This 450 diesel reports a combined carbon dioxide emissions of only 237 g/km, which is almost 6% lower than its GLS 450 petrol counterpart.
Bhpian karan561 recently shared this with other enthusiasts:
Video;
^ This is a Driving Review of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450d AMG Line. The Video discusses the OM656 updated Engine, Platform, Ride & Handling of this car. You can also view this video in chapters based on the timestamps below;
00:01 – Intro
00:52 – Platform
01:40 – Diesels
03:06 – OM656 Performance
06:48 – Ride Quality
08:55 – Handling
09:54 – Emissions
For those who prefer text may read on;
Likes;
– 450d Engine
– Imposingly Good Looks
– Spacious Interiors (All rows)
– Comfortable Ride with good straight line stability (confidence inspiring for cruising long distances)
Dislikes;
– At this price point it Lacks features like HUD, Massage seats to name a few
– Got more expensive since (pre facelift was 40% cheaper at launch) 2020
– Similarity of the interior with GLE
– No E-Active Body Control
Exterior Looks, AMG Line Kit;
The GLS finally gets the AMG Line kit in its facelift Avatar;
The Kit surely does add a sporty flavour to the exterior of the GLS with its AMG Line spec. bumpers, wheels etc.
Makes the overall imposing exterior package even more desirable.
Interiors;
^ Not much of change here in the facelift (other than the AMG Line steering wheel), also the similarity to the GLE dashboard is not a good thing.
Platform;
So the GLS is based on the MHA platform which was developed during the new generation GLE. But the GLS is having the stretched version of that platform. And the flexibility of this platform is what makes this platform special and adaptable wherein the GLS can incorporate that same platform & the packaging allows spacious interiors & versatile engine range and also hybridization.
Driving Performance & OM656 updates;
750 NM of Diesel Torque makes this 450d engine feel boundless, Sounds good too. Cruising feels extraordinarily effortless and heavy throttle inputs feel almost gravitational in the way it pulls.
Mercedes has increased the engine displacement from 2925 cc to 2989 cc by increasing the piston stroke from 92.3 to 94.3 mm. Also, the improved Nanoslide coating of the cylinder walls has reduced friction and, thus, fuel savings.
This is Mercedes’s most powerful diesel engine on sale. It might be the most powerful diesel engine on sale in India as well.
This updated version now gets equipped with mild hybridisation. The integrated starter generator develops an additional 19.7 hp and 200 Nm and is part of a 48V mild hybrid system.
The 9 Speed A/T gearbox copes well with the additional power & torque.
Ride Quality;
The car came with very high tyre pressure from the factory;
After reducing it to under 40 psi the ride quality transformed immediately. Thanks to the Airmatic suspension, it makes you forget that the car is running on 21″ers. Thick (315’s) rear tyres contribute healthy stance & cushion too;
Handling;
The car doesn’t get a sport mode, but I don’t complain entirely. The engine may not need a sport mode for sure as it feels enthusiastically powerful in any mode. But the car would have performed Better with a lowered , stiffened suspension sport mode for keen driving.
However the car feels best at home as a long distance cruiser with excellent straight line stability built for open roads.
Another quick point related to brakes which the mainstream media have missed is that the AMG Line does get upgraded (slotted rotors) brakes which the non AMG Line doesn’t get. Better braking surely adds to the capabilities/performance
Final Thoughts;
So it’s not all good news. There are some shortcomings. For instance, head-up display is missing. At this price point, I would have loved a HUD. Also, the price has gone up substantially. I believe 40% since the pre-facelift got launched back in 2020. However, the party trick is its emissions because this 450 diesel reports a combined carbon dioxide emissions of only 237 g/km, which is almost 6% lower than its GLS 450 petrol counterpart. And that sends a very, very strong message to the anti-diesel cabal out there.
Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.
