Mercedes-Benz has launched the 2024 GLS flagship SUV with a mild facelift and technical updates. It may look similar on the outside, but subtle changes like the new grille and reworked headlamps and taillamps set it apart from the outgoing model. Further changes have been made under the hood and inside the interior, let’s see what they are.
The GLS gets petrol and diesel options. The GLS 450 gets a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six petrol engine featuring an integrated starter generator which regenerates energy while coasting and under braking. The total output for the petrol version is 395bhp and 700Nm, which produces a 0-100kmph time of 6.1 seconds. The GLS 450d produces a combined 384bhp and 950Nm from a 3.0-litre inline-six and the mild hybrid system.
The GLS carriess a portly 3,220kg gross weight spread out over a 5,209mm length covering a 3,135mm wheelbase and a 2,157mm total width. Fuel capacity is set at 90 litres, and the boot swallows from 355 to 1,470 litres with the seats folded down. The GLS rides on 21-inch wheels wrapped in 275-section front and 315-section rear tyres. Mercedes AIRMATIC air suspension is standard and features adaptive damping.
The interior is upholstered in ARTICO synthetic leather with 3 colour options – black, brown, and beige. The GLS seats seven in electrically adjustable (heated/vented front) seats, with three occupants in the second row. The rear windows get electrically retractable sun blinds. The air-conditioning vents are borrowed from the Maybach, and the steering wheel featuring touch controls is from the S-Class. The 5-zone climate control filters out particulate matter, and counteracts misting of the windows. A 13-speaker 590-watt Burmester sound system featuring Dolby Atmos is standard.
The GLS gets the MBUX multimedia infotainment system featuring a rear tablet that mounts to the armrest. Also available is USB and wireless smartphone charging. The MBUX system has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Two 11.6-inch touch displays are mounted behind the front headrests. The GLS also offers Bluetooth and HDMI connectivity between the screens and the occupants’ phone, tablet, or laptop.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS starts at an ex-showroom price of Rs 1.32 crore for the petrol and Rs 1.37 crore for the diesel variant. Its main rival, the BMW X7 comes in at Rs 1.27 crore ex-showroom and offers a noticeably sportier driving experience. However, it can’t match the GLS for luxury. Other rivals like the Audi Q7 (Rs 86.92 lakh ex-showroom) and Jeep Grand Cherokee (Rs 80.50 lakh ex-showroom) are slightly smaller but cost significantly less. Who comes out on top remains to be seen.
Watch our first drive review below, or read it here.