Mercedes-Benz GLS

The biggest SUV in Mercedes-Benz India’s portfolio was recently given a midlife update to make it seem more modern. But has it still retained what the outgoing version was known for? Time to find out

When you think of premium 3-row SUVs in the Indian market, the Mercedes-Benz GLS is surely to be one of your top picks given the loads of features, size and comfort it has to offer. Now, almost four years after introducing the third-generation GLS in India, the German marque has launched the facelifted GLS to improve on its strengths mentioned above and be a better-equipped competitor to the likes of the BMW X7 and Audi Q8. With prices now ranging from Rs 1.21 crore to Rs 1.37 crore (ex-showroom pan-India), is it still as good as its pre-facelift version or has it made the deal sweeter?

The GLS has always been a HUGE car and now has plenty more road presence with this midlife refresh. Its most significant exterior design update is the bigger grille with four chunky slabs (is plastic but gives a chrome-like effect) running towards the big Mercedes-Benz logo in the centre. Other revisions up front include a tweaked bumper and updated LED headlights with DRLs.

It’s from the sides that the SUV looks the same as the pre-facelift model and also shows off its mammoth length (measuring over 5 metres!). Mercedes-Benz has provided it with the same set of 21-inch alloy wheels with the exact design as on its older version.

Changes on the back are minimal as well, with the only noticeable difference being the tweaked internal elements in the LED taillights and a new bumper. You still get the name and variant-specific badging and the ‘4MATIC’ monikers on either side of the tailgate.

At first glance, you’ll be hard-pressed to tell what has changed inside the big Merc SUV. It still has the massive and integrated housing for the dual digital displays and four squarish AC vents inspired by its cousin, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS. The German marque offers it with three cabin theme options: black and brown (our review unit had this combo), all black, and black and beige. The GLS now gets a fresh steering wheel (as seen on the new S-Class) with some touch-enabled controls, and pinstripes on the gloss black panel on the dashboard.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS has retained its twin-screen layout for the infotainment system, although now featuring the latest software for improved touch sensitivity. Noteworthy enhancements include wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. An innovative addition is the off-road screens featuring an "invisible bonnet" function, which utilises front and side cameras to provide the driver with a well-constructed image of the terrain below for navigating challenging landscapes.

That said, we would have liked to see Mercedes-Benz put some more thought into the design of the dashboard, especially the panels that flank the digital screens and all AC vents for uniformity purposes. The armrest-like unit on the centre console that lets you rest your hand while using the touchpad could have also had some other functions or been better integrated in the design.

First-row Seats

The GLS boasts plus-sized front seats known for their comfort and good levels of bolstering, and are now supplemented with seat ventilation and heating too. Finding the right driving position is relatively easy thanks to the plethora of seat adjustments along with the high seating position, and the tall bonnet induces confidence while driving this beast around. While both the front seats get a 3-level memory function, they miss out on the massage feature that should have been provided given the price of the SUV.

Second-row Seats

The new Mercedes-Benz GLS boasts a revamped rear seating experience, offering passengers first-class comfort on long journeys. This includes standard features like plush headrests and individual 11.6-inch touchscreen displays for entertainment. A unique feature is the tablet integrated into the centre armrest, allowing passengers to control various car functions like seat settings, climate control, and even the infotainment system. This eliminates the need for physical buttons and provides a convenient way to personalise their comfort.

For the ultimate pampering experience during your majorly chauffeur-driven rides, the second-row seats offer power adjustments for reclining and sliding, along with individual sun blinds for added privacy. The panoramic sunroof only adds to the feeling of spaciousness.

While captain seats might seem like the ideal choice, the GLS's bench arrangement with its extended centre armrest proves surprisingly comfortable and luxurious. This option also caters to larger groups and families. While the centre seat experiences limitations due to the console and contouring, the outboard seats are well-cushioned and power-adjustable for reclining and sliding. Passengers can even control the front passenger seat for additional legroom. Though under-thigh support could be improved, these features create a genuinely comfortable and private environment for rear passengers on long journeys.

Third-row Seats

While the Mercedes-Benz GLS boasts a spacious third row with more than sufficient headroom and legroom for the average-sized adult, the knee space can be tight for taller adults. However, the individual climate control and large windows provide comfort on shorter trips.

Accessing the third row requires folding and sliding the middle seats, which can be slow. Additionally, the extended centre armrest and tall bench can limit legroom when adjusting for third-row passengers. While the seats offer support and recline functionality, the limited space makes them more suitable for children than adults.

Tech In Plenty

The interior boasts a high-tech dual-screen setup, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and an identically sized digital driver display. The infotainment system features all the latest apps and in-car functions. Thankfully, though, we still get physical buttons for the climate control and seat ventilation on the luxurious Merc SUV.

While the instrument cluster displays essential information alongside navigation and driver assistance details, it isn’t as capable as the one on the new S-Class which comes with more customisation options.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS lives up to its price tag with an array of features designed for comfort and entertainment. Passengers are treated to a quiet cabin thanks to acoustic glass, while soft-close doors add a touch of luxury. Standard features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 64-colour ambient lighting, and a powerful 13-speaker Burmester sound system.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS gets a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) features, including lane-keep assist, cross-traffic alert, and front-collision avoidance.

Complementing the active safety systems are passive measures like nine airbags, 360-degree cameras, and multiple sensors surrounding the vehicle. The cameras offer a clear view of the surroundings, which is quite helpful in navigating tight spaces. Notably, the GLS even boasts a transparent hood function for enhanced off-road visibility, showcasing its versatility beyond regular driving situations.

Mercedes-Benz is offering the India-spec GLS facelift with both a 3-litre turbo-petrol (381 PS/ 500 Nm) and a 3-litre diesel (367 PS/ 750 Nm) engine. Both come with a 9-speed AT and all-wheel-drive (AWD). There’s also a 48 V mild-hybrid system on board that adds 20 PS and 200 Nm to the engine output on tapping the accelerator pedal hard.

We had the petrol engine to sample and we must say, it is a very refined unit. The engine feels responsive right off the bat, considering the massive 500 Nm output. So be it for daily city commutes or your occasional trips on the highway, the new GLS petrol won’t ever feel in need of much effort.

Power is delivered in a linear fashion in all driving scenarios and it’s quite easy to cross the 100 kmph mark on straight roads in the Mercedes-Benz GLS. Its gearshifts are also quick and thankfully free of jerks, offering a calmer driving experience overall.

One of the major talking points of this Merc SUV is its comfortable and plush ride quality. Its air suspension excels at absorbing bumps and imperfections, providing a smooth and luxurious ride. While the soft suspension can lead to some harsh jolts that can be felt inside the cabin, they don’t ever seem bothersome enough. Additionally, the laminated glass and acoustic film effectively minimise road and wind noise, creating a serene cabin environment.

Even its steering wheel has a nice weight balance to it that manages to induce confidence in the driver, especially if it’s the first time driving such a big vehicle. That said, the SUV is light on its feet, meaning it is quite easy to handle this Merc at high speeds and even on tight turns.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS, in the facelifted guise, is priced from Rs 1.21 crore to Rs 1.37 crore (ex-showroom pan-India). At that price, it does justify its aggressive price tag by packing in the best of performance from both its diesel and petrol powertrains, a suite of premium and luxury and safety features, and striking looks inside and out. That said, a better-designed cabin and some additional features would certainly have made it a more compelling choice.