 | Positives: Built like a German tank, strong acceleration and good handling for something so big and heavy, excellent front seats, cargo space galore. |
 | Negatives: Dated dash with confusing UI, antiquated climate control knobs, running boards make it look clumsy, 2nd-row headrests impede child seat installation, vinyl seats in an $80K luxury SUV. |
 | Bottom Line: If you want a premium 3-row SUV with power, huge amounts of space and a plush ride like a lunar rover, there's not much that competes with the big Merc. Sure, the Q7 and XC90 drive better, but it's the GLS that feels the most solid. Too bad others do a better job when it comes to styling inside and out. |
| View Our 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS Overview |
For 2017, the GLS450 4Matic gets a few changes on both the exterior and interior. It' still pretty much the same 3-row luxury behemoth that offers space, convenience, a solid build and that all-important feeling of being all-important. The big SUV has its work cut out for it since the Audi Q7 and the Volvo XC90 are brand-spanking new and pretty great to drive (check out our reviews). We drove the refreshed GLS450 for a full week to see how one letter makes things just a little bit better.
Driving Experience
The GLS450 drives like you expect it to. Get in a big Merc, and you know it'll feel both solid and very comfortable, and in these areas the GLS450 does not disappoint. The standard air springs make just about every road surface feel smooth and soft. None of your passengers will feel a lack of luxury while ensconced within, but don't expect to be thrilled while driving it.
This is a seriously heavy vehicle at 5,400 pounds in spite of a 207 lb weight drop. Though it leans in corners, it manages the roll well and also moves very quickly despite the lack of a V8 engine. All this being said, it's still pretty surprising how something this large can get around the way it does. Just don't look to be thrilled when things get curvy. A footnote: this monster is capable of towing 7,500 pounds. That's some serious power.
Ride Quality: On par with a stilted S-Class. Absorbs bumps and gaps like a champ and makes you forget your riding on some big rims.
Acceleration: Strong power from the twin-turbo V6 moves the GLS450 with authority. Passing and on ramps are no problem. It's marginally faster than the GL450.
Braking: A bit of mushiness at the outset, but then transitions to good progression. Stopping distances aren't remarkably good, but they're more than sufficient to bring the big beast to a safe halt.
Steering: Not much feedback and response is slow. At least it's good on center.
Handling: Not hugely confidence inspiring but also not harrowing for something this big. There's some obvious body roll, but it still manages turns pretty well.
Technology
We're not overly jazzed about the look and the operation of the UI COMAND system in the GLS450. It's a bit confusing to use and not nearly as intuitive as lesser brands like Kia and Mazda. The addition of a new control knob and touchpad provide a simpler way to navigate than using the touchscreen. At least the GLS comes with an 8-inch central display, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, a 115-volt standard power outlet, HD radio, and dual USB ports.
Infotainment System:The 8-inch touchscreen is vivid and easy to read. Controls are better now with the addition of a touchpad and big control knob beneath. The system itself isn't as intuitive as we would like. Simpler is always better when you're behind the wheel. At least you can make use of voice commands if everything else is frustrating.
Controls: Takes some time to get used to, but overall, things work decently. It just takes practice. The control knob and touchpad feel good in the hand, but the system requires you to take your eyes off the road too much.
Bluetooth Pairing: Initial pairing was fairly easy, but the COMAND system had trouble re-pairing with our phones on occasion and would sometimes fail to work while driving.
Voice Call Quality: Crisp and clear with good volume.
Styling
What the GLS450 lacks in styling attractiveness it makes up in terms of size and presence. We've never thought the GL was a looker (compared to the always handsome G-Wagen), but at least the big Merc has been refreshed to look better than before. Most of the body work remains the same, especially in profile, but the front and rear fascias get the most change, and the slight tweaks make the whole vehicle look more cohesive. No one will call it unattractive, and now it's got more visual oomph than its predecessor.
Front: The two-bar grille is now more prominent and the hoodline is taller, along with a new tri-star emblem that's as big as they come. Hood creases are more dramatic, and the headlights lose the odd uptick at the back end. Air intakes and lower fascia are also more prominent.
