virtually undetectable inside the cabin. The overall quietness reflects the standards of a luxury vehicle.

In summary, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4Matic performs outstandingly in terms of luxury, space, power, and comfort. Compared with competitors in the same class, such as the BMW X7, the GLS 450 4Matic has an advantage in rear seat comfort features and interior quality. Against the Lexus LX, it offers more flexible power response and handling. This model is particularly suitable for families that value brand image and spacious comfort, as well as businesses needing a vehicle for executive receptions.

Overall, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4Matic is a highly balanced mid-to-large luxury SUV. It not only meets the demand for luxury and comfort but also delivers decent performance in power and handling, making it a worthy contender in the high-end SUV market.