Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 Night Edition

Buying a new car, especially a luxury SUV, involves a lot of thought. You are looking at more than just a ride; it is an investment in comfort, safety, and a statement. Key considerations always include your budget, the safety features for your loved ones, monthly maintenance costs, the latest technology on offer, and of course, the reliability of the company's service network. Today, we are diving deep into a magnificent machine that often sits at the top of many luxury car buyers' wish lists in India: the new Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 Night Edition. This luxury 7-seater SUV promises to elevate your driving experience. Let us find out if it truly lives up to the hype and if it is the right premium SUV for you.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The heart of the GLS 450 Night Edition is a powerful and refined engine:

• Engine Type: 3.0-litre Inline-6 Turbocharged Petrol with EQ Boost (Mild-Hybrid System)
• Displacement: 2999 cc
• Max Power: 375.48bhp
• Max Torque: 500 Nm at 1600-4500 rpm
• EQ Boost: Additional 20 hp and 200 Nm of torque temporarily available.
• Transmission: 9G-TRONIC automatic
• 0-100 km/h: Approximately 6.1 seconds

Design Overview

The GLS is known as the S-Class of SUVs, and the Night Edition takes that elegance up a notch.

• Exterior:

  The Night Edition boasts a bold and commanding presence. It features an aggressive AMG-style body kit, 21-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, and a distinctive blacked-out treatment for various elements like the grille, window surrounds, roof rails, and front/rear aprons. This gives the GLS a sportier, more exclusive look. The LED multi-beam headlights are both functional and visually striking, illuminating the road with precision.

• Interior:

  Step inside, and you are greeted by pure luxury. The cabin is spacious and exquisitely crafted, offering three rows of comfortable seating. High-quality materials like Nappa leather, open-pore wood, and metallic accents adorn the surfaces. The dual-screen setup for the MBUX infotainment and instrument cluster dominates the dashboard, providing a futuristic feel. Ambient lighting with 64 colour options lets you personalise the mood.

Key Features

The GLS 450 Night Edition comes loaded with technology and comfort features to enhance your journey:

• Infotainment: Dual 12.3-inch MBUX infotainment system with touchscreen, voice control (Hey Mercedes), and gesture control.
• Connectivity: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Mercedes me connect services, Burmester surround sound system.
• Sunroof: Panoramic sliding sunroof for an airy cabin feel.
• Cameras: 360-degree camera with parking assist.
• Charging: Wireless charging for compatible smartphones.
• Climate Control: 5-zone automatic climate control for individual comfort across all three rows.
• Seating: Electrically adjustable seats with memory function, heated and ventilated front seats.
• Suspension: AIRMATIC air suspension with adaptive damping system.
• Lighting: MULTIBEAM LED headlamps.

Ground Clearance

• Ground Clearance: Approximately 200 mm (adjustable with air suspension)

Boot Space

• Boot Space: 355 litres (all three rows up), expandable to 890 litres (third row folded), and a massive 2400 litres (second and third rows folded).

Dimensions

• Length: 5209 mm
• Width: 2157 mm
• Height: 1823 mm
• Wheelbase: 2610 mm

Powertrain Options

In India, the GLS is primarily offered with the 450 petrol engine (as detailed above) and a 400d diesel engine, both featuring the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system and paired with the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

Safety Features

Mercedes-Benz is synonymous with safety, and the GLS 450 Night Edition is packed with advanced features:

• Multiple airbags (up to 9 airbags, including front, side, curtain, and knee airbags).
• Active Brake Assist.
• Blind Spot Assist.
• Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC.
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
• ATTENTION ASSIST (drowsiness detection).
• Pre-Safe system (anticipatory occupant protection).
• Adaptive cruise control.
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Traction Control.
• ABS with EBD.

NCAP Rating Table

It is important to note that specific NCAP crash test ratings for high-end luxury SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz GLS are often not directly available from standard bodies like Bharat NCAP or Euro NCAP, as these vehicles are tested under different protocols or their comprehensive safety suites are assumed to offer superior protection. Mercedes-Benz vehicles consistently achieve high safety standards globally.

Rivals of Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 Night Edition

In the competitive luxury SUV segment, the GLS 450 Night Edition faces tough competition from:

• BMW X7
• Audi Q8
• Volvo XC90
• Land Rover Range Rover Sport

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Pros

• Unmatched Luxury: The interior comfort, material quality, and attention to detail are top-notch.
• Powerful Performance: The 3.0-litre petrol engine with mild-hybrid tech offers smooth and strong acceleration.
• Spacious 7-Seater: Genuinely comfortable for seven adults, even on longer journeys.
• Advanced Technology: MBUX infotainment, 360-degree camera, and advanced driver-assist systems make driving effortless.
• Commanding Road Presence: The Night Edition styling adds a unique, aggressive, and exclusive look.
• Comfortable Ride: Air suspension provides a supremely plush and adjustable ride quality.
• Mercedes-Benz Service: Excellent after-sales service network across India.

Cons

• Price: It is a premium vehicle, and its ex-showroom price is significant, as are its running costs.
• Fuel Economy: Being a large petrol SUV, it may not be the most fuel-efficient option.
• Size: Its sheer size can make it challenging to manoeuvre and park in congested Indian city traffic and tight spaces.
• Feature Overload: Some buyers might find the sheer number of features and controls a bit overwhelming initially.
• Night Edition Exclusivity: While a pro for some, the blacked-out elements might not appeal to everyone's taste.

Conclusion

The Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 Night Edition is more than just an SUV; it is a statement of luxury, comfort, and advanced engineering. It excels in almost every department, offering a powerful engine, a supremely comfortable and feature-rich cabin, and the unparalleled prestige of the three-pointed star. While it comes with a premium price tag and might be a handful in tight urban environments, the experience it delivers is truly exceptional for those seeking a top-tier luxury 7-seater SUV in India. If your budget allows, and you prioritise space, comfort, and cutting-edge technology wrapped in an exclusive package, the GLS 450 Night Edition stands out as a formidable contender. It is a car that does not just take you places; it transports you in ultimate style and opulence.