The Mercedes-Benz GLS 2024 stands as the pinnacle of luxury SUV engineering in India, offering an unparalleled blend of opulence, performance, and versatility. This flagship seven-seater SUV has recently received a comprehensive facelift that enhances its already impressive credentials in the ultra-luxury segment.
Mercedes-Benz GLS 2024 Price and Variants
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS commands a premium position in the Indian luxury SUV market. The pricing structure reflects the vehicle’s flagship status:
| Variant | Engine | Power | Ex-Showroom Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLS 450 4MATIC | 3.0L Petrol | 375 bhp | ₹1.37 Crore |
| GLS 450 4MATIC AMG Line | 3.0L Petrol | 375 bhp | ₹1.40 Crore |
| GLS 450d 4MATIC | 3.0L Diesel | 362 bhp | ₹1.42 Crore |
| GLS 450d 4MATIC AMG Line | 3.0L Diesel | 362 bhp | ₹1.43 Crore |
The on-road prices vary significantly across Indian cities, with Mumbai starting from ₹1.63 crore and Chennai reaching ₹1.72 crore for the base variant.
Design and Exterior Updates
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS facelift introduces subtle yet impactful design enhancements. The most prominent change is the redesigned front grille featuring four horizontal silver-finished louvers instead of the previous two-slat design. This creates a more commanding road presence.
Key exterior highlights include:
- Refreshed LED headlamps with new lighting signature
- Revised front and rear bumpers with enhanced aerodynamics
- Updated LED taillights maintaining the distinctive Mercedes DNA
- Standard 20-inch alloy wheels (21-inch on higher variants)
- Five elegant colour options: Polar White, Obsidian Black, High-tech Silver, Sodalite Blue, and Selenite Grey
The GLS maintains its imposing dimensions with a length of 5,209 mm, width of 2,157 mm, and height of 1,823 mm, ensuring it commands respect on Indian roads.
Interior Luxury and Features
The cabin of the Mercedes-Benz GLS 2024 exemplifies automotive luxury craftsmanship. While retaining the proven X167 generation layout, the interior receives meaningful upgrades that enhance user experience.
Premium Interior Elements:
- Maybach-inspired centre air vents adding exclusivity
- Three interior themes: Black, Brown, and Beige
- Premium materials combination including leather, brushed aluminium, and high-quality plastics
- Standard panoramic sunroof creating an airy cabin ambience
- Latest MBUX infotainment system with intuitive controls
Seating Comfort and Space
The GLS truly shines in passenger comfort across all three rows:
First Row: The driver and front passenger enjoy electrically adjustable seats with memory function and multi-zone climate control.
Second Row: The chauffeur-driven experience comes alive here with
- Electrically adjustable seats with massage function
- Individual entertainment screens
- Powered window blinds for privacy
- Dedicated climate zones
Third Row: Unlike most seven-seaters, the GLS offers
- Theatre-style seating with adequate legroom
- Separate air-conditioning zone
- USB charging ports
- Generous headroom despite the sloping roofline
Engine Performance and Specifications
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS offers two sophisticated powertrain options, both featuring mild-hybrid technology as standard.
Petrol Engine (GLS 450)
- Engine: 3.0-litre inline-six turbocharged petrol
- Power: 375 bhp
- Torque: 500 Nm
- Acceleration: 0-100 kmph in 6.1 seconds
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Diesel Engine (GLS 450d)
- Engine: 3.0-litre inline-six turbocharged diesel
- Power: 362 bhp
- Torque: 750 Nm
- Fuel Efficiency: User-reported 10.5 kmpl
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Both engines feature the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system as standard, ensuring optimal traction and stability across various driving conditions.
Driving Dynamics and Technology
The Mercedes-Benz GLS 2024 delivers an unexpected driving experience for its size. The air suspension system provides remarkable ride comfort while maintaining body control during spirited driving.
Advanced Features Include:
- Adaptive air suspension with multiple ride height settings
- Transparent bonnet function for off-road visibility
- 360-degree camera system for parking assistance
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
- Off-road driving modes for adventure enthusiasts
The refined inline-six engines, particularly the petrol variant, deliver smooth power delivery with minimal turbo lag. The mild-hybrid system enhances fuel efficiency while providing seamless engine start-stop functionality.
Safety and Technology Features
Safety remains paramount in the GLS design philosophy:
Comprehensive Safety Package:
- Nine airbags, including driver, passenger, side, curtain, and knee airbags
- ABS with EBD for enhanced braking control
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-keeping assist
The latest MBUX infotainment system features:
- Voice-activated controls with “Hey Mercedes” functionality
- Smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Fingerprint recognition for personalised settings
- 100W wireless charging for compatible devices
Mercedes-Benz GLS vs Competition
The GLS faces formidable competition in the luxury SUV segment:
| Model | Starting Price | Power | Key USP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz GLS | ₹1.37 Crore | 375 bhp | Ultimate luxury |
| BMW X7 | ₹1.31 Crore | 375 bhp | Sporty dynamics |
| Audi Q7 | ₹88.66 Lakh | 340 bhp | Technology focus |
| Land Rover Discovery | ₹1.34 Crore | 345 bhp | Off-road capability |
Ownership Experience and Practicality
Pros:
- Unmatched luxury and comfort levels
- Powerful and refined engine options
- Excellent ride quality and handling balance
- Comprehensive feature list
- Strong brand prestige
Cons:
- Premium pricing limits accessibility
- Fuel efficiency could be better
- Interior design feels dated compared to newer Mercedes models
- High maintenance costs typical of luxury vehicles
Market Position and Value Proposition
The Mercedes-Benz GLS 2024 represents the ultimate expression of luxury SUV ownership in India. While the pricing places it firmly in the ultra-premium segment, the comprehensive package justifies the investment for discerning buyers.
The vehicle appeals to
- Business executives seeking chauffeur-driven luxury
- Affluent families requiring seven-seater practicality
- Luxury enthusiasts prioritising brand prestige
- Performance seekers who don’t want to compromise on comfort
Conclusion
The Mercedes-Benz GLS 2024 successfully reinforces its position as India’s premier luxury SUV. The recent facelift brings meaningful improvements while maintaining the core strengths that make this vehicle exceptional. Despite the premium pricing and some areas for improvement, the GLS offers an unmatched combination of luxury, performance, and versatility.
For buyers seeking the ultimate luxury SUV experience with three-row practicality, the Mercedes-Benz GLS 2024 remains the benchmark in the Indian market. The vehicle’s ability to serve as both a comfortable family hauler and a chauffeur-driven luxury experience makes it a compelling choice for those who can afford its premium positioning.
