MERCEDES-BENZ GLS450d 4MATIC REVIEW

Cruising serenely at the Yamuna Expressway at around 90 km/h, I was passed by another GLS, that too in the same shade of Black, which compelled me to increase my pace to check if it's a 450d as well or the previous 400d. Turns out it's a 400d, and though I had the more powerful car, I slowed down as I didn't want to give him an impression that I was trying to race.

- SYED SHIRAZ SHAH

He disappeared into the horizon, which was a bit peculiar as generally these vehicles are driven gracefully and not like you're getting late to bid the highest amount at the auction of the Taj Mahal (it can happen).

Nevertheless, it gave me an opportunity to gauge the vehicle's road presence, among other things, as you'll learn in the next section.

DESIGN & ROAD PRESENCE

Full-size SUVs like the GLS comprise a design case-study on how you can make a brick appear palatable. Here, while most manufacturers’ design teams struggle, the artists at Mercedes-Benz almost always succeed, and the GLS certainly fits in one of those success stories.

The mammoth SUV looks pleasing and intimidating at the same time, depending on the onlooker's eyes and intent. The GLS is naturally imposing, which means that most do get out of your way on our roads. Also, this is the AMG Line variant which brings with it AMG wheels and redesigned front and rear bumpers. So while the standard GLS looks stately and regal, the AMG touches add a bit of bling to the equation.

INTERIORS

This is one of the biggest reasons you buy this big SUV. There's acres of space inside and the cabin quality, as usual, is supreme. For those not in the know, the GLS is the SUV equivalent of the S-Class sedan; therefore, the interiors and comfort in this vehicle are the absolute best that you would get in this segment.

The front and second row seats are immensely comfortable and you'd be astounded to know that the front seats can be pushed so far back that even seven-foot tall people would be happy. Equally astonishing is the fact that even then the rear-seat occupants still have decent kneeroom and legroom.