Mercedes-Benz GLS 2024: more power and standard features for luxury SUV as prices climb

---

Mercedes-Benz has detailed its refreshed GLS large SUV model range which is set to gain a suite of new standard equipment and styling tweaks but it’s come at the cost of a $14,000 mark up in the price of entry.

The premium brand has today confirmed the new lineup and prices for the updated BMW X7 and Audi Q8 competitor which is set to go on sale this month with a streamlined new lineup that has seen the previous GLS 450 entry grade deleted. 

Gaining small tweaks to its exterior and interior design such as updated front and rear light accents, the brand’s latest media tech, and a standard Burmester sound system across the range, the luxury car-maker has significantly bolstered its standard equipment list in a bid to reduce option fatigue.

While the models now pack more features, the cost of entry of the now three-grade model lineup has risen from $170,169 to $184,900, with prices up by between $6000 and $16,000 depending on the grade. 

A refreshed model lineup

No longer offered for 2024 will be the GLS 450 variant which featured a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol inline-six cylinder engine. 

This model was the previous entry-point of the range and was praised in a recent review by Chasing Cars contributor Iain Curry for its power and refinement.  

Instead, the model lineup has been trimmed to three variants:

• GLS 450d 4Matic
• Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4Matic+
• Mercedes-Maybach LS 600 4Matic

The previously named GLS 400d is also replaced by the GLS 450d, powered by a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and now also featuring a 48V-mild hybrid system.

This engine produces 270kW of power, an improvement of 27kW and 50Nm on the model it replaces. 

The powertrains for the two higher-spec models – a 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 – is unchanged, with the GLS 63 producing 450kW and 850Nm, while the Maybach produces 410kW and 770Nm.

What else is changing for the GLS?

Exterior updates – unveiled earlier this year – include a new front bumper, bigger grille, updated tail-lights, and new wheel designs for the two higher grade models.

The new GLS will also be fitted with the German brand’s latest MBUX multimedia system, with the multifunction steering wheel also having been upgraded to the latest generation.

Standard equipment has been bolstered across the range with the new model now including a suite of new features such as a Burmester sound system, power closing doors, panoramic sunroof, adaptive high beams and more as standard.

There are now fewer optional extras for the GLS, with the new lineup limited to three option packs – a towbar package ($2900 MLRP), rear comfort package ($9900 MLRP), or a first class rear individual seat package ($14,500 MLRP, available on 600 4Matic)

What does each grade of the GLS include?

A raft of new standard features are included across the range; we have detailed some selected highlights below.

GLS 450d 4Matic

• AMG Line Exterior
• ‘Multibeam’ LED
• Driving Assistance Package Plus
• Parking Package 360
• Keyless entry and start
• Burmester Surround Sound system
• ‘Multicontour’ seat
• Climatised Front Seats
• Heated Rear seats
• Power Closing Doors
• Interior Assistant
• MBUX Augmented Reality
• Panoramic Sunroof
• Heads-Up Display
• Aluminium-look running boards
• ‘Guard 360 Vehicle Protection Plus’

Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4Matic+

• AMG Night Package
• AMG Active Ride Control
• Seat heating plus for driver and front passenger seats
• Armrest heating for driver and front passenger
• Cushions in rear heated

Mercedes-Maybach LS 600 4Matic

• Exclusive Leather Package
• Burmester 3D surround sound system
• E-Active Body Control
• MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment System: Multicontour rear seats, Electric sunblinds in rear doors (left and right)
• Steering Wheel heating

Mercedes-Benz GLS 2024: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• GLS 450d 4Matic: $184,900 (+$6931)
• Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4Matic+: $299,900 (+$11,630)
• Mercedes-Maybach LS 600 4Matic: $409,900 (+$15,931)