Overview
The Mercedes-Benz GLS is the flagship luxury SUV in Mercedes-Benz India's lineup and is often referred to as the "S-Class of SUVs." Positioned above the GLE, the GLS combines limousine-like comfort, commanding road presence, cutting-edge technology, and outstanding performance in a full-size seven-seater SUV. It is designed for buyers who demand the highest levels of luxury while enjoying the practicality and versatility of an SUV.
Built on Mercedes-Benz's Modular High Architecture (MHA) platform, the GLS offers exceptional ride quality, spacious three-row seating, advanced driver assistance systems, and powerful six-cylinder mild-hybrid engines. Whether used for family road trips, chauffeur-driven travel, or business purposes, the GLS delivers a premium ownership experience. Its luxurious cabin, powerful performance, and premium features make it one of the most desirable luxury SUVs available in India.
Variants and Price Range
The Mercedes-Benz GLS is available in multiple variants in India.
Available Variants
GLS 450 4MATIC (Petrol)
GLS 450d 4MATIC (Diesel)
Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 (Ultra Luxury Variant)
Approximate Ex-showroom Price
GLS 450: ₹1.35–1.40 crore
GLS 450d: ₹1.40–1.45 crore
Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600: ₹3.35–3.60 crore
Prices vary depending on optional equipment, personalization, and dealership offers.
On-Road Price
Estimated on-road prices in major Indian cities are:
Delhi: ₹1.55–1.65 crore
Mumbai: ₹1.60–1.70 crore
Bengaluru: ₹1.65–1.78 crore
Chennai: ₹1.60–1.72 crore
Hyderabad: ₹1.58–1.68 crore
The Maybach GLS 600 can exceed ₹4 crore on-road in some cities, depending on customization and taxes.
Design and Exterior
The GLS has a bold and elegant design that reflects its flagship status.
Exterior highlights include:
Large chrome Mercedes-Benz grille
MULTIBEAM LED or DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps
LED Daytime Running Lights
Sculpted bonnet
Muscular body lines
20-inch or 21-inch alloy wheels
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Aluminium roof rails
LED tail lamps
Chrome skid plates
Electrically operated tailgate
Illuminated running boards (variant-dependent)
The GLS has a commanding road presence and is instantly recognizable as a flagship luxury SUV.
Engine and Performance
The GLS is powered by refined six-cylinder engines featuring mild-hybrid technology.
GLS 450 4MATIC
3.0-litre inline-six turbocharged petrol
48V mild-hybrid system
Power: 381 PS
Torque: 500 Nm
GLS 450d 4MATIC
3.0-litre inline-six turbocharged diesel
48V mild-hybrid system
Power: 367 PS
Torque: 750 Nm
Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600
4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol
Mild-hybrid system
Power: 557 PS
Torque: 770 Nm
Performance
GLS 450
0–100 km/h: Around 6.1 seconds
GLS 450d
0–100 km/h: Around 6.1 seconds
Maybach GLS 600
0–100 km/h: Approximately 4.9 seconds
The engines provide effortless acceleration, exceptional refinement, and strong towing capability.
Dimensions
Approximate dimensions:
Length: 5,209 mm
Width: 2,030 mm
Height: 1,823 mm
Wheelbase: 3,135 mm
Ground Clearance: Approximately 215 mm (adjustable with air suspension)
Boot Space:
355 litres (all three rows in use)
Up to 890 litres (third row folded)
Over 2,400 litres (second and third rows folded)
The generous dimensions ensure excellent space for passengers and luggage.
Transmission Options
All variants feature Mercedes-Benz's 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission.
Transmission features include:
Paddle shifters
Comfort mode
Eco mode
Sport mode
Off-road mode
Individual drive settings
The intelligent transmission offers seamless shifts and optimizes both efficiency and performance.
Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
Claimed mileage figures:
GLS 450 Petrol: 11–13 km/l
GLS 450d Diesel: 14–16 km/l
Maybach GLS 600: 8–10 km/l
The 48V mild-hybrid system improves efficiency, particularly during city driving.
Real World Mileage
Typical real-world mileage:
Petrol
City: 7–9 km/l
Highway: 10–12 km/l
Diesel
City: 10–12 km/l
Highway: 14–16 km/l
Maybach GLS
City: 5–7 km/l
Highway: 8–10 km/l
Fuel economy depends on traffic conditions, road quality, and driving style.
Interior and Cabin Experience
The GLS offers an exceptionally luxurious cabin inspired by the S-Class.
Interior highlights include:
Premium Nappa leather upholstery
Twin 12.3-inch digital displays
Open-pore wood trim
Ambient lighting with 64 colours
Panoramic sunroof
Four-zone climate control
Soft-touch dashboard
Premium metallic accents
Powered third-row seats
Excellent cabin insulation
The cabin delivers a luxurious atmosphere with ample space across all three rows.
Seat Comfort
The front seats are designed for outstanding long-distance comfort.
Features include:
Electrically adjustable seats
Memory function
Heating and ventilation
Massage function (selected variants)
Lumbar support
Adjustable thigh support
These features ensure exceptional comfort during extended journeys.
Seating Comfort
Passenger comfort is a key strength of the GLS.
Rear-seat highlights include:
Spacious second-row seating
Electrically adjustable seats (variant-dependent)
Rear AC controls
Foldable centre armrest
Generous headroom and legroom
Comfortable third-row seats for adults on shorter trips
Easy third-row access through electrically folding second-row seats
The GLS is one of the most spacious seven-seat luxury SUVs in India.
Infotainment and Technology
The GLS comes equipped with Mercedes-Benz's advanced MBUX infotainment system.