Rear: The chrome crossbar no longer extends through the taillights, and backup lenses are white and run the full length of each taillight housing.
Profile: Pretty much unchanged from what we can tell. It still looks good with no overdramatic creases or contours.
Cabin: To us, the cabin looks a bit dated, largely due to the center stack that needs better looking, better working controls. The big second row headrests seem too large. We'd like to see the S-Class's interior make its way to the big SUV with round A/C vents and slicker center console. There's also way too much matte and shiny black plastic that looks cheap, especially around the audio and center console controls.
Comfort
You can't fault the GLS450 in terms of overall comfort. There's ample space for all occupants in the first two rows and decent space for adults all thew way in back. The seats are rich in texture and cushioning. One thing's for sure. You certainly feel like you have command of the road because the GLS just feels rock solid and composed over whatever surface you drive. We turned up our noses as the MB-Tex vinyl seats. They look like leather, but the mere fact that you have to pay extra for leather in an $80,000 Mercedes is all kinds of wrong.
Front Seats: Big and comfy, these are supportive and plush for long drives. Not as good as the XC90's, but then what is? The seats are multi-contour that provide near infinite adjustment and a handy massage feature that makes painful commutes almost tolerable.
Rear Seats: Comfortable for second row occupants with ample head and legroom. The third row can actually accommodate adults with ease and the Easy Entry access means no contortionist moves to get back there.
NVH (noise/vibration/harshness): It's library quiet inside thanks to significant sound deadening and great air suspension that soaks it all up. Build quality is excellent.
Visibility: Even though the hoodline is taller than before, the GLS is easy to place where you want it. The pillars aren't overly large, and sightlines all around are good, bolstered by cameras.
Climate: Though the tri-zone climate works very well, we hate the temperature control knobs that look very dated. Instead of LCD readouts, you have select printed temps on the dollar-pancake sized controls.
Safety
Unfortunately, the GLS450 hasn't been rated for safety by either the NHTSA or the IIHS. The vehicle does, however, have a solid set of crash safety features that come standard or as options.
IIHS Rating: None currently available. The IIHS has yet to crash test the GLS450, as well as other GLS models.
Standard Tech: The list is a long one, and expected from Mercedes at this level. They include a robust advanced airbag protection system, Active Brake Assist, Crosswind Assist, Attention Assist that senses driver drowsiness, and a Pre Safe Predictive Occupant Protection System
Optional Tech: Our tester came with a Surround View system that provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle.
Storage/Cargo
As expected for a vehicle this large, the GLS450 is cavernous in terms of cargo space. Both the second and third row seats fold flat to transport huge amounts of gear. There are plenty of storage spaces for smaller items, as well.
Storage Space: The armest with the split folding cover is deep but a bit shorter than we would've liked. The cupholders cool and warm your beverages, which is a nice touch.
Cargo Room: With all the seats folded, the GLS450 has a whopping 98.3 cubic feet of space, compared to Volvo's 85.7 cu. ft. and the Audi Q7's 71.6 cu. ft.
Fuel Economy
The new 9-speed automatic transmission provides two more gears than before and bumps up the mpgs by 1 on the highway. City mileage remains at 17 mpg. Though that's by no means a major stride, keep in mind that this car weighs almost three tons. On the brighter side, the 9-speed automatic transmission works incredibly well and shifts fairly quickly.
Observed: 18.5 mpg in combined driving.
Driving Factors: We kept our tester in Dynamic mode for more responsive shifting and firmed up handling.
Audio
Our model came with the upgraded Harman Kardon Logic7 Surround Sound System that's pretty much distortionless turned all the way up on the volume scale. It's clear and manages big bass very well. The system is certainly worth the upgrade.
Final Thoughts
The GLS450 gets enough improvements to make it a very attractive big luxury SUV, even with competition from Audi and Volvo. BMW's X5 is dated and doesn't quite compete. Keep in mind that even though the GLS450 doesn't handle or steer as well its competitors, customers will buy it based on the solid build, huge capacity and luxurious environment and ride. The twin-turbo V6 packs plenty of power, and with the styling tweaks, it's better to look at. We just wish the interior was updated more, the UI worked better and that the GLS actually came with standard leather seats.
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