A statement leviathan
One could never accuse Mercedes-Benz of lacking in choice when it comes to SUVs. Those wanting the pinnacle of size and luxury would naturally defer to the flagship GLS.
With the exception of its opulent Maybach variant, the GLS450d and its AMG counterpart represent the zenith of Mercedes-Benz luxury for those wanting space and a smattering of pace.
The GLS450d 4MATIC featured here has been upgraded over the previous generation GLS. We have a 3.0L six cylinder turbo diesel engine with 270kW and 750Nm of torque mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission and AWD. Added to this a 48V mild hybrid system which adds extra dollops of power and torque in the region of 15kW/200Nm. This and Mercedes-Benz’s ISG (Integrated Starter Generator) system improves on road efficiency and fuel economy greatly. With the ability to cover 800kms from one tank of diesel, the GLS on paper does present a first-class way to scoot down to Queenstown for a long weekend break. 
You will also do such a trip in delightful surroundings with all the on board tech you would expect in an SUV in this price point.
My test car came with the optional Rear Comfort Package with dual seat mounted infotainment screens for the rear seat passengers and, wait for it, a built in tablet which can be used to operate all the gadgets without having to budge from those plush ventilated seats. If you decided to drop the third row of seats you get 800L of space. Drop the second row as well and this swells to a gargantuan 2400L.
Moving off and the GLS450d is just sublime. The six-pot with additional support from that 48v battery means you have a mountain of torque to propel you forward, all while the calling card of a six cylinder turbo diesel engine is heard faintly in the background.
Mercedes have completely nailed it when it comes to ride comfort. Its adaptive air suspension gives one of the most soothing rides I have experienced in recent years, but somehow doesn’t let the car feel wayward in the corners. Of course you have some degree of body roll, this is no sports tourer after all, yet it is more than agreeable for long journeys. 
The steering is nicely weighted and communicative and while you do feel its size around town and in tight spaces, it shrinks around you as you leave city limits and hit the open road. It tips the scales at a snip over 2.5 tonnes, yet this luxury leviathan can still move, whether in sport mode or not. It cannot be understated just how much of statement the GLS450d 4MATIC really is, and a darn good one at that.
FACT FILE
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS450d 4MATIC
Price: $194,200
Engine: 3.0L Six Cylinder Turbo Diesel
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Power: 270kW
Torque: 750Nm
Combined Fuel Consumption: 7.8L/100km
Zero to 100kph: 6.1 seconds
Weight: 2559kg
