Mercedes-Benz GLS 450d Night Edition First-Drive Review: Should You Pay Extra For It?

The Night Edition’s design matches the GLS AMG-line, with a few cosmetic changes. That means the AMG body kit, 21-inch AMG alloy wheels, and blacked-out window trim are unchanged. The Night Edition’s special feature is its black chrome accents. The massive front grille gets the black chrome treatment, and the door handles also get black chrome inserts. However, the standard chrome badges and rear chrome accent line look out of place because they don't get the black chrome treatment, as seen on the rest of the special edition SUV.

The other special bit is the exclusive Alpine Grey paint option. It resembles a Nardo Grey shade and adds to the SUV's road presence. With the AMG body kit and blacked-out roof rails and ORVMs, young buyers looking for a sporty aesthetic will appreciate the new colour option.

The Night Edition updates are more substantial inside the GLS. For starters, it gets a black interior theme. The single-tone theme will appeal to buyers who prefer a more understated aesthetic. The all-black interior is also likely to age better over time.

Other special bits include a Head-Up Display and the MBUX rear seat entertainment package. This adds two 11.-6-inch entertainment screens for the second-row passengers and also comes with two wireless headphones. The screens work alongside the 13-speaker Burmester audio system, and the MBUX suite also adds the 7.4-inch tablet that acts as a command centre for all media functions.

Overall, the upgrades feel substantial for the additional value they bring to the package. It looks visually different from the standard AMG-line, and the media upgrades add an extra layer of luxury.

Mechanically, the GLS Night Edition has no changes. The 450d 4MATIC we drove comes with a mild-hybrid, 3.0-litre, six-cylinder diesel engine. It produces 387 hp (combined power) and 750 Nm of torque. The 9-speed automatic transmission, 4MATIC all-wheel drive and semi-active air suspension are other highlights of the GLS driving experience.

In a nutshell, the GLS 450d 4MATIC is a massive SUV which feels surprisingly easy to drive, with comfort being its priority. The power delivery does not feel overwhelming, in a good way. The SUV has grunt and will catch pace quickly, but it does it without feeling dramatic. This makes it feel more confident and bulletproof in the real world. The air suspension keeps things balanced on tarmac and well-cushioned over dirt tracks or gravel. The standard 200 mm of ground clearance can be increased with a single touch thanks to the AIRMATIC suspension. This gives drivers more freedom over different terrains.

The large 90-litre fuel tank means the 450d diesel does not need a refill every few hundred kilometres. A full tank is more likely to last 1,000 km instead. Buyers who travel more than 50 km every day or regularly between cities will appreciate this quality of the 450d.

The GLS Night Edition is essentially a bundle of add-ons and accessories that make the SUV feel special next to a standard GLS. It does so at a reasonable markup because the next best version is the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600, which costs more than two GLS Night Edition SUVs.

At a starting price of Rs 1.41 crore (ex-showroom), the Night Edition is a good choice for buyers who want a sportier aesthetic and better media features from the factory. For those who want to personalise the GLS to their own taste, the AMG-line offers better choices at a lower starting price.