2021 Mercedes GLS 450 4Matic Offers Class-Leading Three-Row Luxury

The 2021 Mercedes GLS 450 4Matic bears a similar styling to the third generation that arrived in late 2020, which for the most part, at least in our opinion, remains unchanged. However, what has changed is the addition of 20-inch alloys, ventilated front seats, four-zone automatic climate control, parking damage detection that uses the ‘Me Connect’ app to alert owners on their smartphone if the GLS senses a collision while the car has been parked. 

Like last year, Mercedes continues with the same rounded design but with some additional polish. We have no qualms about the latest design language except that the angular design trend hasn’t yet passed over. We love the new oval grille, the lower front fascia, newly designed mirror housings, and narrower LED taillights which give the GLS a more organic look compared to the outgoing model’s more chunky design. 

We think that the latest design looks great, but design alone does not sell vehicles. That’s why we jumped at the chance to take the Mercedes GLS 450 4Matic for a spin, and here are our first impressions. 

The New S-Class Of SUVs 

Swing open the door, and you’re greeted with a brand new design, much nicer than most other vehicles in this category. Mercedes has gone all out by choosing the best quality materials with the fit and finish that rival its own S-Class. The supple perforated leather, use of soft textured composites, brushed aluminum, and lacquered hardwood give the Mercedes GLS 450 4Matic a luxurious feel from the first time you step in. 

The 12.3-inch portion tells the driver everything they would need when driving down the road or parking. On the right, there is the infotainment system. The functions can easily be swapped between the two screens, with guidance and mapping, for instance, being pushed to the left if needed. The ability to configure all the functions, we think, makes it a winner for anyone who takes their vehicles on long drives.

The power-adjustable driver’s seat is comfortable even if you are 6 feet tall like me. However, the seats also include various levels of warmth from the three-way heating element. Alternatively, you can also turn on backside cooling, while a third button allows you to easily adjust the cooling and heating for passengers in the back. 

Roomy Interior 

Regardless of how tall everyone is, we found that there is always more than enough room in the rear for adult passengers, something that’s impossible to find with any other SUV. There is also an optional second-row captain’s chair for additional comfort, but that would also mean one less passenger. 

Driving Pleasure 

We engaged the Dynamic sport mode on the GLS, and it was surprisingly quick. The 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine is an update over the previous V6. This time around, it uses a 48-volt mild-hybrid drivetrain, capable of outputting 363 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The electric motor, if you were wondering, makes 21 horsepower. However, we felt it kicking when stepping hard on the throttle. 

The 4Matic all-wheel-drive, our test vehicle, comes standard with everything needed for some light to medium 4×4 use off-roading. The vehicle does not come with a bull-low gearing ratio like the G-Glass, but it isn’t meant to be a seasoned off-roader either. 

Conclusion 

The 2021 Mercedes GLS 450 4Matic is one of the most comfortable, modern, capable 3-row SUVs we’ve driven lately. It is undoubtedly worth every penny significantly since it outdoes the competition in more ways than one.