Mercedes Benz GLS450 4MATIC

Highlights

• Most advanced ADAS standard
• Top-tier audio system standard
• 5-Star NCAP safety rating

Summary

This 2022 Mercedes Benz GLS450 4MATIC represents the S-Class of SUVs, offering an unparalleled blend of seven-seat practicality and high-end luxury that remains the benchmark for the full-size premium segment. With mileage reflecting typical highway-heavy usage common in the GCC, this vehicle has been broken in for long-distance journeys across the Emirates. Its Silver exterior is one of the most resilient and high-demand colors in the region, effectively masking desert dust while maximizing resale value when it comes time to upgrade. The 3.0L turbocharged inline-six engine provides the perfect balance of power for overtaking on the E11 and efficiency for daily urban commutes in Dubai or Riyadh. For the buyer who needs a genuine family hauler that commands respect at any valet stand, this GLS450 offers a sophisticated alternative to more rugged but less refined body-on-frame competitors. Ownership of this American-spec model provides a gateway into the flagship Mercedes Benz experience at a significantly more accessible entry point than a brand-new showroom equivalent.

This Car vs Other 2022 GLS450s

When comparing this specific 2022 model to others on the market, the primary differentiator is its balanced usage profile. While the mileage of 96,798 km is slightly higher than the global average, it sits comfortably within the expected range for a luxury SUV in the GCC, where 20,000 to 25,000 km per year is the standard for executive commuters and family vehicles. This indicates the vehicle has likely spent much of its life on well-maintained highways rather than in the punishing stop-start heat of dense city centers. The Silver exterior is a strategic choice for the local climate, as it stays significantly cooler under the Arabian sun compared to darker shades and is notoriously easy to maintain against the fine sand and dust of the region. As an American-spec vehicle, it often features a higher level of standard equipment compared to base-trim European imports, providing a tech-heavy cabin that feels more modern than many of its 2022 peers. This combination of a desirable color, realistic highway mileage, and a high-spec interior makes it a standout option for a savvy buyer looking for value without sacrificing the flagship feel.

4MATIC vs Lower Trims

Choosing the 4MATIC trim on a GLS450 isn't just about adding all-wheel drive; it’s about securing the complete suite of Mercedes Benz performance technology. This trim ensures that the 367 hp is distributed intelligently to all four wheels, providing superior stability during the occasional heavy rainstorms or on the gravel-laden roads leading to mountain retreats in Hatta or Jebel Jais. Unlike lower-tier SUVs in this size bracket, the 4MATIC system works in tandem with the AIRMATIC air suspension to provide a 'magic carpet' ride quality that lower trims simply cannot replicate. Inside, this trim typically includes the Burmester Surround Sound system and the full MBUX infotainment suite with dual 12.3-inch screens as standard, whereas these are often costly options on lesser models. Furthermore, the 4MATIC designation carries significant weight in the GCC used market, ensuring faster liquidly and better price retention than rear-wheel-drive luxury variants. You are also benefiting from enhanced interior materials, including Artico leather and wood trims that are standard at this level, providing a tactile sense of luxury that defines the GLS450 experience.

GLS450 vs Segment Rivals

The GLS450 occupies a unique position when compared to rivals like the BMW X7 and the Lexus LX. While the BMW focuses on a firmer, sportier ride, the Mercedes Benz prioritizes sheer cabin volume and isolation, offering a more relaxing environment for long hauls between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Compared to the Lexus LX, the GLS450 provides a significantly more modern interior architecture with its seamless glass cockpit and intuitive voice controls, which many GCC buyers find more aligned with a contemporary lifestyle. The Mercedes also leads the segment in terms of third-row comfort; while many rivals offer 'occasional' rear seats, the GLS450 provides a genuine seven-seat configuration where adults can sit comfortably for extended periods. Its 90-litre fuel tank is specifically advantageous for the long-distance driving culture of the Middle East, allowing for fewer stops on cross-border trips to Oman or Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the aerodynamic efficiency of the GLS450 results in less wind noise at high speeds compared to the boxier profiles of the Cadillac Escalade or Lincoln Navigator.

