1 / 7

The new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATIC.

Courtesy photo

2 / 7

The new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATIC.

Courtesy photo

3 / 7

The new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATIC.

Courtesy photo

4 / 7

Inside the new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATIC.

Courtesy photo

5 / 7

Inside the new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATIC.

Courtesy photo

6 / 7

Inside the new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATIC.

Courtesy photo

7 / 7

Inside the new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATIC.

Courtesy photo

❮ ❯

As we embarked on our weeklong journey of luxury and innovation, all courtesy of the 2024 Mercedes GLS 450 4MATIC, the full-size SUV promised to be more than just a mode of transportation; it aimed to redefine the concept of opulent travel. Our seven days with this exquisite machine proved again and again to be a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s dedication to crafting an unparalleled and unique driving experience.

From the first time we saw the new 2024 Mercedes GLS 450 4MATIC, we were captivated by its commanding presence. The exterior design blended sophistication with athleticism, aligning sleek lines with carefully sculpted details that evoked a sense of modern luxury.

The LED headlights, along with their distinctive light signature, illuminated the road with both brilliance and precision, and also gave a unique look to the front of the GLS at night.

After sliding inside the cabin, we were greeted by an atmosphere that epitomized refined elegance. The complete use of premium materials, from soft leather upholstery to exquisite wood accents, demonstrated Mercedes-Benz’s unwavering commitment to craftsmanship.

The ambient lighting, customizable with any color to our preference, added a touch of personalization to the interior space, and a defining nighttime ride.

Under the hood, the Mercedes GLS 450 housed a 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engine, ready to unleash its 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque at a moment’s notice. Paired with EQ Boost technology, which adds an additional 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, the GLS 450 4MATIC offered an exhilarating blend of power and efficiency. This combination of electric boost and turbocharged power made any type of turbo lag almost nonexistent.

Driving the GLS 450 was an experience that easily blended performance with comfort. The AIRMATIC suspension, that self-adapted to road conditions and driving modes, provided a plush ride without compromising on its ability to be very agile in a full-size SUV. Whether we were navigating city streets or cruising on the highway, the GLS exhibited a poised demeanor that instilled confidence within us at every turn.

As our week with the Mercedes unfolded, we had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the advanced technology that the GLS 450 had to offer. The dual 12.3-inch displays, encompassing both the digital instrument driving cluster and the infotainment system, provided a user-friendly and visually stunning interface.

The MBUX multimedia system responded promptly to our voice commands, creating an intuitive and seamless interaction. The ability for us to summon our virtual assistant by just saying “Hey, Mercedes” led to many questions from us. From queries about navigating to weather conditions on the road ahead, she always had an answer.

The Augmented Reality Navigation system turned into a highlight of our weeklong experience. The live camera view merged with directional overlays, guiding us with precision and clarity. During any drive, the available Burmester 3D surround sound system enveloped us in an auditory embrace, offering an immersive listening experience that added an extra layer of pleasure to time spent inside the SUV.

Safety was never an afterthought in the GLS 450. The advanced driver-assistance systems, encompassing the likes of active brake assist, active blind spot assist and Pre-Safe Impulse Side, created a protective cocoon that gave us even more peace of mind. The 360-degree camera system, displaying a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings, made parking and maneuvering in tight spaces a breeze.

Beyond its safety features, the GLS 450 catered to convenience with the available hands-free access feature for the power liftgate. A simple wave of the foot beneath the rear bumper allowed us to access the spacious cargo area effortlessly, a small but significant feature that made everyday tasks that much easier, especially when our hands were full and locating a key required a place to put everything.

As our weeklong test drive came to an end and we reflected on our time with the 2024 Mercedes GLS 450, it became abundantly obvious that our journey was filled with luxury, innovation and exploration. The GLS 450 proved to be more than just an SUV; it was an extension of our lifestyle, easily integrating technology, performance and comfort into every mile we traveled, be it a daylong journey or a quick trip to the grocery store.

From the beautiful aesthetics to the breathtakingly exceptional performance, the GLS 450 surpassed our expectations at every turn. Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to excellence shined through in every detail both inside and outside the vehicle, creating a driving experience that was nothing short of extraordinary.

Our weeklong escapade with the 2024 Mercedes GLS 450 left us with an indelible impression. It was a journey that transcended more than just transportation, offering a symphony of luxury, performance and innovation. As we gave up the keys, we couldn’t help but marvel at how the GLS 450 4MATIC effortlessly combined power, technology and elegance into a harmonious vehicle.

The GLS 450 4MATIC wasn’t just a vehicle; it was a lifestyle we could easily get used to as it encapsulated the essence of modern luxury and elevated our daily drives into memorable experiences. As the sun set on our final day with this remarkable SUV, we were left with a profound appreciation for the craftsmanship, innovation and sheer luxury that the 2024 Mercedes GLS 450 embodied.

Base price: $87,000

Destination charge: $0

Price as driven: $92,110

Newsletter