The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 stands as a testament to luxury and versatility in the SUV market. Equipped with a potent turbocharged V6 engine, this vehicle delivers a harmonious blend of performance and comfort, making it an ideal choice for discerning drivers and families alike. Let’s delve into the details that make the GLS 450 a compelling option in its class.
Under the hood, the GLS 450 boasts a robust turbocharged V6 engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain ensures responsive acceleration and ample power for both city driving and highway cruising. Complementing this engine is a sophisticated self-leveling air suspension system, which provides a smooth and composed ride, absorbing road imperfections for enhanced passenger comfort. The GLS 450 rides on 19-inch alloy wheels, contributing to its balanced stance and refined aesthetics.
The exterior of the GLS 450 is both elegant and functional. Power-folding and auto-dimming side mirrors add convenience and safety, while LED running lights and taillights enhance visibility and contribute to the vehicle’s modern appearance. Roof rails provide added utility for carrying cargo, and a power liftgate offers effortless access to the rear cargo area. Mercedes-Benz’s Mbrace Connect system, accessible via a smartphone app, further elevates convenience with remote vehicle access and remote start functionality.
Stepping inside the 2018 GLS 450 reveals a meticulously crafted interior focused on comfort and luxury. Premium vinyl upholstery provides a refined touch, while heated front seats ensure comfort in colder climates. The driver benefits from a 10-way power-adjustable seat with four-way power lumbar support and memory settings, allowing for personalized comfort. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is also power-adjustable, and the auto-dimming rearview mirror enhances nighttime driving. Genuine wood trim accents add a touch of classic elegance to the cabin, and dual-zone automatic climate control ensures personalized temperature settings for both the driver and passenger.
Technologically, the GLS 450 is well-equipped. The COMAND infotainment interface, controlled via a knob and touchpad, is central to the vehicle’s technology suite. An 8-inch central display provides clear visuals for navigation and vehicle information. A rearview camera enhances safety during parking maneuvers. Bluetooth connectivity enables hands-free calling and audio streaming, and a 115-volt household-style power outlet adds practicality for charging devices. The sound system features HD radio and dual USB ports, offering a range of entertainment options.
For those seeking even more features, the Premium package is available, adding keyless entry and ignition for seamless vehicle access. The front passenger seat gains power adjustability and memory settings, mirroring the driver’s seat. Illuminated door sills and multicolor ambient lighting enhance the interior ambiance. Navigation with real-time traffic updates ensures efficient route planning, and voice controls allow for hands-free operation of various systems. Apple CarPlay integration provides smartphone connectivity, and satellite radio expands entertainment choices. Furthermore, the Premium package includes lane keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring, enhancing safety and driver awareness.
The Lighting package enhances visibility with adaptive LED headlights that adjust to driving conditions and automatic high beams for optimal nighttime illumination. The Parking Assist package adds front and rear parking sensors, an automated parallel parking system to simplify parking in tight spaces, and a surround-view camera system for comprehensive visibility around the vehicle.
Further individual options include three-zone automatic climate control for enhanced rear passenger comfort, ventilated front seats for cooling comfort in warmer weather, and luxurious leather upholstery. Audiophiles can opt for a 13-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with a CD/DVD player, SD card reader for media versatility. Multicontour front seats, featuring a massaging function and adjustable side bolsters and shoulder supports, offer the ultimate in personalized comfort.
Moving up the Mercedes-Benz GLS range, the GLS 550 incorporates many of the GLS 450’s optional features as standard and elevates performance with a twin-turbo V8 engine producing 449 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. It also distinguishes itself with 21-inch alloy wheels, adaptive suspension dampers for enhanced handling, sporty exterior styling cues, convenient soft-close doors, and upgraded interior trim including wood steering-wheel inserts. The optional Night package for the GLS 550 further enhances its sporty aesthetic with 21-inch black wheels and gloss-black exterior accents.
Across both the GLS 450 and GLS 550 models, optional features include a panoramic sunroof that brings in natural light, heated second-row seats for rear passenger comfort, diamond-quilted leather upholstery for an even more luxurious interior, and the Driver Assistance package. This comprehensive safety suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and front and rear collision mitigation, providing a high level of driver assistance and safety. For those seeking enhanced off-road capability, the Off-Road package offers an upgraded multimode terrain selector, a dual-range transfer case, and front underbody protection. On the GLS 450, this package also includes the GLS 550’s standard adaptive dampers.
At the pinnacle of the GLS range is the high-performance AMG GLS 63. This model takes luxury and performance to an extreme with an even more potent turbocharged V8 engine producing 577 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque. It features a sport exhaust system for an exhilarating soundtrack, exclusive 21-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes for enhanced stopping power, adaptive stabilizer bars (Mercedes-Benz’s Active Curve System) for improved handling, and distinctive AMG styling elements both inside and out. The interior boasts enhanced bolstering for the front seats, upgraded leather upholstery, and a flat-bottom sport steering wheel, reflecting its performance-oriented nature.
Across the entire GLS model range, additional standalone options include a trailer hitch for towing, a heated steering wheel for cold weather comfort, power-sliding second-row seats for easier third-row access, rear side-window sunshades for passenger privacy, a rear entertainment system to keep rear occupants entertained, a Wi-Fi hotspot for on-the-go connectivity, and a premium 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system for audiophile-grade sound quality.
In conclusion, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 offers a compelling blend of luxury, performance, and versatility. With its powerful V6 engine, comfortable and feature-rich interior, and a range of available options and packages, it caters to a wide range of needs and preferences in the luxury SUV segment. Whether prioritizing comfort, technology, or performance, the GLS 450 provides a refined and capable driving experience.
