Mercedes Benz GLS450 4M PREMIUM

Highlights

• 7+ seat capacity with captain chairs
• Top-tier audio system standard
• 5-Star NCAP safety rating

Summary

This 2022 Mercedes Benz GLS450 represents the pinnacle of luxury SUV engineering, perfectly suited for the demands of GCC family life. With its silver exterior, it not only reflects the intense summer heat effectively but also maintains the highest possible resale appeal in the regional used car market. The 4M PREMIUM trim ensures that you are getting a level of interior refinement and technological integration that outclasses almost anything else in the seven-seater segment. While its mileage reflects a history of consistent highway use across the Emirates, the robust inline-six powertrain is built specifically for these long-distance journeys. This vehicle’s combination of standard Burmester audio and a highly advanced climate control system makes it a sanctuary during the peak summer months. For a buyer looking for flagship German luxury without the steep depreciation of a brand-new model, this GLS450 offers an exceptional balance of prestige and utility. The single most important factor for a GCC buyer here is the immediate availability of a high-specification American import that has been maintained to a standard that rivals local dealership stock.

This Car vs Other 2022 GLS450s

When looking at the 2022 GLS450 market in the GCC, this specific vehicle sits at a mileage point that indicates a life spent largely on the smooth multi-lane highways between major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. While many other units of this year might show lower mileage, they are often used for shorter, more taxing urban school runs and stop-start traffic, which can be harder on the mechanical cooling systems. The silver exterior is a distinct advantage in this region, as it is one of the most sought-after colors for maintaining value and managing cabin temperatures during the 45-degree summer months. Compared to average listings of the same age, this car demonstrates a very clean aesthetic condition that suggests it was parked in shaded or indoor facilities, preserving the paint from the harsh desert sun. Choosing this specific unit allows a buyer to bypass the initial heavy depreciation while still acquiring a vehicle that feels modern and functions exactly as the premium flagship it was designed to be. It represents a sensible middle ground for a buyer who prioritizes features and trim level over the lowest possible odometer reading.

4M PREMIUM vs Lower Trims

Moving up to the 4M PREMIUM trim level significantly changes the daily ownership experience, particularly for families in the GCC. While the base models offer the fundamental Mercedes Benz experience, this trim adds the Burmester Surround Sound system and an enhanced MBUX infotainment suite that makes long road trips across the borders far more enjoyable. One of the most critical additions found in this trim is the upgraded cooling and ventilation package, which provides more consistent airflow to the second and third rows—a luxury that becomes a necessity during the regional summer. You also benefit from more advanced seat adjustments and superior upholstery materials that resist wear from heat and humidity better than the entry-level leatherettes. The inclusion of the 360-degree camera system is another massive benefit of this trim, making the parking of such a substantial SUV in tight mall garages or urban complexes completely stress-free. Buyers specifically look for the 4M PREMIUM badge because it signifies a car that wasn't just bought for the name, but for a complete luxury experience that rivals the S-Class sedan.

GLS450 vs Segment Rivals

The GLS450 is often compared to the BMW X7 and the Lexus LX series, but it carves out its own niche in the GCC market by offering superior ride comfort and interior space. While the BMW focuses on a more aggressive driving feel, the Mercedes Benz utilizes its sophisticated air suspension to glide over the expansion joins and road surfaces common in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Against the Lexus LX, the GLS450 offers a much more modern and intuitive digital interface with the MBUX system, which many tech-focused local buyers prefer. The boot space with the third row folded is also among the best in its class, providing more than enough room for a weekend trip to Al Ain or a full grocery haul for a large family. Its fuel tank capacity is generous, allowing for long stretches of desert highway driving without the constant need to stop for petrol. For those who need a genuine seven-seater that doesn't feel like a utility vehicle, the GLS450 remains the gold standard in terms of packaging and prestige.

