Mercedes Benz GLS450 4M PREMIUM

Highlights

• 7+ seat capacity with captain chairs
• Top-tier audio system standard
• Most advanced ADAS standard

Summary

This 2024 Mercedes Benz GLS450 4M PREMIUM represents the gold standard for full-sized luxury family travel in the GCC. With mileage that reflects active yet standard highway usage for the Emirates, this vehicle offers a massive advantage over older models by featuring the latest MBUX architecture and mild-hybrid refinement. The black exterior is the most sought-after resale color for this specific model in the regional market, ensuring strong value retention for the next owner. Compared to its peers, this SUV offers a superior balance of refined road manners and genuine seven-passenger utility without the bulkiness of American competitors. The most important consideration for a GCC buyer here is the peace of mind provided by its regional specification, ensuring the cooling systems and filters are optimized for extreme desert heat. It stands out as a versatile powerhouse that transitions seamlessly from executive commuting in the city to long-distance family road trips across the borders.

This Car vs Other 2024 GLS450s

When looking at the 2024 market in the GCC, this specific GLS450 sits in a very desirable position. Its mileage of 39,091 km is slightly above the global average but perfectly aligned with the typical 20,000 to 25,000 km annual usage seen on UAE highways, suggesting the vehicle has been regularly driven and properly lubricated rather than sitting idle in heat-soak conditions. The black exterior finish is a significant asset, as it remains one of the top three colors for liquidity in the local used market, often commanding a faster sale than lighter alternatives. Furthermore, being a GCC-spec vehicle, it avoids the common pitfalls of imported US or European models, such as navigation system incompatibilities or insufficient radiator cooling capacities. This car has been maintained to withstand the local environment, which is the single most important factor for long-term reliability in this region. Choosing this example means opting for a vehicle that has already proven its mettle against the first year of Gulf summer temperatures.

4M PREMIUM vs Lower Trims

Stepping up to the 4M PREMIUM trim transforms the GLS450 from a standard luxury SUV into a true flagship experience that GCC buyers prioritize. This trim level integrates the Burmester Surround Sound system as standard, providing an acoustic experience that cheaper trims simply cannot match. You also benefit from the inclusion of the 360-degree camera system and Active Parking Assist, which are essential for navigating the tight parking structures found in Dubai and Abu Dhabi malls. Inside, the PREMIUM trim often features upgraded Artico or Nappa leather finishes and enhanced ambient lighting that makes night driving through the city feel like a first-class flight. Crucially for our climate, this trim ensures that the climate control system is robust enough to handle the full passenger load even when the external temperature hits 50 degrees. It also includes the full driver assistance package, which adds layers of safety and convenience that are often optional extras on base models.

GLS450 vs Segment Rivals

The Mercedes Benz GLS450 competes directly with the BMW X7 and the Range Rover, but it leads the segment in several key areas relevant to Gulf life. While the X7 offers a sporty ride, the GLS450 provides a more spacious and usable third row, making it the preferred choice for larger families who actually intend to seat seven adults. Its air suspension system is tuned for a 'magic carpet' ride that outclasses the stiffer setups of its European rivals, particularly on the long, flat stretches of the E11 highway. Compared to the Range Rover, the Mercedes offers a more intuitive infotainment experience through the MBUX system, which features better voice recognition for regional accents. The 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with EQ Boost provides a smoother power delivery than many V8 competitors while maintaining better fuel efficiency. Additionally, the Mercedes service network in the UAE and Saudi Arabia is arguably more comprehensive than its British rivals, ensuring easier access to specialized technicians.

Running Costs & Resale

Running a GLS450 in the GCC is surprisingly manageable given its size, thanks to the 48V mild-hybrid system that assists the engine during fuel-heavy stop-start traffic in cities like Riyadh or Dubai. You can expect a real-world combined fuel consumption of approximately 10 to 12 liters per 100km, which is impressive for a seven-seater SUV. The vehicle requires 98 Octane (Super) fuel to maintain its performance and engine longevity in high-heat conditions. Service intervals typically occur every 15,000 km or once a year, and the authorized service network across the UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar is exceptionally strong. In terms of resale, the GLS450 historically loses about 12-15% of its value annually in the GCC, which is better than many other European luxury SUVs. The fact that this is a black, GCC-spec 4M PREMIUM variant means it will likely sit at the higher end of the valuation spectrum when you decide to trade it in after three to five years.

Performance & Capability

Under the hood is a sophisticated 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine producing a stout 367 horsepower, allowing this large SUV to reach 100 km/h in just under 6 seconds. This level of performance is vital for safe overtaking on fast-moving UAE highways where traffic speeds are consistently high. The 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive system provides exceptional stability on rain-slicked roads during the winter months or when traversing gravel paths leading to desert resorts. While not a dedicated dune basher, the adjustable air suspension allows you to increase ground clearance, which is incredibly useful for navigating uneven terrain or high curbs. The 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission is tuned for seamless shifts, ensuring that whether you are cruising at 140 km/h or crawling in downtown traffic, the power delivery remains silky. The vehicle also boasts a significant towing capacity, making it capable of hauling jet skis or horse trailers for weekend activities.

Comfort & Cabin

The cabin of the GLS450 is designed to be a sanctuary from the harsh outdoor environment of the Middle East. With seven full-sized seats, the interior is configured to allow even adults in the third row to travel in comfort, aided by dedicated air conditioning vents that ensure total cabin cooling. The front seats feature multi-contour adjustments and ventilation, a critical feature for staying comfortable during the long, humid summer months. The MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens is the centerpiece of the dashboard, offering crisp visuals and seamless smartphone integration. Noise insulation is top-tier, utilizing acoustic glass to drown out wind noise and the roar of surrounding traffic on the highway. High-quality materials like open-pore wood and brushed aluminum are used throughout, ensuring that every touchpoint feels expensive and durable. Whether it is a school run or a cross-country drive to Salalah, the cabin remains a quiet, cool, and luxurious environment for all passengers.

Safety

Safety is a cornerstone of the Mercedes Benz philosophy, and the GLS450 4M PREMIUM comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of active and passive systems. The Pre-Safe system can detect an impending collision and prepare the cabin by tightening seatbelts and closing windows to protect occupants. Active Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist are particularly useful on the multi-lane highways of the GCC, where lane discipline can be unpredictable. The adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality takes the stress out of heavy traffic jams on the Sheikh Zayed Road, maintaining a safe distance from the car ahead automatically. Furthermore, the vehicle features a robust array of nine airbags and a reinforced passenger cell that has earned top marks in international safety testing. The 360-degree camera provides a bird's-eye view, making it much safer to maneuver this large vehicle around pedestrians in crowded urban areas.

The bottom line

This GCC-spec GLS450 is the ideal choice for a growing family or an executive who requires maximum space without sacrificing the prestige of the Mercedes Benz brand. With its popular black finish and high-tier PREMIUM trim, it represents a secure investment in one of the region's most respected luxury SUVs.

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