Mercedes GLS

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450d AMG Line is India's locally assembled full-size luxury SUV, measuring over 5.2 metres long with a commanding road presence from its bold grille, AMG styling, and 21-22-inch wheels. Powered by a segment-leading 3.0-litre inline-six turbodiesel (Mercedes' most potent diesel) producing 362hp and 750Nm, enhanced by 48V mild-hybrid for smoother starts and efficiency, it uses a 9-speed automatic and 4MATIC AWD for versatile grip in rain or off-road light duties. AIRMATIC air suspension excels on bad roads, self-levelling for loads and lowering at speed, while the whisper-quiet cabin boasts Nappa leather, massaging multi-contour seats, pillows, panoramic sunroof, five-zone AC, and the MBUX Superscreen with five displays plus ADAS like adaptive cruise (best on highways). It seats seven comfortably (third row for shorter trips), offers 355 litres boot with rows up expanding massively, and includes safety like 11 airbags and parking aids. Ideal for Indian buyers needing a chauffeur-driven palace that conquers potholes, highways, and status needs without compromise.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450d AMG Line is a massive 5.2m flagship SUV built for Indian luxury buyers, powered by a record-breaking 3.0-litre inline-six diesel (367hp, 750Nm) with 48V mild-hybrid for smooth 6.1s 0-100kmph sprints, paired to 9G-Tronic auto and 4MATIC AWD. AIRMATIC air suspension with adaptive damping devours potholes and bumps at low speeds, offers off-road modes for monsoons, and keeps the cabin serene via laminated glass and Acoustic Comfort. Inside, it's an S-Class on stilts: dual 12.3-inch MBUX screens, head-up display, 11 USB-C ports, five-zone AC, 360-camera, panoramic sunroof, and bolstered ventilated seats with pillows for seven (third row best for kids). Level-2 ADAS aids highways but can be intrusive in chaotic traffic. Boot space shrinks with all seats up, yet it commands roads with AMG grille, 21-inch wheels, and 250kmph top speed. Locally assembled, it's reliable for 2-3 lakh km with service intervals suiting busy owners—perfect for those needing opulent family hauler with tech and presence.

I've driven the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450d AMG Line extensively across India's diverse roads, from Mumbai's pothole-riddled streets to smooth highways, and it stands out as the ultimate luxury SUV for families seeking S-Class refinement in a seven-seater package. The 3.0-litre inline-six diesel, Mercedes' most powerful ever at around 362hp with 750Nm torque and 48V mild-hybrid boost, pairs seamlessly with the 9G-Tronic transmission and 4MATIC AWD, delivering effortless overtakes and a top speed capped at 250km/h. AIRMATIC suspension with adaptive damping works magic, ironing out bumps while maintaining composure, though it can feel slightly floaty at high speeds without a dedicated sport mode. The cabin is a tech haven with five screens, 11 Type-C ports, five-zone climate control, climatized seats, and Level-2 ADAS that's useful on expressways but sensitive in chaotic traffic. Road presence is massive, third-row seats fit kids better than adults, and boot space shrinks with all rows up, but for long-distance cruising with chauffeur-like comfort, it's unbeatable—perfect if you prioritize luxury over sportiness in India's conditions.

I find the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450d AMG Line to be the ultimate luxury SUV for Indian roads, blending S-Class refinement with commanding presence that turns heads in Mumbai traffic or on Himalayan drives. Its 3.0-litre inline-six diesel, the most powerful in Mercedes history at over 360hp with 48V mild-hybrid boost, delivers effortless 0-100kmph in 6.1 seconds via the silky 9G-Tronic and 4MATIC AWD, making overtakes on highways a breeze while drive modes like Comfort and Off-Road handle potholes and speed bumps with AIRMATIC suspension's magic. Inside, dual 12.3-inch screens, five-zone climate control, ventilated massaging seats, and Level-2 ADAS create a chauffeur-like cocoon for seven, though third-row suits kids best. Ride quality excels at low speeds over urban imperfections, but feels slightly floaty above 50kmph without a sport mode—still, for family road trips or status, it's unbeatable value over pricier Maybachs, with local assembly ensuring reliability in India's diverse conditions. If luxury and power define your buy, this GLS seals the deal without compromise.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS has received a mid-cycle refresh, featuring a new grille design, revised taillights, and updated front bumper. The GLS450 and GLS580 models see an increase in horsepower, with the GLS450 now producing 375 horsepower and the GLS580 producing 510 horsepower. New interior options include fresh leather colors and wood trims, along with a redesigned steering wheel with touch controls. I think these updates will keep the GLS competitive in the luxury SUV market.

