Does Mercedes-Benz GLS 400d Prove the Woke Car Industry Has it All Wrong?

Diesel Electric GLS 400d is Partially Hybrid

Partially hybrid, GLS 400d also has an additional 22 hp and 185 lb.-ft of 48-volt electric torque on tap. That courtesy of its bonus integrated EQ Boost starter-generator. GLS 400d fees its considerable diesel electric punch to Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel drive via a 9G-Tronic automatic transmission. Its ratios were selected to ‘deliver a fine balance between comfort and capability across all GLS’s broad range of abilities.’

They say that the big diesel accelerates to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, tops 148 mph and sips 31 mpg. Our tests actually proved it a bit quicker than that and our trip suggested those fuel claims accurate, too.

We duly packed our bags and headed out of the city. The stop-start glut allowed us to better acquaint ourselves with our pedigreed steed. The traffic eased out of the city to allow me to revel in GLS 400d’s electrified turbodiesel straight six. Its EQ Boost hybrid assistance carries on regardless — you need to select the eco dash to keep tabs.

GLS 400d Can Actually Drive on its Own

I enjoyed running GLS on its route-based speed adaptive Distronic following device. It adapts to the traffic around you and maintains your preferred distance to the vehicle ahead. It also reads the road and steers. And gets annoyed when you don’t steer yourself! The system recognizes and responds to tailbacks before you even know they’re there. GLS’s significant poise however dominates the highway enough that trucks move over as you approach from behind!

GLS 400d also showed off its 9G-Tronic 9-speed autobox on the open road. Its broad spread of ratios reduce engine speed to benefit both ride comfort and efficiency. And backed up by an excellent 0.32 cd aerodynamics for its segment, it’s beyond quiet and serene on the road. That’s also thanks to standard Airmatic air suspension and Adaptive Damping. It adapts to road conditions to ensure ultimate ride comfort. GLS also gets latest Mercedes driving assistance, while Trailer Assist will ease towing.

We were soon running at 35 mpg while averaging 80 mph. Not bad for a behemoth like this, hey? And turbodiesels are bad? Running on cruise control much of the time, it has more than ample grunt when you need it. I was loving the trip. The silent GLS delivers a sublime ride, whatever the conditions. That said, it must be noted that driving this car in a strong shear breeze, the lea side windows became noisy in the wind. A notable vacuum on that slab flank, perhaps?

Sublimely Interactive MBUX Infotainment

I have become a big fan of Mercedes’ sublimely interactive MBUX Infotainment, on which GLS of course majors. Mrs. My Mercedes is good, but there is better. And gesture control is a hoot to use. But it’s too sensitive when for us Italians. The best of MBUX is however the GLS’ premium level Star Wars dual dash infotainment. And how that all works via the multifunction steering controls.

Those intuitive little touch pads and buttons allow you to seamlessly paddle through the many functions on both the dash and infotainment screens. To monitor your progress, fuel use, where you are going, make hands free calls, play music, the radio and much more. Although I’d be happier with a little more direct control to the likes of station or playlists, rather than delving into layers of windows to find those basic functions.

GLS also has wireless smartphone charging and more than ample USB ports. Pity they’re only those more modern ports and a compromise considering that most folk still use more the bigger plug old USB accessories. Only Merc and Mac leave conventional USBs out.