Mercedes-Benz GLS Review

In recent years, the competition in Malaysia's luxury mid-to-large SUV market has gradually intensified. The demand for 7-seater models among family users continues to rise, along with expectations for smarter configurations and stronger performance. As a key player in this segment, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATIC not only maintains Mercedes-Benz's consistent luxurious quality in this facelift but also showcases significant upgrades in power and features. Can it meet the high expectations of local consumers? This review will focus on its static experience, dynamic performance, and everyday practicality to provide a reference for potential buyers.

From the exterior, the overall style of the 2024 GLS 450 remains dignified and composed. The front end adopts a larger-sized star-pattern grille, paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides, giving it remarkable recognition. The body lines are smooth, with the waistline extending from the front fender to the rear. Below, the 22-inch multi-spoke wheels further enhance the visual impact. At the rear, the LED taillights adopt a through-light design that echoes the headlights, while the dual exhaust layout highlights its dynamic attributes. The overall design not only maintains the presence of a luxury SUV but also brings a younger visual appeal through nuanced adjustments.

Inside the vehicle, the luxurious feel is palpable. The dashboard is wrapped in large areas of soft-touch materials, paired with wood grain trim and metallic accents, delivering excellent texture. The 11.6-inch central touchscreen is positioned in the middle, offering smooth operation and support for CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Beneath it, some physical buttons are retained for convenient operation without looking. The combination of the HUD head-up display and fully digital instrument cluster ensures driving information is presented clearly. The front seats are equipped with electric adjustment, memory functions, and lumbar support, providing good wrap and comfort. The second-row seats support 40:20:40 split folding and forward-backward sliding, while the third row offers a 50:50 split folding. When fully folded, the trunk capacity can be expanded to 1350L, meeting the storage needs of family trips. Additionally, the front dual-zone automatic air conditioning is equipped with a fragrance system and ion generator, while the rear independent air conditioning enhances passenger comfort.

In terms of performance, the 2024 GLS 450 is equipped with a 3.0T inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 381PS and a maximum torque of 500N·m, paired with a 9AT transmission. During actual driving, the power response at startup is quick, with a linear throttle calibration. Mid-to-high range acceleration is also robust, achieving an official 0-100km/h acceleration time of 6.1 seconds, making overtaking in daily driving effortless. The transmission shifts smoothly, with almost no jarring. The suspension adopts a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link independent setup, tuned towards comfort. It effectively absorbs vibrations on bumpy roads, while maintaining body stability during high-speed cornering, balancing both ride comfort and driving dynamics.

As for fuel consumption, actual tests show that fuel consumption in city driving is about 11.5L/100km, while on highways it drops to 8.5L/100km, with an overall average fuel consumption of about 9.8L/100km. For a 2.5-ton, 7-seater SUV, this performance is fairly standard. In terms of braking performance, the brake pedal feels linear, and the braking force is evenly distributed. The braking distance from 100-0km/h is approximately 38 meters, which meets the standards of luxury SUVs.

In daily driving, the NVH performance of the GLS 450 is outstanding. Wind noise and tire noise are well-controlled at high speeds, providing top-notch cabin quietness. The four-wheel-drive system offers better traction on slippery roads, enhancing driving safety. In addition, the vehicle is equipped with a wealth of active safety features, including ACC adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, active braking, and more, further boosting driving confidence.

To summarize, the core advantages of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATIC are its luxurious interior quality, strong power performance, and practical 7-seat space. Compared to the 2020 model, the new car has improved power specifications and configurations. Although the price has increased by 100,000 MYR, the added features and performance upgrades still offer good value for money. Compared with competitors in the same segment, such as the BMW X7 and Audi Q7, the GLS 450 stands out with its superior luxury feel and brand premium, making it ideal for families prioritizing quality and space, or consumers who need a vehicle suitable for both business and family use.

Overall, the 2024 GLS 450 4MATIC is a well-balanced luxury mid-to-large SUV that meets the demands of discerning consumers, whether in static experience or dynamic performance. If you are looking for a spacious, well-equipped, and powerful 7-seat luxury SUV, this vehicle is worth considering.