Mercedes-Benz GLS 2024 Review

As a family user, you are likely aware of how fiercely competitive the luxury mid-to-large SUV market is – whether it’s among German peers or other brands, they are all competing in size, configuration, and passenger experience. The core selling points of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATIC are clear: 7-seater layout + 3.0T inline six-cylinder engine + full luxury configuration, priced at RM 999,888. The purpose of this test drive is to see how well-balanced it is among competitors and whether it can truly meet the dual demands of "luxury + practicality" for high-end families.

Starting with the exterior, the GLS 450 4MATIC has an overall style that leans towards being stable and refined, in line with the positioning of a luxury mid-to-large SUV. The front features a large-sized star emblem grille paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides, offering high recognition; the body lines are straight, extending from the hood to the rear, giving the side a strong presence. The 22-inch alloy wheels further enhance the visual effect. At the rear, the LED taillights adopt a horizontal design that echoes the front, while the dual-exhaust layout at the bottom adds a sportier touch. The lighting system comes standard with LED across the range, including daytime running lights and rear fog lights, balancing both practicality and aesthetics.

In terms of interior, the GLS 450 4MATIC continues Mercedes-Benz’s luxurious feel with a clean center console layout, utilizing soft leather and wood trim for materials, providing a nice tactile experience. Key configurations include an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment display with fast response, supporting CarPlay and Android Auto; the fully digital instrument cluster has clear visuals, and the HUD head-up display projects information like speed and navigation onto the windshield, so the driver doesn’t need to look down at the dashboard. The seats are a highlight: the front row features electrically adjustable sport seats with memory functions and lumbar support, ensuring comfort even during long drives. The second-row seats support 40:20:40 split folding and sliding, while the third row supports a 50:50 split folding, offering high flexibility.

In terms of space, the GLS 450 4MATIC measures 5205mm in length, 2157mm in width, and 1838mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3135mm – these dimensions rank among the largest in its class. The front row provides ample space, allowing a 180cm passenger to sit comfortably with enough headroom and legroom. After sliding the second-row seats, the legroom can expand up to approximately two fists, and even with three adults seated, it doesn’t feel crowded. The third row is relatively compact, but for passengers around 170cm, there’s still about one fist of space for both headroom and legroom, making short trips manageable. In terms of storage capacity, the trunk offers 520L of space and can be expanded even further by folding down the third-row seats. It fits baby strollers, suitcases, or other daily items with ease. Moreover, there are multiple storage compartments inside the car, such as the central armrest box and door storage slots, adding to its practicality.

As for performance, the GLS 450 4MATIC is equipped with a 3.0T inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 381PS and a peak torque of 500N·m, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive. During actual driving, the vehicle starts off very smoothly, with responsive acceleration and a seamless power output while speeding up. Its 0-100km/h official acceleration time is 6.1 seconds. When overtaking, pressing the accelerator deeply prompts quick downshifting of the transmission, ensuring an immediate power response. The vehicle offers multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, and Sport. When switched to Sport mode, the throttle and transmission become more responsive, suitable for users who want a more dynamic driving experience.

The handling and chassis performance are excellent, with precise steering and minimal play in the steering wheel. It feels light at low speeds and stable at high speeds. The combination of the front double-wishbone independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension effectively filters out road bumps. When going over speed bumps or uneven roads, the vehicle body doesn't exhibit significant bouncing, making for high comfort levels. When cornering, the suspension provides sufficient support with minimal body tilt, ensuring good stability. In terms of fuel consumption, it averages around 10-12L/100km under mixed driving conditions. Considering the weight and power of the vehicle, this is a reasonable performance.

The driving and riding comfort include meticulous details, with excellent noise control. Wind noise and tire noise are not very noticeable during high-speed driving. The seats offer good wrapping and support, and the second row features independent air conditioning vents and power outlets, providing a great experience for passengers. In terms of safety configurations, the GLS 450 4MATIC comes standard with seven airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, active braking, and advanced features such as ACC adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree panoramic camera, which enhance both driving safety and convenience.

In summary, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATIC's key highlights include spacious interior, rich configurations, smooth power delivery, and high levels of comfort. Compared to its class competitors like the BMW X7 and Audi Q7, it stands out for its luxury feel and superior configurations, such as the standard Burmester sound system, HUD head-up display, and electric seat memory. The vehicle offers good value. It is particularly suitable for families who prioritize a luxurious experience and practical space, especially those requiring a 7-seat layout and often embarking on long trips. Overall, the GLS 450 4MATIC is a well-balanced luxury mid-large SUV that meets the needs of most high-end families.