Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATIC

A luxury like no other, the new Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATIC, facelifted for the year 2024 and launched in Malaysia.

Positioned below the flagship G-Wagon, the GLS range is commonly referred to as an SUV equivalent of the S-Class sedan.

Fully-imported (CBU - USA), the third-generation (X167) model is priced at MYR 999,888 (OTR, w/o insurance, four-year/unlimited mileage warranty).

Exterior colours (Sodalite Blue Metallic, MANUFAKTUR Alpine Grey Solid).

A tiered design, the dashboard of the new GLS 450 4MATIC is highly premium and sportily elegant, linked to a centre console with angularly robust handles.

Draped in soft-/hard-touch panels, it sees Black ARTICO man-made leather upholstery and Brown Open-Pore Walnut-Wood trim (Exclusive Trim Package - dash, centre console, door beltlines).

Centre-staged is the Widescreen Cockpit (glass-covered MBUX multimedia system - instrument/infotainment displays), and trims in Chrome (Interior Chrome Package).

Accentuating the layout is a 64-colour ambient lighting system. Overall, the amenities are driver-centric and strategically placed.

One half of a twin unit, installed is a 12.3-Inch Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system (NTG 7) with a Heads-Up Display (HUD).

Features are three display styles (Classic, Sporty, Discreet), multiple interfaces (drive modes, vehicle settings), and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service).

Accessing its electronic-powered doors (soft-close - front, rear), sees the interior in Black Nappa leather upholstery, paired to Black ARTICO man-made leather door beltlines.

Luxuriously comfortable, the first-row comes with electronic-powered seats (multi-way/-contour, lumbar, memory, active cushions, hot stone massage, heating/ventilation).

Second-row gets electronic-powered seats (multi-way/-contour, massage, lumbar, 40:20:40 split-fold/slide), a Rear Comfort Package (luxury head restraints) and the MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment System (MBUX monitors, armrest controls).

Third-row (two-seater) comes with a bolstered bench seat, featuring a 50:50 split-fold configuration (button-operated).

The first-/second-row seat backs feature the Exclusive Trim Package (Brown Open-Pore Walnut-Wood trim).

Completing the environment are AMG floor mats, window sun-blinds (electric - rear doors), a Black fabric headliner, and a panoramic glass sunroof (electric - tilt/slide).

Being a seven-seater (configuration - 5+2/2-3-2) SUV, it offers very generous head, shoulder and leg rooms, thus front, middle and rear occupants get ample space and mobility. 

Mounted is a sports steering wheel, in a tri-rounded-twin-spoke-flat-bottom design, wrapped in Black Nappa leather and detailed with Chrome trims. 

Features are multi-switches (capacitive touch controls), paddle shifters, electric column adjustments (tilt, telescopic), and Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS).

Practical storage spaces. E.g., a centre console storage box and compartmentalised spaces (covered), medium sized glove box, and seat back and side door pockets.

Equipped are six USB ports (two - first-, second-, third-row), two 12 V power sockets (first-row, boot) and two wireless chargers (first-, second-row).

The boot comes with the Easy-Pack Tailgate feature (hands-free - remote control/key fob, kick sensor). Accessing its contactless function opens up to 355-Litres (seats up) of load space (2,400-Litres - seats down).

Also provided is the Load Compartment Package (side bags, luggage nets).

Adorning the AMG Line trim, it exudes a seamlessly solid and elegant exterior, donating a commandingly strong character.

Upgraded, the front-end sees a sculpted bonnet, flared fenders, a four-louvre-Silver Shadow-galvanised grille, and bumper air-inlets with High-gloss-Black surrounds.

Heightening the layout is a bumper under-guard trim, aluminium-look illuminated running boards with rubber studs (sides) and Chrome side window surrounds.

Simple and elegant, it parades a smoothly contoured and fairly curvaceous silhouette, complemented by the AMG Line trim.

The rear-end sees a roof-edge spoiler, flared fenders, a tailgate Chrome trim underscoring the Mercedes moniker, and a Black diffuser with Chrome exhaust tips.

Amplifying the layout are aluminium-look illuminated running boards with rubber studs (sides) and Chrome side window surrounds.

Upgraded, the fairly-squared and wrapped-around tail lamps are full LED units, with new tri-horizontal-block light graphics and dynamic turn-indicators. Also included is a set of LED fog lamps.

The Black-capped side mirrors are electronic-powered (auto-fold, adjust), with turn- and blind spot-indicators, and an automatic-dimming function (Mirror Package).

