In the realm of luxury SUVs, the 2024 Mercedes GLS stands as a beacon of innovation, design, and performance. As the world rapidly evolves, so do the expectations of discerning automobile enthusiasts. They seek a vehicle that not only serves as a mode of transportation but also as an extension of their personality, a statement of their aspirations, and a testament to their taste. The Mercedes GLS, with its impeccable design and state-of-the-art features, promises to be just that. From its commanding exterior to its plush interiors, every inch of the GLS speaks of a commitment to excellence, a dedication to craft, and a passion for pushing boundaries.
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Exterior Design: A Statement of Power and Elegance
The 2024 Mercedes GLS stands as a testament to modern luxury, both on rugged terrains and smooth roads. Its design is rooted in the commanding presence its impressive dimensions convey (length 205.2 in, width 77 in). The extended wheelbase of 123.4 inches, 2.4 inches more than its predecessor, bestows the SUV with harmonious proportions.
The front of the 2024 Mercedes GLS showcases a dominant presence with its upright octagonal SUV radiator grille, a chrome-plated underguard in the front bumper, and a hood adorned with dual power domes. This striking facade is further highlighted by its unique headlamp design. Equipped with standard MULTIBEAM LED headlamps, each comprising 112 LEDs, they produce an unparalleled brightness, illuminating over 2,000 feet (650 meters) ahead. The three-segment LED daytime running lights further accentuate the SUV’s elite status.
From the rear, the 2024 Mercedes GLS exudes majesty. This is accentuated by the robust shoulder muscle extending from the rear doors to the tail lamps. The two-piece LED tail lamps, with their high-caliber, three-dimensional design, exude depth and solidity, all underlined by a sleek chrome trim strip. The rear design is perfectly rounded off with a chrome-plated underguard.
Visual and Functional Enhancements for 2024
The 2024 Mercedes GLS models are distinguished by their pronounced radiator grille, adorned with four louvers in a Silver Shadow finish. The front bumper, with its integrated air inlet grilles and a high-gloss black surround, along with a redesigned front underride guard, adds to its visual appeal. The rear boasts new LED taillights with a signature light pattern formed by three horizontal blocks.
AMG Exterior: A Fusion of Dominance and Athleticism
The Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 exterior design is a clear indication of its immense power. The AMG-specific radiator grille, larger than those on other AMG models, features vertical slats in high-gloss chrome. The expressive hood, accentuated by contoured powerdomes, and the standard Dynamic LED Headlamps with Adaptive High Beam Assist, further enhance its front view. The AMG front bumper, redesigned with an integrated Jetwing design in high-gloss black, a silver chrome Jetwing trim strip, and prominent side air inlets, adds to its sporty appeal.
The vehicle’s color-coordinated flared wheel arches, side skirts, and mirror housings, combined with high-gloss chrome window surrounds, contribute to its athletic stance. The AMG rear bumper, designed to emphasize width, features a sporty diffuser, and the AMG exhaust system with two rectangular corrugated twin tailpipes. The Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 comes standard with 21-inch AMG Multi-Spoke Wheels, with options available for wheel variants up to 23 inches in diameter.
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Interior Design – A Fusion of Elegance, Power, and AMG Athleticism
The 2024 Mercedes GLS interior epitomizes luxurious elegance, blending the comfort of a Mercedes-Benz luxury sedan with the robust detailing of an SUV. The dashboard’s central element is a large screen unit nestled within a distinctive support that seamlessly flows into the door panels.
The raised center console contrasts with the dashboard’s free-floating design, featuring two prominent grab handles typical of off-roaders. Fluent surfaces create a modern, luxurious impression, complemented by a broad trim area and flush-fitting sun blinds. The controls, providing haptic and audible feedback, exude a solid metal feel.
The MBUX infotainment system’s large touchscreen allows easy control of all GLS comfort features from the driver’s seat. The new multifunction sport steering wheel, with its striking spoke design, accentuates the SUV’s impressive interior.
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Spaciousness and Comfort in Every Row
With a wheelbase considerably longer than its predecessor (123.4 in, an increase of 2.4 in), the 2024 Mercedes GLS offers more space, especially in the second row. This extended legroom, increased by 3.4 inches, also facilitates easier entry into the vehicle. The standard second row features a 60:40-split folding rear bench seat with adjustable 40:20:40-split backrests. Alternatively, two luxury individual rear seats with armrests are available, providing easy access to the third row.
