Mercedes-Benz GLS

2027 MERCEDES-BENZ GLS 450 4MATIC (X167) — UNITED STATES SPECIFICATION

Engine and Drivetrain

The GLS 450 4MATIC is powered by the M256M 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six petrol engine displacing 2,999 cc, with dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and turbocharged direct injection at a 10.5:1 compression ratio. For the 2027 model year Mercedes-Benz rates the combustion engine at 375 hp (280 kW) between 5,800 and 6,100 rpm and 560 Nm (413 lb-ft) of torque. A 48-volt belt-driven integrated starter-generator adds up to 23 hp and 205 Nm (151 lb-ft) of transient assistance, enables engine-off coasting and gliding, and drives an electric auxiliary compressor that fills the turbocharger's low-speed torque gap. The integrated starter-generator cannot propel the vehicle on its own, so the car remains a petrol vehicle rather than a full hybrid. Drive reaches the road through the 9G-TRONIC nine-speed torque-converter automatic and permanent 4MATIC all-wheel drive, with DYNAMIC SELECT drive programmes. Manufacturer figures give 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 209 km/h (130 mph).

Chassis, Steering and Brakes

The GLS runs AIRMATIC air suspension with continuously adaptive damping and selectable ride height on all four corners, over a four-link front and multi-link rear axle. Steering is electromechanical speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion with a turning circle of approximately 12.5 metres. Braking is by ventilated discs at all four wheels with the Electronic Stability Program, 4ETS four-wheel electronic traction control, Brake Assist and automatic post-collision braking. This unit is fitted with 21-inch AMG twin 5-spoke wheels with black accents (option code RWH) on staggered 275/45 R21 front and 315/40 R21 rear tyres, and carries the collapsible spare wheel option (code 669).

Dimensions and Capacities

Overall length is 5,207 mm on a 3,135 mm wheelbase, with an overall width of 2,030 mm and a height of 1,823 mm. Ground clearance is 203 mm at the standard AIRMATIC ride height. Kerb weight is approximately 2,570 kg against a gross vehicle weight rating of 3,390 kg read from the manufacturer's certification label. Luggage volume is 493 litres behind the third row and 2,398 litres maximum with the second and third rows folded. The fuel tank holds 90 litres and the braked towing capacity is 3,493 kg (7,700 lb), served here by the factory-fitted trailer hitch (option code 550).

Exterior

The car is finished in Dark Petrol metallic, Mercedes-Benz paint code 489, a deep blue-green that reads near-black in low light. It carries the AMG Line exterior package (code DG1) with the diamond-pin radiator grille and large centre star, plus the Night Package (code DC1) which renders the window surrounds, mirror caps, roof rails and lower body trim in gloss black. Lighting is full LED front and rear with daytime running lamps and adaptive high-beam assist. A panoramic sliding sunroof, illuminated running boards, roof rails, power-folding heated auto-dimming mirrors, a HANDS-FREE ACCESS power tailgate and twin rectangular exhaust outlets complete the exterior specification.

Interior and Seating

The cabin is trimmed in black MB-Tex (code 141) with Natural Grain Grey Oak wood inserts (code H31). This unit carries the six-seat configuration (code 224): two front seats, two second-row captain chairs with fore-and-aft adjustment and a walk-through to the two power-folding third-row seats. Front seats are power-adjustable with memory and heating, the steering column is power tilt and telescoping, and the multifunction steering wheel is leather-trimmed with touch-control pads. Five-zone automatic climate control (code 582) gives the second and third rows their own temperature zones. Sixty-four-colour ambient lighting, illuminated front door sills and brushed stainless sport pedals are fitted.

Infotainment and Connectivity

MBUX runs on twin 12.3-inch widescreen displays under a single cover glass, with a touchscreen central display, natural-language voice control, navigation with live traffic and over-the-air software updates. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are standard, as is wireless smartphone charging with NFC pairing and USB-C charging in all three rows. Audio is by the Burmester surround sound system. Mercedes me connect provides remote start, remote lock and vehicle status through the smartphone app.

Driver Assistance and Safety

Standard driver assistance covers Active Brake Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control, Active Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Evasive Steering Assist, Crosswind Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST and trailer stability assist. The Parking Package adds a 360-degree camera and Active Parking Assist. Passive protection comprises dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags, window curtain airbags covering all three rows, a driver knee airbag and PRE-SAFE anticipatory occupant protection; this unit additionally carries the rear side airbag option (code 293). Every seating position has a three-point belt with pretensioner and load limiter. The 2027 model year has not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

Towing and Capability

With the factory trailer hitch fitted the GLS 450 4MATIC is rated to tow 3,493 kg (7,700 lb) braked, supported by trailer stability assist and the AIRMATIC self-levelling rear axle. The off-road drive programme raises the body on the air suspension and retunes the 4MATIC torque split and throttle mapping for loose surfaces.