A luxurious cruiser, fitted is a set of 22-Inch AMG multi-spoke, Titanium Grey with high-sheen finish, light-alloy rims, wrapped in 285/45 R22 (front, rear) Continental PremiumContact 6 tyres.

The new GLS 450 4MATIC features the following sets of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

Grouped under Driving Assistance Package are Active Steering Assist, Exit Warning Assist, Extended Automatic Re-start in Traffic Jams, Active Lane-Keeping Assist, and Active Brake Assist. Grouped under Parking Package are Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC, 360-degree surround camera, and transparent bonnet (camera ground view).

Others include Adaptive High-Beam Assist (AHA), Blind Spot Assist (BSA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control System (TCS), and Hill Start Assist (HSA).

Passive safety under GUARD 360-degree Vehicle Protection Plus, grouped are Anti-theft Alarm system (ATA), interior monitoring system, and PRE-SAFE Impulse Side.

Others include seven airbags (driver, passenger, driver knee, front side, front/rear curtains), airbag disable function (front passenger), seat belts (reminders, pre-tensioners, anchors), ISOFIX, parking sensors (front, rear), door ajar warning, Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Brake Hold, TIREFIT, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Another half of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system (NTG 7), installed is a 12.3-Inch touchscreen display. 

System supports three display styles (Classic, Sporty, Discreet), multiple interfaces (drive modes, vehicle settings), and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service).

Features are MBUX Interior Assistant, MBUX AR-Navigation, MBUX Navigation Premium, Mercedes-me Services, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (wireless). 

Also included is the MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment System (11.6-Inch rear monitors (two), second-row armrest control panel, wireless headphones). 

The new GLS 450 4MATIC harbours a 3.0-Litre, six-cylinder 24-valve, twin-turbo DOHC petrol engine (381 HP/280 KW at 5,800-6,100 RPM - 500 NM at 1,800 RPM).

Fused to the mill is a 48-V mild hybrid setup, utilising an electric Integrated Starter-Generator (ISG), providing an extra boost of 20 HP/15 KW and 200 NM.

Installed is a 9G-Tronic, nine-speed automatic transmission.

The new GLS 450 4MATIC features these conveniences.

E.g., KEYLESS-GO Comfort Package (keyless/hands-free access, engine Start/Stop button), Easy-Pack Tailgate (hands-free - remote control/key fob, kick sensor), Load Compartment Package (side bags, luggage net), electronic-powered doors (soft-close - front, rear), THERMOTRONIC dual-zone automatic climate control (rear air-vents, AIR BALANCE Package - air purification, fragrance system), electronic-powered seats (multi-function - first-row, second-row), window sun-blinds (electric - rear doors), steering wheel (electric column adjustments, multi-switches, paddle shifters, EPAS), Light and Sight Package (64-colour ambient lights, illuminated door sills, exterior Mercedes-Benz surround lighting projection, interior map LED lights), MBUX Multimedia System (MBUX Interior Assistant, MBUX AR-Navigation, MBUX Navigation Premium, MBUX High-End Rear Entertainment), multiple power outlets (six - USBs, two - 12 V sockets, two - wireless chargers), Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Brake Hold, automatic-dimming rear-view mirrors (exterior, interior), parking cameras (reverse, 360-degree), parking sensors (six - front, rear), automatic headlamps/wipers, auto-pinch windows (up/down), and temperature-controlled cup holders.

Installed for the cabin is the THERMOTRONIC dual-zone automatic climate control system (rear air-vents, AIR BALANCE Package - air purification, fragrance system).

Suspension setup consists of double wishbones with air suspension (front) and multi-link with air suspension (rear), incorporating the AIRMATIC Package (ADS PLUS - AIRMATIC with Adaptive Damping System).

Overall, it is very spacious and extremely comfortable, suitable as a daily driver. Inside and out, performance- and comfort-wise, the ride quality is satisfactory.

Good sound insulation with most of the NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) aspects accounted for.

Overall, the cabin is able to suppress unwanted noises well, and make them barely noticeable even when cruising through bumpy asphalts. 

The new Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATIC is built with a sophisticatedly solid appeal, offering style, space, practicality, and all-around luxury.

Its striking exterior is very well designed, with the elegant and seamless lines donating a powerful overall contour, emphasising its wide body scale. 

Then, the quality of the equipment and materials installed inside of the car is also impressive with the upscale, mature design and restrained detailing. 

Overall, offering more than just good looks, it also provides an absolute driving pleasure with its dual-natured drive.