Running Costs & Resale

The 3.0L inline-six engine with EQ Boost tech is surprisingly efficient for a vehicle of this size, achieving roughly 10-12 liters per 100km on long highway drives, though this will rise in the heavy stop-start traffic of Riyadh or Dubai. For servicing, Mercedes Benz has an incredibly strong presence across the GCC with authorized service centers in every major city, ensuring easier access to genuine parts and expert technicians compared to boutique luxury brands. While European cars generally depreciate by 12-18% annually in the GCC, the GLS450 holds its value significantly better than smaller luxury SUVs due to its status as a flagship model. This American spec model is well-known in the UAE market, and while it doesn't carry a local agency warranty, parts are identical to GCC spec cars, making maintenance straightforward at any specialized workshop. You can expect strong value retention at the 3-year mark, as there is always a high demand for well-maintained seven-seater German SUVs in the secondary market. Proper scheduled maintenance at 15,000 km intervals will help protect this investment for years to come.

Performance & Capability

With 367 hp and a sophisticated All Wheel Drive system, this GLS450 offers effortless power delivery that makes highway overtaking at 140 km/h feel completely composed. The 0-100 km/h time of approximately 6.2 seconds is impressive for a 5-door SUV of this scale, providing the punch needed for quick city merges. The 4MATIC system is primarily designed for high-speed stability and traction, but it also provides confidence on gravel paths or sandy patches when heading out for a weekend at a desert resort. Its ground clearance is ample for navigating speed humps and construction diversions, which are a common sight in rapidly developing GCC cities. The transmission is exceptionally smooth, shifting through its nine gears almost imperceptibly to maintain maximum comfort for all seven passengers. Even when fully loaded with a family and their luggage, the air suspension levels the car automatically to ensure the handling remains predictable and safe. It is a car designed for those who want performance that is felt through smoothness and capability rather than noise and aggression.

Comfort & Cabin

Interior comfort in the GLS450 is modeled after the S-Class, meaning every passenger is treated to a first-class environment regardless of where they sit. The seven-seat layout is genuine, with a third row that can comfortably accommodate adults for shorter trips—a rarity in this segment. The air conditioning system is particularly robust, engineered to drop the cabin temperature rapidly even after the car has been sitting in direct sun for hours. High-quality insulation keeps the cabin whisper-quiet, blocking out both the wind noise of high-speed highway travel and the ambient heat from outside. Technology is front and center with dual 12.3-inch screens providing all the navigation and media controls you could need, compatible with wireless smartphone integration. The premium Burmester sound system is tuned specifically for this cabin's acoustics, offering a concert-like experience for everyone on board. Thoughtful touches like multiple USB-C ports in every row ensure that every passenger's devices remain charged during long multi-emirate road trips.

Safety

Safety in the 2022 GLS450 is comprehensive, featuring a suite of driver assistance systems that are particularly effective on the fast-paced highways of the GCC. The Blind Spot Assist is a crucial feature here, helping drivers navigate the lane changes common on 6-lane highways like Sheikh Zayed Road. It also comes with Active Brake Assist, which can detect potential collisions with vehicles or pedestrians and apply braking automatically to mitigate impact. The car’s heavy-duty chassis and multiple airbag systems earned it a 5-Star NCAP rating, providing peace of mind for those using it as a primary family vehicle. Adaptive cruise control makes the long, straight drives across the desert far less fatiguing by automatically maintaining a safe distance from the car ahead. Additionally, the stability control systems are expertly calibrated to manage the vehicle's high center of gravity during emergency maneuvers on both asphalt and loose surfaces. This level of integrated safety tech is often found only as an expensive add-on in competitor models, but it comes standard as part of this premium package.

The bottom line

This GLS450 is the ideal choice for a growing family in the GCC that refuses to sacrifice flagship luxury for seven-seat practicality. It offers an incredible value-for-money proposition, giving you current-generation technology and a high-spec trim at a much more accessible entry point than a new showroom model.

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