2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATI Review

Nowadays, the competition in Malaysia's luxury mid-size SUV market is becoming increasingly fierce. Many family users and business professionals are looking for both spacious interiors to accommodate multiple passengers and a focus on brand value and comfort features. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATIC, as a core contender in this segment, returns with a 3.0T inline-six engine, a fully-equipped safety system, and flexible 7-seat space. After receiving the test car, we focused on its overall performance in daily commuting, highway cruising, and family outings to see if it can maintain its benchmark status among luxury SUVs.

Starting with the exterior, the GLS 450 4MATIC boasts impressive dimensions, measuring 5205mm in length, 2157mm in width, and 1838mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3135mm. The overall design maintains the robust aesthetic typical of Mercedes SUVs. The front fascia features a large star-pattern grille, complemented by LED headlights on both sides, offering high recognizability. The chrome trim on the front bumper and the design of the lower surround add a touch of refinement. The character line on the vehicle's side stretches from the fender to the rear, paired with 22-inch wheels (front and rear tire specifications: 285/45R22), imparting an elongated and robust appearance. At the rear, the horizontally designed LED tail lights are connected by a chrome trim, enhancing visual width. The dual exhaust layout on the rear bumper adds a sporty vibe.

Moving inside, the interior exudes a sense of luxury and technological sophistication. The center console adopts a dual 11.6-inch screen design, seamlessly integrating the instrument panel and center console screen, offering smooth operation with support for touch controls and steering wheel buttons. The interior materials primarily feature soft leather and wood grain accents, providing a refined texture. The multifunctional steering wheel comes standard with paddle shifters and memory functions, ensuring comfortable handling. The front seats are electrically adjustable sporty seats with lumbar support and memory function, ensuring comfort even during long drives. The second-row seats support a 40:20:40 split and sliding adjustments, while the third row features a 50:50 split. When fully loaded with seven passengers, the space is just sufficient; folding down the third row increases the trunk capacity to 520 liters, meeting the storage needs of families. In terms of features, it comes standard with HUD (head-up display), a Burmester 13-speaker audio system, rear LCD screens, dual-zone automatic air conditioning with fragrance and ionization system, all comfortably convenient for daily use.

As for performance, the GLS 450 4MATIC is powered by a 3.0T inline-six turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 381PS and a peak torque of 500N·m. It is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. In actual driving, the power response is active during launch; a light press on the accelerator results in noticeable thrust. Mid-to-high-range acceleration remains robust, and the gearbox shifts smoothly during overtaking, without obvious jolts. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 6.1 seconds, which is quite impressive for an SUV weighing 2.5 tons. Driving modes include options such as Eco, Comfort, and Sport. When switched to Sport mode, the throttle response and steering feel are adjusted accordingly, making it more suitable for dynamic driving.

In terms of handling and chassis performance, the combination of front double-wishbone independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension copes with urban road bumps with ease, filtering out fine vibrations quite effectively. During high-speed cornering, the body roll is well-controlled, and stability is excellent. The steering wheel is precise and has minimal play, making daily driving very relaxing. The braking system adopts ventilated discs at the front and rear, providing prompt braking response and maintaining the vehicle's stability during sudden braking. Regarding fuel consumption, under the condition of equal driving on urban roads and highways, we measured a combined fuel consumption of approximately 11.5L/100km, which is considered normal for a 3.0T engine.

When it comes to ride comfort, the details are well-executed. Interior noise is well-controlled, with minimal wind and tire noise during high-speed driving. The seats offer good wrapping and support, ensuring comfort even during long journeys. In terms of safety features, it comes standard with 7 airbags, lane change assist, lane departure warning, active braking, ACC adaptive cruise control, 360-degree panoramic imaging, and more, ensuring reliable safety performance.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2024 GLS 450 4MATIC lie in its brand power, luxurious configuration, and balanced performance. Compared to competitors like the BMW X7 and Audi Q7 in the same class, its interior luxury and configuration richness stand out, such as the standard fragrance system and rear LCD screens. Its value-for-money is considered competitive among luxury full-size SUVs. This vehicle is suitable for brand-conscious families needing a 7-seat space or people who frequently travel for business. Whether for daily commuting or long-distance travel, it meets the demands. If your budget is in the million-yuan range and you want a well-rounded and prestigious luxury SUV, the GLS 450 4MATIC is worth considering.