Planning a Bachelor Party? The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 Can Get the Job Done!
Trying to plan a bachelor party is no easy task. But if there’s one thing that can make the experience more enjoyable, it’s a comfortable and spacious vehicle to transport everyone from the Denver Airport to Colorado Springs. And for this particular mission, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 proved to be a worthy contender.
With room for up to six passengers and enough luggage space behind the third row (with a bit of squeezing), the GLS 450 was the perfect choice for loading up six friends and hitting the highway. Our journey started with a one-hour drive from the airport, followed by a long weekend exploring the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Throughout it all, the GLS demonstrated its exceptional highway cruising capabilities, including top-notch active safety features that gave us peace of mind throughout the trip.
One of the standout features of the GLS 450 is its smooth cruising ability. Few vehicles in its price range can match the comfort and ease of driving that the GLS offers. The leather seats were supremely comfortable for both myself and my front passenger, the suspension provided a soft and spongy ride, and the sound deadening was impressive, keeping the cabin quiet and serene even at high speeds.
Speaking of safety, the GLS 450 comes equipped with a standard suite of active safety features that are second to none. Adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology made our highway drive, even in slushy conditions, a breeze. The GLS applied throttle and braking inputs smoothly when needed and maintained a steady lane position, making the drive more enjoyable and stress-free.
In terms of aesthetics, the GLS 450 is a head-turner. While Mercedes is taking a different design direction with its EQ SUVs, the GLS and its smaller counterpart, the GLE, still stand out as two of the best-looking luxury SUVs on the market. The clean body lines, stylish 23-inch AMG wheels (optional), and an overall elegant appearance make the GLS a true eye-catcher.
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows with the GLS 450. When it comes to passenger and cargo space, the GLS falls slightly short compared to its competitors like the BMW X7 and Range Rover. While it offers decent figures on paper, fitting seven people with luggage into the GLS proved to be a challenge. It’s more suitable for smaller individuals or trips with fewer passengers, unlike larger body-on-frame SUVs such as the Cadillac Escalade or Lincoln Navigator, which offer more cargo and passenger space overall.
Additionally, the GLS 450’s power might come up short when fully loaded. Although the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine provides ample power in most driving situations, it struggled a bit with the added weight of passengers and luggage, especially in higher altitudes. For those who frequently commute with a full load, the more powerful GLS 580 model with 483 horsepower might be a better option.
Lastly, fuel efficiency is not the GLS 450’s strong suit. With an average of 18 miles per gallon city, 24 highway, and 20 combined, it falls behind some of its competitors like the BMW X7 and Audi Q7 in terms of fuel economy. Even the larger Cadillac Escalade offers better fuel efficiency if you opt for the diesel engine.
In conclusion, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 is a solid choice for those planning a bachelor party or any road trip adventure. Its smooth cruising capabilities, top-notch safety features, and stylish design make it an attractive option. However, if you’re in need of a vehicle with larger passenger and cargo capacity or if you frequently travel with a full load, you may want to consider other options. Regardless, the GLS 450 is a reliable and comfortable choice for your next journey.