When you suppose Mercedes-Benz within the Indian context, fashions just like the C-Class and E-Class are often the primary to come back to thoughts — the acquainted faces that embody the model’s luxurious DNA. But towering above all of them, each in stature and presence , is the GLS. Long known as the “S-Class of SUVs,” it represents the head of Mercedes-Benz’s sport utility lineup — a mix of know-how, house, and refinement that’s onerous to rival.
AMG Line styling, reprofiled aprons, and 21-inch alloy wheels give the GLS a daring and elegant stance on the street.
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Now in its 2025 guise, the GLS 450d AMG Line brings extra than simply dimension to the desk. It is sharper to take a look at, smarter inside, and much more comfy to be pushed in. With AMG styling components, a strong diesel coronary heart, a cabin steeped in tech, and a second-row expertise match for executives, the GLS goals squarely at those that worth time, house, and silence over the joys of driving quick.
Design & Presence: The mild large
The GLS instructions consideration the second it seems in your rear-view mirror. Stretching over 5.2 metres in size, it’s longer than many pickup vehicles, but Mercedes has formed it with exceptional class. The proportions are balanced, the traces clear, and the stance imposing with out ever feeling ungainly.
The AMG Line bundle elevates its attraction with a bolder grille, reprofiled aprons, and large 21-inch alloy wheels that fill the arches completely. Opting for the Night Package provides an additional layer of menace — gloss-black accents on the grille, roof rails, and trim lend the SUV a stealthy, virtually “Darth Vader’s daily driver” persona. Despite its dimension, the GLS by no means feels ostentatious. Park it wherever, and it turns into the dominant visible presence, effortlessly reminding you why it sits on the prime of the Mercedes SUV hierarchy.
Behind the Wheel: Power, composure, and shocking ease
Slip behind the wheel and the GLS instantly impresses with its easy usability. It could seem intimidating, however as soon as you’re behind that enormous steering wheel, all of it feels really easy.
That sense of ease stems from its powertrain — a 3.0-litre inline-six diesel paired with a mild-hybrid system that collectively ship 367 hp and a staggering 750 Nm of torque. Power supply is easy and assured, with sufficient shove to maneuver this 2.5-tonne luxurious SUV from 0–100 km/h in simply 6.1 seconds. Those are hot-hatch numbers in a seven-seater constructed for consolation. On the transfer, the AIRMATIC suspension is the star of the present. It soaks up potholes, ruts, and damaged tarmac with poise, making the GLS really feel as if it’s gliding over the street reasonably than driving on it. Yet, when pushed, it maintains composure, maintaining physique actions in test. The result’s a way of steadiness — an SUV that’s serene most of the time however by no means sloppy once you ask extra of it.
Inside, the cabin blends craftsmanship and know-how, that includes twin 12.3-inch MBUX screens, premium Artico leather-based, and considerate connectivity choices.
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Compared to its closest rival, the BMW X7, the GLS has closed the hole in phrases of driving dynamics. The X7 nonetheless feels extra athletic and driver-focused, however the GLS counters with refinement and calm. It’s much less about slicing by means of corners and extra about making each kilometre easy.
Cabin & Comfort: A examine in silence
Open the door, settle in, and shut it. Instantly, the skin world disappears. Mercedes has gone to nice lengths to insulate the GLS from noise, utilizing acoustic glass and intensive damping supplies. The result’s near-total isolation — site visitors sounds, rain, even tyre roar are saved at bay.
This serene setting is completely complimented with the Burmester encompass sound system that includes Dolby Atmos. Turn up your favorite playlist, and the cabin transforms into a personal live performance corridor. It is one of these particulars that make lengthy drives really feel indulgent reasonably than tiring.
The inside itself is a showcase of craftsmanship and know-how. The AMG touches are delicate however efficient — a supersport steering wheel, brushed metal pedals, and premium Artico leather-based upholstery add a contact of sportiness to an in any other case opulent house. Dual 12.3-inch MBUX screens dominate the sprint, seamlessly mixing info and leisure. Wireless charging pads, together with one for rear passengers, and high-speed 100W USB-C ports spotlight how completely thought-out the cabin expertise is.
Rear-Seat Experience: The Real Luxury
) The GLS is not only concerning the driver’s expertise. In truth, it’s primarily about those that favor to be pushed. The second row is the place Mercedes actually actually outshines its rivals.
On the transfer, the three.0-litre diesel with mild-hybrid system and AIRMATIC suspension ensures easy cruising, combining power, consolation, and serene refinement.
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Special Arrangement
With the optionally available chauffeur bundle, the rear seats remodel into business-class lounges — that includes reclining performance, mushy pillow-style headrests, and electrical sunblinds for privateness. Legroom is beneficiant, and the sense of house is enhanced by the panoramic sunroof and meticulous cabin lighting
Rear passengers additionally get twin 11.6-inch leisure screens and a detachable MBUX pill that enables full management of media, navigation, and local weather features. Combined with five-zone local weather management and ventilated, heated seats, the GLS affords an expertise that rivals the consolation of the S-Class — however with a good increased vantage level.
Technology & Safety: Intelligence with intent
Being the flagship SUV, the GLS 450d AMG Line packs each trendy know-how Mercedes has to supply. The twin MBUX screens run the newest software program, providing crisp graphics and a extremely intuitive interface. The characteristic listing reads like a tech fanatic’s want listing: a 360-degree digital camera system, wi-fi smartphone charging in each rows, KEYLESS-GO with hands-free tailgate operation, and 9 airbags.
The rear seats, particularly with the optionally available chauffeur bundle, remodel into business-class lounges with reclining performance, sunblinds, and twin leisure screens.
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Special Arrangement
The SUV additionally will get Level 2 ADAS features, together with lane-change help, adaptive cruise management, and blind-spot monitoring. The PRE-SAFE system takes issues a step additional by making ready the cabin for a possible affect — tightening seatbelts and adjusting seat positions to minimise damage. It is that this quiet layer of intelligence that underscores the GLS’s attraction — you don’t all the time see it working, however you all the time know it’s there.
GLS vs BMW X7: Different philosophies of luxurious
At this degree, the query just isn’t about which SUV is healthier constructed or higher geared up — each the BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS ship excellence in their very own methods. The distinction lies of their philosophy. The X7 continues to be the selection for many who take pleasure in driving. It is sharper, extra dynamic, and affords an enticing expertise behind the wheel. The GLS, in distinction, leans into what it does finest — offering supreme consolation, refinement, and a way of calm that the BMW can’t fairly replicate. If you see your self within the rear seat extra usually than the motive force’s, the GLS is your clear selection.
Verdict: The benchmark of aArrival
The Mercedes-Benz GLS 450d AMG Line is a masterclass in understated luxurious. It is for many who don’t have to show something anymore — those that worth consolation, silence, and the sheer ease of movement that comes with a car of this calibre. It is as easy to drive as it’s to be pushed in, and that duality is what makes it actually particular. Think of it not as a mode of transport, however as a statement — one that claims you might have arrived, each actually and figuratively.
Price (Ex-showroom, India): ₹1.32 crore
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