To be sincere, just standing next to the Mercedes-Benz GLS offers a unusual kind of feeling. The size, presence and that logo air of secrecy abruptly. The first time I saw it inside the showroom it felt like a small building had parked proper in the front of me. And yeah, this sense isn’t just due to the design the whole package screams I mean enterprise.
Design and Looks
Many people say the GLS’s design is flashy, but I see it differently. The front grille and headlights are absolutely dominant, though the rear can look a bit bland. I remember showing the tailgate to a friend and he said This doesn’t feel like an SUV, more like a mobile home. And honestly, the rear end is so stretched that you really need to watch out in tight parking spaces. The interior feels cozy and premium. Leather seats are soft, but I feel the third row is a bit tight I’m 5’10 and still my knees touched the roof.
Related News
Drive and Performance
My experience driving the GLS was mixed. The engine power is amazing, overtaking and highway runs are effortless. But in city traffic, handling feels a bit heavy. And here’s a small anecdote once in Mumbai, I had to reverse the GLS at a signal, and the camera system glitched a bit. The dealer said It’s a calibration issue, doesn’t happen always. Small thing, but from an insider perspective, even luxury cars come with occasional software quirks.
Tech and Features
Mercedes infotainment and digital cluster are impressive, but sometimes responses feel a bit delayed. My old GLE also claimed navigation was super smooth, but in real life there were lags and occasional freezes. Same here in the GLS minor things, but noticeable in real-world use. Adaptive cruise and lane assist are advanced, yet honestly, on city roads it doesn’t feel as intelligent as the brochure claims.
Also read : Mercedes-Benz S-Class The Ultimate Luxury Ride That Demands Patience
Space and Practicality
The GLS cabin is very spacious. Front and middle rows offer excellent comfort. But the third row is a bit tricky. For family trips, especially long drives in India, accessing the middle row and managing luggage needs planning. I remember a Goa trip where we stacked luggage, and the rear AC sensor got a bit confused. Tiny issue, but noticeable in daily usage.
Fuel and Ownership Perspective
Owning a GLS in India isn’t just about luxury; the costs are high too. Maintenance is expensive, and fuel efficiency is lower than expected. A friend said Diesel GLS barely gives 8–9 kmpl on highways and I noticed similar numbers personally. For long-term reliability and service, Mercedes has a strong network, but spare part costs can sometimes be jaw-dropping.
Also read : Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology 2025 Review – Luxury Meets Electric Power Elegance
Final Insider Thoughts
As far as I’m concerned, the Mercedes-Benz GLS is the ultimate luxury SUV, but it comes with real-world quirks. Perfect for image, presence, and comfort. But if you’re expecting a fully stress-free, glitch-free, compact city SUV experience, GLS might feel a bit too much. And yes, this view comes from my 10 years of automotive experience showrooms and test drives are one thing, but the road gives a different story.
The GLS offers luxury and presence, but also some practical compromises and software quirks. To put it simply, this SUV is a statement, but every statement comes with its cost and responsibility.