Running Costs & Resale

Running a GLS450 in the GCC is surprisingly manageable given its flagship status, thanks to the efficiency of the mild-hybrid 3.0L engine. Real-world fuel consumption averages around 10-12L per 100km on the highway, which is excellent for a vehicle of this magnitude. While American-spec vehicles do not carry the local distributor warranty (such as Gargash or Emirates Moto), the mechanical parts are identical to GCC-spec models, meaning they can be serviced at any of the dozens of high-end specialized German auto centers across the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Parts availability is excellent, with genuine Mercedes Benz components widely stocked in Al Quoz and Mussafah. In terms of resale, the GLS450 is one of the most stable investments in the luxury SUV category, typically depreciating by 12-15% annually, which is superior to many of its British or Italian counterparts. The silver-on-black color combination is particularly liquid in the secondary market, ensuring that when you are ready to trade up, there will be a ready pool of interested buyers. Regular service intervals of 15,000 km or 12 months make the maintenance schedule predictable and easy to manage.

Performance & Capability

Under the hood, the 367 hp inline-six engine is a masterpiece of modern engineering, utilizing a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to provide an EQ Boost that eliminates turbo lag and smooths out the stop-start experience in heavy traffic. Accelerating from 0-100 km/h in just 6.2 seconds, it offers plenty of punch for merging onto high-speed motorways or overtaking slower traffic with absolute confidence. The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system is not just for snow; in the GCC, it provides essential traction on sandy road shoulders and during the high winds that can cause stability issues for lesser SUVs. With a towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg, this vehicle is more than capable of hauling jet skis to the coast or a horse trailer to the desert. The ground clearance provided by the adjustable air suspension allows you to clear speed bumps and uneven terrain with ease, while also lowering the car for easier entry and exit. This performance profile makes it as capable on a weekend getaway to the dunes of Liwa as it is refined on the boulevards of Downtown Dubai.

Comfort & Cabin

The interior of the GLS450 is a sanctuary designed to combat the intense heat of the Middle East. It features a powerful multi-zone climate control system with dedicated vents for all three rows, ensuring that even passengers in the very back stay cool in 45°C temperatures. The seven-seat layout is highly flexible, with power-folding seats that allow you to transition from a family mover to a high-capacity cargo hauler at the touch of a button. Acoustic glazing and extensive sound insulation ensure that the cabin remains whisper-quiet, even at 140 km/h, shielding occupants from road noise and the desert wind. The Burmester audio system provides a concert-hall experience, while the ambient lighting with 64 colors allows you to customize the mood for night drives through the city. Large windows and a panoramic sunroof—standard on this trim—provide an airy feel that prevents the cabin from feeling cramped, even when all seven seats are occupied. The high-quality materials, from the soft-touch dashboard to the premium wood inlays, reinforce the feeling that you are driving the absolute best in its class.

Safety

Safety is where the GLS450 truly excels, offering a 5-star safety rating and a suite of active assistance systems that are particularly valuable in the fast-paced GCC driving environment. The Active Brake Assist can detect slower-moving or stationary vehicles ahead and initiate braking to prevent collisions, a vital feature on the UAE’s busy multi-lane highways. Blind Spot Assist is essential for navigating the frequent lane changes required in heavy traffic, while Lane Keeping Assist helps maintain focus during long, monotonous desert drives. The vehicle also features PRE-SAFE technology, which can sense an impending collision and tighten seatbelts, close windows, and adjust headrests in a fraction of a second to protect occupants. With a comprehensive array of nine airbags and a reinforced passenger cell, the GLS450 provides peace of mind for the family-oriented buyer. The 360-degree camera system makes parking this large SUV in tight mall basements a stress-free experience, providing a bird's-eye view of all surroundings.

The bottom line

This 2022 GLS450 4MATIC is the ideal choice for a growing family that refuses to sacrifice luxury for utility. It offers the prestige of the Mercedes Benz flagship badge with a versatile seven-seat configuration, making it one of the most practical yet impressive SUVs on the road today.

AI insights generated from market expert data. Always inspect the vehicle before purchase.