2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS Performance
The test car that I drove was the GLS 450 that is powered by a 3.0 litre 6 cylinder petrol. It now makes 381 horsepower (vs 367 earlier) while the torque figures of 500 Nm remain unchanged. It also features a mild hybrid system that gives a boost of additional 20 hp and 200 Nm torque. The engine comes mated to a 9 speed automatic gearbox. I managed a 0 to 100 kph timing of 6.1 seconds and acceleration is very linear and smooth. Gearshifts are seamless and despite its weight, the way it lunges forwards on pressing the throttle pedal is impressive. However, what I did miss was a sport mode. I actually started scrolling through the modes only to be disappointed not to find one. And it does all this in silence. The laminated glass does a fine job of isolating occupants from the outside world. The GLS makes for a fantastic highway cruiser and it just wafts on the road. Long distance road trips will be delightful in this one. Maybe I will ask my friends at Mercedes-Benz India to lend me the GLS for one of my road trips someday.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS Ride & Suspension
The air suspension does a fine job of soaking in small and medium sized potholes and road undulations, despite the large 21 inch wheels. While the GLS doesn’t like being pushed into corners aggressively, body roll is controlled with moderate throttle and steering inputs. Brakes are fantastic and the GLS comes to a halt without any drama.
