2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 4MATIC: A Comprehensive Review of This Luxurious SUV
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 4MATIC is here and it's more exciting than ever. It's one of the top luxury SUVs of the year combining power elegance and tech-savvy features all in a package that screams refinement. From family trips to business journeys the GLS450 provides a drive that’s both comfortable and thrilling. Let’s dive deep into what makes the 2025 GLS450 4MATIC so special with an honest look at its advantages and some areas where it might fall short.
A Luxurious Overview of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 4MATIC
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is known for its premium feel and first-class experience and the 2025 GLS450 4MATIC continues that tradition. This full-sized luxury SUV has evolved over the years getting better in design power and comfort. For 2025 Mercedes-Benz has refined the GLS450 to make it more stylish more powerful and more tech-equipped than its predecessors.
Key Features At A Glance
- Engine: 3.0L Inline-6 Turbo with EQ Boost
- Horsepower: 362 hp
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic
- All-Wheel Drive: 4MATIC AWD system
- Seating Capacity: Up to 7 passengers
- Fuel Economy: 20 mpg city / 24 mpg highway (estimated)
- Starting Price: Around $80,000
The Powerhouse: Engine and Performance
What’s Under the Hood?
The 2025 GLS450 4MATIC features a 3.0L inline-six turbocharged engine with an EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. This engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission that allows for smooth and quick gear changes. Together they deliver a potent 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to the mild-hybrid technology the EQ Boost adds an extra 21 horsepower for a short burst which aids in quick acceleration and smoother transitions when stopping and starting.
How It Drives
The GLS450 is all about balance. Its air suspension system ensures that the ride is smooth absorbing most road imperfections. The car handles exceptionally well for its size and weight giving drivers confidence whether they are navigating city streets or tackling highway lanes. It accelerates from 0-60 mph in just around 5.9 seconds which is pretty solid for an SUV of this stature.
Design & Styling: Exterior Elegance Meets Modern Luxury
Elegant Yet Muscular
The 2025 GLS450 has a bold road presence with its sleek aerodynamic lines. The front fascia is dominated by the iconic Mercedes-Benz grille which is flanked by sleek LED headlamps giving it a futuristic look. The chrome accents around the vehicle along with the 20-inch alloy wheels add to its luxurious look while maintaining a sporty appearance. For those looking to enhance the exterior there are options for 21-inch or 22-inch wheels panoramic sunroof and AMG exterior packages.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Spacious and Premium Cabin
Step inside and you're greeted with an interior that screams luxury and sophistication. The GLS450's cabin is incredibly spacious offering ample legroom and headroom for all seven passengers. The seats are clad in high-quality materials with options for leather upholstery wood trim and metal accents. The driver and front passenger seats are 14-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated ensuring the ultimate comfort during those long drives.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Mercedes-Benz has equipped the GLS450 with its MBUX infotainment system which is displayed on dual 12.3-inch screens—one serving as the instrument cluster and the other as the central touchscreen. The system is user-friendly and can be controlled via touch voice commands or the touchpad located on the center console. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard along with navigation a premium Burmester sound system and wireless charging. The tech in this car is nothing short of cutting-edge.
Practicality & Versatility: Is It Family-Friendly?
Cargo Space & Seating
One of the key reasons to consider an SUV like the GLS450 is practicality and it delivers in this department. With three rows of seats the GLS can accommodate up to seven passengers comfortably. The second row slides forward and backward to make access to the third row easier. With all seats in place there's a decent amount of cargo space but fold down the third row and you have a massive storage area perfect for long trips or bulky items.
Pros and Cons of the 2025 GLS450 4MATIC
Pros
- Luxurious Interior: The GLS450 is a masterclass in comfort with high-quality materials throughout.
- Smooth Performance: The inline-six engine delivers strong acceleration and the EQ Boost adds that extra punch.
- Advanced Technology: The MBUX system and multiple comfort features make it tech-forward.
- Smooth Ride: The air suspension system ensures that bumps and road imperfections are barely felt.
- Versatile Seating: A genuine 7-seater with plenty of legroom and flexibility.
Cons
- Pricey Upgrades: Adding optional features can quickly make the GLS450's price balloon well over its base price.
- Fuel Efficiency: At an estimated 20 mpg city / 24 mpg highway it's not the most fuel-efficient SUV in its class.
- Size Might Be A Downside: While spacious on the inside some might find the GLS450's large size cumbersome in tight city parking situations.
- Touch Controls Take Getting Used To: While the MBUX system is comprehensive some users might find the touch controls a bit distracting when driving.
Safety Features & Ratings
The 2025 GLS450 4MATIC comes packed with active and passive safety features to ensure that drivers and passengers are always protected. Mercedes-Benz’s suite of driver-assist features called Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive includes:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Lane-Keeping Assist
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
- Crosswind Assist
In addition to these standard safety features you can also opt for packages that include more advanced technology like Active Stop-and-Go Assist and Active Steering Assist.
While official crash-test ratings for the 2025 model are yet to be released previous models of the GLS450 have scored well making it a safe bet for families and long-distance travel.
The Driving Experience: What It's Like Behind the Wheel
Comfort vs. Sportiness
The driving experience of the GLS450 can be tailored to your needs thanks to the DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes which include Comfort Sport and Off-Road among others. The Comfort mode provides a laid-back driving experience with the suspension adapting to provide a cloud-like ride quality. Switch to Sport and the GLS450 becomes more responsive tightening up the steering and suspension for a more engaging drive.
Off-Road Capability
Though most GLS450 drivers might not plan to venture too far off paved roads it's worth mentioning that the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system along with the Off-Road driving mode make the GLS450 capable of handling rough terrains. The adjustable suspension allows the SUV to raise itself giving more ground clearance when needed.
Customization and Trim Options
Mercedes-Benz offers a range of customization options for the GLS450. While the base model is well-equipped there are several optional packages and individual features that can enhance the SUV’s luxury performance and style.
Popular Options Include:
- AMG Line Package: For those who want a sportier look and performance-oriented features.
- Executive Rear Seat Package: Adds comfort features for the rear passengers including luxury headrests heated and ventilated seats and rear-seat entertainment.
- Night Package: Black-out exterior accents for a more aggressive look.
- Acoustic Comfort Package: Adds extra soundproofing materials for an even quieter cabin.
Real World Insights from a GLS450 Owner
"Driving the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 4MATIC feels like gliding on silk," says Alex Collantes a GLS450 owner and luxury car enthusiast. "It’s spacious enough for the family yet powerful and responsive on the road. I love the tech inside but I do wish the fuel economy was a bit better for those long road trips. Also it can be a pain to park in tighter spaces but overall it’s worth it for the luxury and comfort it provides."
The Final Verdict: Should You Buy the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 4MATIC?
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 4MATIC is a top-tier luxury SUV that delivers in almost every aspect—comfort technology performance and style. It’s a great choice for families looking for a spacious three-row SUV as well as for individuals who want a touch of luxury and a commanding road presence. However keep in mind that the price can escalate quickly with add-ons and if you’re looking for an SUV with great fuel economy you might want to consider other options.
If you're in the market for a premium SUV that combines elegance performance and cutting-edge technology the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 4MATIC is definitely worth a test drive.
References
- Mercedes-Benz Official Website: For full specs and options visit Mercedes-Benz
- MotorTrend Reviews: Insightful car reviews and comparison for the GLS-Class at MotorTrend
- Edmunds Expert Review: Detailed vehicle specs and consumer opinions on Edmunds
Tags: #2025MercedesGLS450 #LuxurySUV #MercedesBenzGLS #CarReview