Dubbed as the “S-Class of SUVs”, the Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4Matic is launched in Malaysia. It sits on top of the Mercedes-Benz SUV tree, priced at RM 899,888 (OTR without insurance, with SST incentive) and its direct rival would be the BMW X7.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS comes in only one variant – GLS 450 4Matic. A 3.0-litre in-line 6 turbocharged engine, supplemented by a 48V mild hybrid system, propels the car with 367 PS and 500 Nm of torque. 

Transmission duty is handled by a 9-speed automatic transmission while the 4Matic system sends power to all four wheels. 0-100 km/h takes 6.2 seconds and top speed is achieved at 246 km/h. 

In terms of size, the Mercedes-Benz GLS measures 5,207 mm long, 1,956 mm wide, 1,823 mm tall. Wheelbase stretches at 3,135 mm long.

The GLS comes with the enhanced Airmatic air suspension system with Adaptive Damping System Plus fitted as standard. It adapts to the driving situation and road conditions and all suspension components have been optimised to maximise ride comfort. The air suspension also keeps the car level regardless of the load on board.

The GLS is equipped with Multibeam LED headlamps and Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, with a total of 112 LEDs per headlamp. Wheels are 22-inch AMG multi-spoke alloys.

Inside, the dashboard mirrors that of the Mercedes-Benz GLE, with the dual massive screens (12.3 inches) running on MBUX and rectangular air vents. Android Auto/Apple CarPlay connectivity is available along with the Mercedes Me connect.

Other goodies include ambient lighting, electric sunblinds for the rear doors, steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather, four-zone Thermotronic automatic climate control, and the Easy-Entry function for easy access to the third-row seats.

A push of a button is able to stow away the comfortable seats and make full use of the 2400-litre boot space in the GLS. And the air suspension allows the rear of the car to be lowered by 50 mm to make it easier to load items.

The second-row passengers can enjoy the MBUX Rear Seat Entertainment System, with two 11.6-inch touchscreens on both front seats.

As for safety, the Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 comes with the driving assistant package, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic, Active Steering Assist, and Pre-Safe system.

To reiterate, the Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4Matic priced at RM 899,888 (OTR without insurance, with SST incentive), offered with a 4-year unlimited mileage warranty.