Buying a new car, especially a luxury SUV in India, is a big decision. You think about many things like your budget, the safety of your family, how much it will cost to maintain each month, the latest features you get, and the company's after-sales service. It is a significant investment, and you want to make sure you are getting the best for your money.

Today, we are taking a close look at a car that ticks many of these boxes for luxury SUV buyers in India: the new Mercedes-Benz GLS 450d Night Edition. Known as the 'S-Class of SUVs', the GLS has always been about ultimate comfort and prestige. The Night Edition takes this a step further with exclusive design elements that make it even more desirable. Let us dive deep into what this magnificent vehicle offers.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

• Engine Type: 3.0-litre inline-six turbo diesel engine with 48V mild-hybrid system (EQ Boost)
• Displacement: 2989 cc
• Max Power: Approximately 362.07bhp
• Max Torque: Approximately 750 Nm from the engine + 200 Nm from EQ Boost
• Transmission: 9G-TRONIC automatic
• Acceleration (0-100 kmph): Around 6.1 seconds
• Fuel Type: Diesel

Design Overview

The GLS 450d Night Edition truly stands out with its bold and elegant design, perfectly balancing luxury and sportiness.

• Exterior: The Night Edition lives up to its name with a generous application of blacked-out elements. You get a dark chrome grille, black window surrounds, black roof rails, and black finished alloy wheels. This creates a very distinctive and imposing presence on the road. The Multibeam LED headlamps add to its sophisticated look and provide excellent illumination. Its sheer size and strong lines give it a commanding stance, befitting a flagship luxury SUV.
• Interior: Step inside, and you are greeted by an oasis of luxury and space. The cabin is meticulously crafted with high-quality materials, supple leather upholstery, and exquisite trim finishes. It is a proper 7-seater SUV, offering generous legroom and headroom across all three rows. The dashboard features the latest MBUX infotainment system, and ambient lighting with multiple colour options transforms the mood inside. The panoramic sunroof further enhances the airy feel of the cabin, making long journeys incredibly comfortable.

Key Features

The GLS 450d Night Edition is packed with advanced features designed for comfort, convenience, and connectivity.

• Dual 12.3-inch MBUX Infotainment and Instrument Cluster screens
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• Panoramic electric sunroof
• 360-degree camera with parking assist
• Wireless charging for smartphones
• Five-zone automatic climate control
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Burmester surround sound system
• AIRMATIC air suspension for adjustable ride height and comfort
• Electrically adjustable seats with memory function for driver and front passenger
• Soft-close doors

What is the Ground Clearance of Mercedes-Benz GLS 450d Night Edition?

The Mercedes-Benz GLS 450d Night Edition features AIRMATIC air suspension, which allows for adjustable ground clearance. Typically, it offers a ground clearance of approximately 200-215 mm, making it capable of handling various Indian road conditions with ease.

What is the Boot Space of Mercedes-Benz GLS 450d Night Edition?

Being a large 7-seater luxury SUV, the GLS offers versatile boot space:

• With all three rows of seats in use: Approximately 355 litres
• With the third row folded down: Approximately 890 litres
• With both second and third rows folded down: Up to approximately 2400 litres

What are the Dimensions of Mercedes-Benz GLS 450d Night Edition?

The GLS is a formidable presence on the road due to its generous dimensions:

• Length: Approximately 5209 mm
• Width: Approximately 2157 mm 
• Height: Approximately 1823 mm
• Wheelbase: Approximately 2782 mm

Powertrain Options

The Mercedes-Benz GLS 450d Night Edition is powered by the advanced 3.0-litre inline-six turbo diesel engine with a mild-hybrid system, offering a strong blend of power, efficiency, and refinement. While the global GLS range might have petrol options, the 450d specifically denotes this potent diesel powertrain, which is highly suited for the Indian market's preference for diesel luxury SUVs.

Safety Features

Mercedes-Benz places paramount importance on safety, and the GLS 450d Night Edition is equipped with a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety technologies.

• 9 airbags (including front, knee, side, and curtain airbags)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Active Brake Assist
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Blind Spot Assist
• Pre-Safe system (prepares the cabin for an impending collision)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Parking Package with 360-degree camera and Active Parking Assist

NCAP Rating Table

While specific NCAP ratings for the current generation Mercedes-Benz GLS 450d Night Edition are not universally published by all organisations, here is a general overview:

Rivals of Mercedes-Benz GLS 450d Night Edition

In the highly competitive luxury full-size SUV segment, the GLS 450d Night Edition faces stiff competition from other premium brands:

• BMW X7
• Audi Q7
• Volvo XC90
• Range Rover Sport

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let us weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the Mercedes-Benz GLS 450d Night Edition to help you make an informed decision.

Pros

• Unmatched Luxury and Comfort: The cabin offers a truly opulent experience with premium materials and superb ride quality thanks to the air suspension.
• Powerful and Refined Engine: The 450d diesel engine with mild-hybrid tech delivers strong performance and smooth acceleration, ideal for highway cruising.
• Spacious 7-Seater Cabin: Genuine space for seven adults, making it perfect for large families or those needing versatile seating.
• Feature-Rich: Loaded with cutting-edge technology, safety features, and convenience options.
• Commanding Road Presence: The Night Edition's dark aesthetic gives it a unique and imposing look.
• Brand Prestige: The Mercedes-Benz star adds significant value and social standing.
• Advanced Safety Tech: Comprehensive active and passive safety systems ensure peace of mind.

Cons

• High Price Tag: Being a flagship luxury SUV, it comes with a premium price, which can be a significant barrier for some buyers.
• Large Dimensions for City Driving: Its sheer size can make maneuvering and parking in tight Indian city traffic and narrow lanes challenging.
• Fuel Efficiency: While the diesel engine is efficient for its class, it is still a large and heavy SUV, so expect higher running costs compared to smaller vehicles.
• Luxury Maintenance Costs: Maintenance and spare parts for a Mercedes-Benz flagship model will naturally be on the higher side.

Conclusion

The Mercedes-Benz GLS 450d Night Edition is more than just an SUV; it is a statement of luxury, power, and sophisticated design. It truly lives up to its 'S-Class of SUVs' moniker, offering unparalleled comfort, a feature-packed cabin, and a commanding presence on the road. The Night Edition's exclusive blacked-out elements add an extra layer of style and aggression, making it even more appealing to those who desire exclusivity.

If you are in the market for a premium 7-seater luxury SUV that combines raw power with an opulent experience, prioritises safety, and offers the prestige of the three-pointed star, the GLS 450d Night Edition is an exceptional choice. It is ideal for executives, large families, or anyone seeking the ultimate driving experience with uncompromising comfort and style. While it does come with a premium price and maintenance, the overall package makes it a worthy contender in the luxury SUV segment in India. We highly recommend a test drive to truly experience this luxury land yacht for yourself.