2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450

Priced at $76,200, the Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 is the base trim in the GLS-Class lineup. The higher trims of the lineup get their separate reviews. The GLS 450 comes powered by a potent 362 horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged engine that comes intact with a 48-volt EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology. This gives the luxury SUV a power boost of 21 horsepower. Mercedes-Benz has offered multiple packages with the GLS 450 that enhance safety and performance. 

Which trim should you buy?

The 2021 Mercedes GLS 450 stands as a standalone option, however, it can be coupled with several packages that make it a prominent luxury SUV. We expect you to add the Driver Assistance Package Plus that offers adaptive cruise control along with other important driver aids. You can think about adding the "Mercedes-Benz Premier Service" package as well. 

The GLS 450 offers a decent fuel economy concerning its power offering. The mild-hybrid system works amazingly in returning 19 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. Since there are no mechanical changes for this year, we expect a similar EPA-rated fuel economy of the Mercedes-Benz GLA 450. The SUV comes with a fuel tank capacity of 23.8 gallons, which results in a range of 452 miles in the city, 547 miles on the highway, and 500 miles combined.

When compared with the competition, offering a fuel tank capacity of 27.5 gallons, the Range Rover offers a maximum driving range of 495 miles in the city and 632.5 miles on the highway. Despite having a tank capacity of 23.2 gallons, the Lincoln Navigator offers poor range, thanks to its worst in class economy figures of 16 mpg in the city, 21 mpg on the highway, and 18 mpg combined.

The GLS 450 received a much-awaited overhaul last year. There are hardly any visible changes in the 2021 GLS 450 interior. The premium-looking interior is dominated by an LCD touchscreen installed on the dashboard. The overall finish of the cabin is best in class and reflects the traditional Mercedes-Benz cabin vibe. Everything you touch inside the GLS 450 is covered with some sort of soft-touch material that feels premium. In most places, the German carmaker has used dual-tone leather, wooden inserts, and clean metal

There's a standard seating capacity for seven people. If you get second-row captain seats, there will be a seating capacity for six only. The seats are comfortable and covered with Nappa leather upholstery. You can also get optional seats with a massage facility. The rear seats can also accommodate tall passengers with an adequate amount of legroom and headroom. Coupled with a Rear Seat Package Plus, the GLS 450 adds features like wireless charging, heated and ventilated seats, cooled cup holders, headrests, a 7-inch touchscreen, and a foldable center console. Some of the notable interior features are:

• Heated and ventilated front seats
• 10-way power driver seat
• Auto-Dimming Rearview Camera
• Driver seat memory settings
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Dual-zone Automatic Climate control

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The 2021 GLS 450 infotainment system comprises the latest Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) technology. The 12.3-inch touchscreen is intuitive and offers best-in-class contrast and user interface. The infotainment system comes integrated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The touchscreen is bright and large enough to use.

Some of the notable infotainment features include:

• 12.3-inch touch screen infotainment system
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility
• Mercedes Benz user experience (MBUX)
• Burmester surround-sound system.
• Voice Control with Natural Language recognition
• AM/FM/SiriusXM
• Hands-free Bluetooth interface

The 2021 GLS 450 is the same as seen in the 2020 model year. The SUV received a complete redesign last year and remains a carry-forward model for this year. Mercedes-Benz has offered a sophisticated design philosophy with the GLS 450. The exterior looks dynamic with an iconic tri-state logo on the center and a signature grille on the front fascia. The side looks streamlined with 20-inch wheels to make a bolder road presence. As you move towards the rear, you'll notice sleeker taillights and a conventional tailgate that looks fresh and appealing. 

The GLS 450 has got a large wheelbase that somehow enhances its road presence and driving dynamics. Also, the longer wheelbase allows the SUV to remain stable while cruising on highways at higher speeds. When comparing the curb weight, the Lincoln Navigator is the heaviest option in the competition. Some of the notable exterior features of the GLS 450 are:

• Adaptive LED headlights
• LED taillights
• 20-inch 8-spoke wheels
• Privacy glass

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 or previous year model is yet to be crash-tested by the NHTSA and IIHS. The reason behind the lack of safety rating must be its premium offering and low demand among the millennials. However, the SUV offers an array of modern safety features. Some of the notable safety features included with the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS class are:

• Enhanced Alarm System with Parking Damage Detection
• Attention Assist
• Active Parking Assist with Surround View
• PRE-SAFE System with PRE-SAFE Sound
• Blind Spot Assist
• Active Brake Assist
• LED Intelligent light system headlamps and LED taillamps
• Optional Driver Assistance Package with Active Stop-and-Go Assist feature
• Optional Comfort driver fatigue detection

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 vs. 2021 BMW X7 

Both the SUVs are packed with similar powertrain capacity, but the GLS 450 is installed with the latest technology that enhances the performance and power output. The BMW X7 offers sportier driving dynamics compared to the GLS 450. However, with the latest redesign, the Mercedes-Benz offers best-in-class features and interior. 

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 vs. 2021 Land Rover Range Rover

The Land Rover Range Rover is priced heavily when compared to the GLS 450. The Mercedes-Benz offers a subtle exterior and interior design. The Range Rover is more off-road oriented compared to the GLS 450. With the latest features and MBUX infotainment, the GLS 450 boasts a superior and luxurious cabin compared to the Range Rover.

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 vs. 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The Lincoln Navigator has seen multiple improvements in recent times. It is backed with power-packed performance and smooth transmission. The Navigator propels a whopping 450 horsepower from its 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. The GLS 450 manages to offer a maximum power output of 383 horsepower when combined with the 48-volt EQ mild-hybrid technology. Compared to the Navigator, with a similar fuel tank capacity, the GLS 450 offers a better driving range. 

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 is one of the celebrated luxury SUVs in its segment. With the latest safety and tech packages, the GLS 450 is in high demand among luxury SUV shoppers. With the stand-out price tag, the 2021 GLS 450 is a reliable SUV to bet on. This should be on the buying chart if you are looking for a premium and spacious SUV.