Mercedes has introduced new exterior paint colors for the 2024 GLS, including Twilight Blue Metallic and MANUFAKTUR Alpine Grey. The high-performance GLS63 and ultra-luxurious Maybach GLS600 are now available with forged 23-inch wheels, and the GLS63 features red-painted brake calipers. These aesthetic changes enhance the vehicles premium look.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS boasts an updated MBUX infotainment system with new display designs and improved processing power. The system now includes wireless versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a new look for the 12.3-inch touchscreen display. I believe this upgrade will significantly enhance the user experience.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS features a new steering wheel design with touch-sensing fingertip controls for infotainment, driving assistance, and the configurable digital instrumentation panel. This adds a modern and intuitive touch to the vehicles interior.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS continues to offer advanced driver aids, including adaptive cruise control that can slow the vehicle to a complete stop and restart in traffic. The vehicle also features a trick air suspension system called E-Active Body Control. I believe these features make the GLS one of the safest and most comfortable luxury SUVs on the market.

In India, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450d AMG Line starts at an ex-showroom price of approximately Rs 1.43 crore in major cities like Mumbai and Delhi, making it a premium choice in the full-size luxury SUV segment. On-road prices push this to Rs 1.65-1.75 crore depending on location, factoring in 28% GST, road tax (up to 18% in high-tax states like Maharashtra), insurance (around Rs 5-6 lakh annually for comprehensive coverage), RTO charges, and fastag—totaling nearly Rs 30 lakh in add-ons that buyers must budget for. As someone who's evaluated countless luxury buys, this pricing positions the GLS as a value proposition against rivals like the BMW X7 or Audi Q8, offering superior diesel torque and local assembly benefits that keep resale strong. However, high running costs from premium fuel and maintenance (expect Rs 1-1.5 lakh yearly at authorized centres) mean it's best for those with deep pockets who view it as a status symbol and family hauler rather than a budget-conscious pick; financing at 8-9% interest stretches EMIs to Rs 2-2.5 lakh monthly over five years, but the unmatched comfort justifies it for high-net-worth individuals prioritizing presence and tech.

In India, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450d AMG Line starts at an ex-showroom price of around ₹1.37 crore in major cities like Mumbai and Delhi, reflecting its top-tier positioning as the diesel flagship with AMG styling. On-road prices climb to approximately ₹1.55-1.65 crore, factoring in 28% GST, road tax (8-12% varying by state), insurance (₹4-5 lakh annually for comprehensive), fastag, and hypothecation charges—expect higher in high-tax states like Karnataka at up to ₹1.70 crore. As someone who's tracked luxury SUV pricing, this represents strong value for the tech-loaded package, locally assembled to cut import duties versus fully imported rivals like the Range Rover, saving buyers ₹10-15 lakh. Resale holds firm with over 16,000 units sold since 2006, and financing at 8-9% interest keeps EMIs around ₹2-2.5 lakh for 60 months on ₹1 crore downpayment. For high-net-worth families prioritizing presence and features over pure performance cars, the premium justifies itself through low ownership hassles and seven-year warranty options, making it a smarter long-term investment than leasing exotics.

In Indian conditions, I get 8-9kmpl in city traffic with the GLS 450d's 3.0-litre diesel, rising to 12-14kmpl on highways during relaxed drives, aided by the mild-hybrid system and efficient Nanoslide liners. For its 2.8-tonne weight, this is respectable, keeping monthly fuel costs around Rs 25,000-30,000 for 1,500km mixed usage at current diesel prices—manageable for luxury but not frugal, so opt if running costs aren't your top concern over torque and comfort.

In Indian conditions, I get 8-9kmpl in city traffic for the GLS 450d's 3.0 diesel, rising to 12-14kmpl on highways with mild-hybrid efficiency—real-world running costs around ₹25-30 per km on diesel. For its 2.8-tonne heft, it's respectable, but budget ₹2-3 lakh yearly fuel for 15,000km mixed use; prioritize if comfort trumps economy, as EV alternatives lag in range and charging.