2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS GLS 450

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 Sport Utility 4D stands as a towering, masterfully engineered pinnacle of full-size global luxury, anchoring the historic debut year of the rebranded 'GLS' nameplate—rightfully crowned by the brand as the 'S-Class of SUVs.' Built on an exceptionally rigid, noise-isolated high-strength steel unibody frame architecture, this elite seven-passenger flagship completely shuns the clumsy, punishing ride habits of traditional body-on-frame full-size utility vehicles. By pairing a meticulously insulated acoustic-glass cabin structure with race-bred chassis engineering, the GLS 450 delivers a glassy, vibration-isolated ride quality and vault-like structural tracking composure. It operates flawlessly as a quiet, prestigious mobile workspace during the demanding corporate workweek, effortlessly smoothing out tight urban grids and transforming instantly into an ultra-premium, long-distance interstate cruiser capable of commanding valet stands with absolute premium poise.
Under the massive, muscularly sculpted aluminum hood sits a brilliant centerpiece of high-efficiency, forced-induction German engineering: a highly responsive 3.0-liter Twin-Turbocharged DOHC 24-valve V6 engine featuring high-pressure direct fuel injection and variable valve timing. This high-output mechanical heart hammers out a fierce 362 horsepower at 5,500 RPM and a prodigious, low-end 369 lb-ft of torque available across an exceptionally wide powerband from an incredibly early 1,800 to 4,500 RPM. This immediate twin-turbo muscle is managed by an advanced, lightning-fast 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission operated via a sleek electronic shift-by-wire steering column selector and manual paddle shifters. Rocketing this massive luxury cruiser with a highly predictable, linear acceleration curve, power is routed to the pavement via Mercedes-Benz's standard 4MATIC® permanent All-Wheel Drive system. This intelligent layout works hand-in-hand with DYNAMIC SELECT, allowing the driver to actively tune drivetrain, steering, and traction parameters between Comfort, Sport, Slippery, and Off-Road settings to guarantee absolute structural composure through loose gravel paths, winter snow, or sudden highway downpours.
The driving experience is completely characterized by its signature, magic-carpet ride quality, exceptionally flat cornering posture, and unmatched structural tracking stability, courtesy of the standard AIRMATIC® semi-active air suspension system. This advanced network features an Adaptive Damping System (ADS) that continuously monitors road conditions in milliseconds, automatically adjusting air shock stiffness to minimize body roll and lowering the vehicle at highway speeds to optimize aerodynamics. On the exterior, the 2017 GLS 450 executes a stunning styling triumph of pure athletic functionality, geometric precision, and an undeniable road presence. The aggressive front fascia is anchored by a prominent twin-louvre radiator grille with a massive central Three-Pointed Star, flanked by large functional lower air intakes and striking automatic LED projector headlights with integrated fiber-optic daytime running light bars. Elegant body contours feature polished chrome window surrounds, integrated aluminum roof rails, running boards, deep-tinted rear privacy glass, a body-color rear aerodynamic spoiler, and power-folding heated auto-dimming side mirrors with integrated entry puddle lamps. The commanding stance rolls proudly on striking 19-inch twin 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels wrapped in premium heavy-duty all-season tires that perfectly complement its muscular arches.
Inside, the driver-centric cockpit completely shuns basic, high-maintenance textures, welcoming up to seven adult occupants into an opulent, ultra-durable luxury sanctuary lined with hand-tailored premium finishes, authentic Burl Walnut wood veneers, and cutting-edge command tech. The center dashboard layout is dominated by a crisp 8-inch high-resolut