~ A DriveWays Review ~
by Matthew Aukofer

What’s not to love about a large, luxurious SUV that combines good performance with a supple ride, decent practicality, and massaging seats? Other than the price, not much.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATIC combines refinement and performance into a versatile package. With an $87,000 base price, it is nearly double the $48,759 average asking price for a new vehicle sold in the U.S. today. The model you take home may well top six figures after adding just a few desirable options. The model tested here listed for $97,230, with high-performance AMG multi-spoke rims, AMG body accents, extra acoustic sound-deadening materials and heated/massaging seats accounting for most of the add-on cost. (AMG is Mercedes’ performance division).

But for a family with means that is seeking a large, three-row SUV with seating for six or seven passengers, the GLS 450 is hard to beat. It boasts a design aesthetic that combines luxury, functionality and attention to detail.

The GLS 450 is powered by a smooth-running 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder gasoline engine that provides 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, or twisting force. It is mated to what is known in the industry as a “mild hybrid drive” system, which works in parallel with the gas engine. It is not a hybrid vehicle, per se. The system provides just enough battery power to assist the gas engine when it is under the most strain, such as during acceleration, thereby helping to improve fuel economy. Fuel efficiency is good for such a large vehicle but not great in comparison to all the hybrid and electric vehicles on the road today. It gets just 19 mpg in the city, 24 on the highway and 21 mpg combined.

The GLS 450 4MATIC is equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission tied to an intelligent all-wheel-drive system (thus the 4MATIC designation). While the GLS excels on the road, it also surprises with its off-road prowess. Features like adjustable air suspension, intelligent all-wheel drive, and underbody protection make it more versatile for off-road adventures than some other luxury SUVs.

On the road, the GLS balances agility and comfort. The Airmatic air suspension adapts to road conditions, offering a plush ride without compromising agility. Its taut body control rivals the BMW X7—perhaps the best handling SUV in this class—and outperforms competitors like the Land Rover Range Rover and Lincoln Navigator. The GLS 450 doesn’t feel as athletic as the X7, even though the specs suggest that they should be close.

The GLS 450 achieves a 0-60 mph time of approximately 5.8 seconds, slightly slower than the base BMW X7, which does it in 5.6 seconds. The GLS 450 exhibits good grip during cornering, achieving an average lateral acceleration of 0.85g on the skidpad, slightly less than the BMW X7’s 0.88g in lateral acceleration. The GLS 450’s stopping distances from 60 mph range from 106 to 111 feet, while the BMW X7’s best stopping distance is 105 feet. The GLS 450 can tow up to 7,700 lbs., slightly more than the X7’s 7,500 lbs.

For 2024, Mercedes has refreshed the GLS with an updated front grille and bumper design, new LED taillights and fresh color schemes in the cabin. A new steering wheel is spec’d from the performance AMG lineup.

Inside, the GLS 450 features a posh interior loaded with advanced technology features. From premium materials to cutting-edge tech, it caters to the well-to-do. It includes soft leather upholstery and nicely executed faux wood accents. A variety of complementary materials elevates the interior experience. It also doesn’t hurt that the front seats include the optional built-in massagers.

The customizable ambient lighting adds a touch of personalization to the interior space. A thin rope of light extends across the dashboard and onto the doors. You can choose from a variety of colors, enhancing the cabin’s ambiance during nighttime drives.

The infotainment system works well enough, although Mercedes could reduce the number of clicks and swipes necessary to make it even more user-friendly (and less distracting on the road). The home page screen, for example, could be condensed into a single screen displaying all the available icons. As it is now, the home page displays just three icons and users must scroll left or right several times to find all the available options, which seems inordinately distracting.

The GLS 450 includes a bevy of safety features, which are not uncommon for this class: blind spot and lane-departure warnings; front and rear cross-traffic alert; pre- and post-collision safety systems; adaptive headlights, daytime running lights and cornering lights, etc.

The seating is comfortable, although the third-row seats are a bit tight, as they are in most three-row SUVs. The first and second row seats can be adjusted in various ways to coddle their occupants. The luxurious seating makes it an excellent choice for daily use and long journeys alike.

Anyone familiar with modern Mercedes-Benzes will feel right at home in the GLS 450. Mercedes has adopted an overall design ethos for most of its vehicles—especially in the interior appointments. The same MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system is used across most models. Many models also share the same control layout, from the steering wheel buttons to the center console touchpad. The gearshift selector is housed in the right stalk on the steering wheel column. Seat adjustment controls are on the doors. Most models also utilize similar laser-cut metal speaker covers and similar LED ambient lighting. Even the look of the air vents across models is similar.

That means once you’ve accustomed yourself to one Mercedes model, all of them feel familiar.

The GLS 450’s exterior design incorporates flowing contours that are unmistakably Mercedes. These contours contribute to the GLS’s elegant and aerodynamic appearance.

So is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class right for you? It remains a top choice for those seeking a large, luxurious three-row SUV and can afford it.

If you’re looking for alternatives, consider the aforementioned BMW X7, the spacious Cadillac Escalade, the iconic Land Rover Range Rover, the tech-savvy Lexus LX or the rugged and capable Jeep Grand Wagoneer. Each competitor brings its unique blend of features and style to the table and in the end, it all comes down to personal taste.

Specifications

  • Model: 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATIC
  • Type: Internal combustion engine (ICE) with a “mild hybrid drive” system, four-door, six- to seven-passenger SUV.
  • Engine: 3.0-liter, inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.
  • Transmission: Nine-speed automatic.
  • Overall length: 17 feet 1 inch.
  • Height: 6 feet.
  • Passenger volume: 84.7 cubic feet.
  • Weight: 5,489 pounds.
  • Towing capability: Up to 7,700 pounds.
  • EPA estimated fuel economy: 19 city/24 highway/21 combined.
  • Base price/destination charge: $87,000/not available.
  • Price as tested: $97,230.

Disclaimer: The manufacturer provided the vehicle used to conduct this test drive and review. Photos ©Mercedes-Benz