All seats are electronically adjustable, including the EASY-ENTRY function for the third row. The third-row seats, suitable for individuals up to 6.4 feet tall, are now heated. Additional USB charging ports are also available in the third row. Depending on the configuration, the GLS offers three-zone, four-zone, or five-zone climate control. The trunk space is easily adjustable with a push of a button, and another button lowers the trunk sill for convenient loading.
AMG Interior – Athleticism Meets Luxury
The GLS 63 interior is spacious, showcasing outstanding quality with room for up to seven people. Authentic AMG ambiance is evident in details like the AMG sports pedals in brushed stainless steel, illuminated door sill panels, and 64-color configurable ambient lighting. High-quality materials, such as Nappa leather for the dashboard and door beltlines, combined with high-gloss anthracite limewood trim elements, elevate the interior’s luxury feel.
The modern cockpit features a high-resolution 12.3″ Digital Instrument Cluster and 12.3″ Touchscreen Media Display. The AMG instrument cluster offers four display styles – “Modern Classic”, “Sport”, “Discreet”, and AMG-specific “Supersport”. The AMG seats for the driver and front passenger ensure optimum lateral support, with seat climate controls and massage functions. The second-row seats are heated as standard, with optional heating for the third row. The 3-spoke AMG steering wheel variants, with touch-control buttons, aluminum shift paddles, and “AMG” lettering, optimize ergonomics. The AMG Drive Unit steering wheel buttons ensure fast and precise dynamic function operation.
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Rear Passenger Luxury with MBUX on a Tablet
The 2024 Mercedes GLS ensures that luxury isn’t confined to the front seats. Especially when equipped with the Executive Rear Seat Package, rear passengers are treated to an unparalleled experience. This package introduces a 7-inch Android tablet, nestled in a dedicated docking station within the expansive luxury center armrest of the second row. This tablet becomes the control center for all MBUX comfort and entertainment functionalities. Whether it’s tuning into the radio, browsing media, making phone calls, or surfing the web, everything is at the fingertips of the rear passengers. And for those moments when the driver needs to take control, they can effortlessly override the tablet’s functions from the front.
The center console further elevates the rear passenger experience by offering a wireless charging compartment for smartphones, additional USB ports, luxury headrests with plush cushions, and an extended center console between the front seats equipped with cup holders. For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury, the GLS even offers an option for lumbar massage and climate-controlled seats as part of the Executive Rear Seat Package Plus for the second row.
MBUX – The Pinnacle of Infotainment
The GLS comes standard with the latest iteration of the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system. This system boasts two expansive 12.3-inch screens, ensuring that all information, whether from the digital instrument cluster or the central media display, is presented in high-resolution brilliance. The graphics are not only visually appealing but also enhance the system’s intuitive control structure.
One of the standout features of the MBUX system is the optional Interior Assistant. This feature uses a camera located in the overhead console to detect the hand movements of both the driver and the front passenger. Such a system allows for gesture-based controls; for instance, a simple hand movement toward the interior mirror can toggle the reading lamp. The system is even sophisticated enough to differentiate between the driver’s and the passenger’s hand, ensuring personalized settings like activating the massage function for the correct seat.
But the true magic of the MBUX system lies in its artificial intelligence-driven predictive functions. The system learns and anticipates the user’s preferences. For example, if a driver has a habit of calling their mother every Tuesday during their commute, the system will proactively suggest her number on that day. Similarly, if someone frequently tunes into a news radio station at a specific time, MBUX will offer that as a suggestion.
To further enhance the driving experience, the GLS offers a next-generation full-color Head-up Display. This state-of-the-art feature boasts a resolution of 720 x 240 pixels, ensuring that all vital information is projected crisply and clearly, right within the driver’s line of sight.
Powertrain and Performance – A Symphony of Power and Efficiency
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS boasts a lineup of powerful six and eight-cylinder engines, harmoniously blending the comfort of a luxury sedan with the robust power of an SUV. A notable introduction in the GLS 580 4MATIC is the electrified V8 gasoline engine, equipped with a 48-volt on-board electrical system and an integrated starter generator. This engine delivers a staggering 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, the EQ Boost function can momentarily provide an extra 184 lb-ft of torque and 21 hp. This integrated starter generator (ISG) not only facilitates hybrid functions like EQ Boost and energy recuperation but also paves the way for fuel savings that were previously exclusive to high-voltage hybrid technology.