Features include:
Dual 12.3-inch digital displays
MBUX infotainment
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless Android Auto
"Hey Mercedes" voice assistant
Navigation with augmented reality
Burmester premium surround sound system
Wireless charging
Connected car technology
Head-Up Display (variant-dependent)
Rear entertainment system (optional)
Over-the-air software updates
The infotainment system combines advanced functionality with an intuitive user experience.
Boot Space and Practicality
The GLS offers exceptional practicality.
Boot capacity:
355 litres with all three rows in use
Around 890 litres with the third row folded
More than 2,400 litres with both rear rows folded
The powered tailgate and flat-folding seats make loading large items easy.
Safety Features
The Mercedes-Benz GLS is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety technologies.
Key features include:
Multiple airbags
ABS with EBD
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Active Brake Assist
Adaptive Brake Assist
Blind Spot Assist
Lane Keeping Assist
Adaptive Cruise Control
360-degree camera
Front and rear parking sensors
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
ISOFIX child-seat mounts
PRE-SAFE® occupant protection system
Attention Assist
Hill Descent Control
Hill Start Assist
These systems provide excellent protection and driver confidence in a wide range of conditions.
HEARTECT Platform
The HEARTECT platform is developed by Maruti Suzuki and is not used in the Mercedes-Benz GLS.
Instead, the GLS is built on Mercedes-Benz's Modular High Architecture (MHA) platform. This architecture is specifically engineered for large luxury SUVs and delivers exceptional structural strength, superior crash safety, advanced suspension integration, excellent ride comfort, and compatibility with sophisticated driver assistance systems.
Safety Concerns
Although exceptionally safe, buyers should consider:
Premium maintenance costs
Expensive genuine spare parts
Large dimensions require careful parking
High tyre replacement costs
Advanced electronics require specialized servicing
These considerations are typical for flagship luxury SUVs.
Ride Quality and Handling
Ride comfort is one of the GLS's greatest strengths.
Highlights include:
AIRMATIC air suspension
Excellent bump absorption
Comfortable ride over rough roads
Outstanding highway stability
Minimal body roll
Precise steering
Quiet cabin
Confident braking performance
The GLS offers one of the most comfortable rides in the luxury SUV segment.
City Driving Advantages
Despite its size, the GLS offers several technologies that make city driving easier.
Advantages include:
Light steering at low speeds
360-degree camera
Parking sensors
Automatic parking assistance
Elevated driving position
Excellent visibility through camera systems
Smooth automatic transmission
Air suspension helps tackle speed breakers and uneven roads
Urban driving is manageable, although the SUV's large dimensions require extra care in tight spaces.
Color Options
Popular colour options include:
Polar White
Obsidian Black
High-Tech Silver
Selenite Grey
Emerald Green
Nautic Blue
MANUFAKTUR Diamond White Bright
Colour availability may vary by variant and dealership.
Maintenance and Ownership Costs
The GLS has premium ownership costs consistent with its flagship status.
Typical expenses include:
Annual service: ₹60,000–₹1,00,000
Comprehensive insurance: Premium pricing
Genuine spare parts: Expensive
Tyre replacement: High due to large premium tyres
Mercedes-Benz offers prepaid maintenance packages and extended warranty plans that help reduce long-term ownership costs and ensure predictable servicing expenses.
Reliability
The GLS is engineered to exceptionally high standards.
Key strengths include:
Proven six-cylinder mild-hybrid engines
Reliable 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission
Durable 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system
Premium build quality
High-quality interior materials
Routine servicing at authorized Mercedes-Benz service centres helps maintain long-term reliability and performance.
Target Audience
The Mercedes-Benz GLS is ideal for:
Business owners
Corporate executives
Large families
Chauffeur-driven buyers
Luxury SUV enthusiasts
Buyers seeking a premium seven-seat SUV
Similar Cars and Competitors
Key competitors in India include:
BMW X7
Audi Q7
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Lexus LX
Volvo XC90
The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 competes with ultra-luxury SUVs such as the Range Rover SV and Bentley Bentayga.
Market Position in India
The Mercedes-Benz GLS occupies the flagship luxury SUV segment and is among the most prestigious seven-seat SUVs available in India. Its combination of S-Class-inspired luxury, advanced technology, spacious three-row seating, and refined performance has made it a preferred choice for affluent families, business leaders, and chauffeur-driven owners seeking uncompromising comfort.
Who Should Buy?
The Mercedes-Benz GLS is an excellent choice if you:
Want a flagship luxury seven-seat SUV.
Frequently travel with family or business associates.
Need exceptional cabin space and comfort.
Value advanced technology and comprehensive safety.
Prefer a prestigious SUV with excellent long-distance capability.
Who May Prefer Alternatives?
You may prefer another vehicle if you:
Require serious off-road capability (Land Rover Defender or Range Rover).
Prefer a sportier driving experience (BMW X7).
Want lower maintenance and ownership costs.
Do not need three rows of seating.
Prefer a fully electric luxury SUV.
Final Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz GLS is one of the finest full-size luxury SUVs available in India. It successfully combines the elegance and comfort of the S-Class with the practicality, versatility, and commanding presence of a premium SUV. Its spacious three-row cabin, refined mild-hybrid engines, advanced MBUX infotainment system, comprehensive safety features, and outstanding ride quality make it an exceptional choice for luxury SUV buyers.
While ownership costs are naturally higher than those of mainstream SUVs, the GLS delivers unmatched comfort, premium craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology, and the prestige associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand. For buyers seeking a luxurious, spacious, technologically advanced, and highly refined seven-seat SUV, the Mercedes-Benz GLS remains one of the strongest and most desirable options in the Indian luxury SUV market.
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