The GLS 450 4MATIC also benefits from 48-volt technology, with its sophisticated six-cylinder in-line engine producing 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Once again, the EQ Boost can momentarily add an additional 184 lb-ft of torque and 21 hp.
4MATIC Variable All-Wheel Drive: Mastery On and Off the Road
Every variant of the new GLS employs the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, ensuring optimal energy efficiency and ride comfort. The vehicle also comes standard with a transfer case with an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, allowing a variable transfer of drive torque between the axles. For those seeking enhanced off-road capabilities, the GLS 580 offers an optional transfer case designed specifically for superior off-road driving characteristics.
AMG Performance: The Pinnacle of Power
The Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 houses the AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine, now integrated with an EQ Boost starter-generator. This integration combines a starter motor and an alternator in one potent electric motor. It can momentarily provide an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, ensuring rapid acceleration. The EQ Boost starter-generator also manages idle speed control, further enhancing fuel efficiency.
This 48-volt electrical system supports the use of new technologies, supplying energy to onboard electrical consumers while maintaining full driving power. The AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine’s unique feature is the placement of two turbochargers within the cylinder “V” configuration, ensuring compact engine construction, optimal responsiveness, and reduced exhaust emissions. In the GLS 63, this engine churns out an impressive 603 hp, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.1 seconds.
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AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G: The Epitome of Transmission Excellence
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed automatic transmission promises agility right from the start, with rapid gearshifts. Whether shifting gears manually using the steering wheel paddles or automatically, the transmission is highly responsive. One of its standout features is the ability to execute fast multiple downshifts, such as directly shifting from 9th to 5th gear or from 5th to 3rd gear.
Driver Assistance Systems: The Next Level of Cooperative Support
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS is equipped with the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz driver assistance systems, providing unparalleled cooperative support to drivers. These systems elevate the level of active safety to new heights. With the integration of Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with route-based speed adaptation, the GLS can proactively recognize and respond to traffic jams or slow-moving traffic using LiveTraffic information. This preemptive approach ensures that potential hazards are addressed even before the driver becomes aware of them.
Suspension: The Pinnacle of Comfort and Stability
The GLS is fitted with the enhanced AIRMATIC air suspension system with Adaptive Damping System Plus as standard. This advanced system employs sophisticated sensor systems and algorithms to adapt the damping characteristics in real time based on the road condition and driving situation. The air suspension ensures a consistent vehicle level, irrespective of the load, enhancing the overall ride comfort.
Carwash Function: A Thoughtful Addition for a Large Vehicle
The new GLS introduces a standard Carwash function, especially beneficial for a vehicle of its size. This function prepares the vehicle for a carwash by adjusting various settings, ensuring a hassle-free and efficient cleaning process.
E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL: The World’s Most Intelligent SUV Suspension
The optional E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension, combined with the newly developed AIRMATIC air suspension, offers unparalleled ride comfort and agility. This system, the only one of its kind on the market, can individually control spring and damping forces at each wheel, effectively countering body roll, pitching, and squat. The system also introduces off-road functions, such as rocking mode and individual wheel actuation, enhancing the vehicle’s performance in challenging terrains.
AMG Performance Features: Tailored for Excellence
The GLS 63 comes with a plethora of AMG-specific features, including the AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension, AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL roll stabilization, and AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive. These features ensure a driving experience characterized by agility, stability, and optimal traction. The vehicle also boasts the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz driving assistance systems, enhancing active safety. The innovative MBUX infotainment system, with AMG-specific displays, ensures an immersive driving experience.
AMG Speed-sensitive Sport Power Steering and AMG High-performance Braking System
The GLS 63 is equipped with an electromechanical speed-sensitive power steering system with a variable ratio, ensuring direct steering action and precise feedback. To complement the vehicle’s immense power, it features a high-performance braking system that guarantees reliable deceleration even under heavy loads, ensuring safety and control at all times.
Conclusion
The 2024 Mercedes GLS is not just an SUV; it’s a symphony of engineering and design, harmoniously blending power with elegance and luxury with functionality. Every feature, every curve, and every innovation is a testament to Mercedes’ commitment to delivering an unparalleled driving experience. As we stand at the cusp of a new era in automobile design and technology, the GLS serves as a reminder of what is possible when passion meets precision. For those who seek more than just a vehicle, for those who see their car as a partner in their journey through life, the Mercedes GLS is not just a choice; it’s a statement. A statement that says, “I have arrived, and I am here to make my mark.”