Why the Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 is Alberta's Ultimate Mountain Companion

The highway from Calgary to Banff demands a vehicle that delivers both comfort and capability. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATIC SUV answers with three rows of seating, four-zone climate control, and the traction to handle icy Trans-Canada conditions on winter weekends.

This full-size luxury SUV combines a turbocharged inline-6 engine with thoughtful interior engineering. From hauling ski gear to Lake Louise to navigating mountain grades with a full load of passengers, the GLS 450 offers the space and capability that Alberta winters demand.

Power and Capability for Rocky Mountain Roads

Under the hood, the GLS 450 features a 3.0 L inline-6 turbocharged engine with mild hybrid drive, producing 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC fully variable all-wheel drive, this powertrain delivers confident acceleration and smooth power delivery across varying terrain.

The GLS 450 reaches 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds—more than adequate for highway merging and passing slower traffic on mountain grades. Towing capacity stands at 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs), making it capable of hauling a trailer or enclosed cargo when needed.

Key Performance Highlights:

• 3.0 L inline-6 turbo with mild hybrid drive
• 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque
• 4MATIC fully variable all-wheel drive
• 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs) towing capacity

Three Rows of Genuine Comfort

Long drives demand more than just power—they require interior comfort that extends to every passenger. The GLS 450 seats up to seven, with heated seats in the front and second rows. Leather upholstery is standard across all three rows, ensuring a premium environment throughout the cabin.

The second-row seats power-adjust and recline, offering adults genuine comfort rather than compromise. Entry to the third row is straightforward, with the second-row seats tilting and sliding forward to create a clear path.

Cargo capacity ranges from 355 L with all seats in place to 2,400 L with the second and third rows folded. This flexibility accommodates ski bags, boot bags, and weekend luggage without forcing you to leave gear behind.

Four-Zone Climate Control for Every Passenger

Alberta winters bring temperature swings—frigid mornings in Calgary can give way to milder afternoons in Canmore. The GLS 450's four-zone climate control system addresses this variability by allowing front passengers, second-row passengers, and rear passengers to set their own temperatures independently.

This system eliminates the common complaint of back-seat passengers being too cold or too warm. Each zone operates independently, so the driver can stay cool while passengers in the rear stay warm. For families with young children or elderly passengers, this level of control makes every trip more comfortable.

GLS 450 vs. GLS 580: Comparing the Lineup

The GLS 450 offers a well-balanced combination of power and efficiency. While the GLS 580 delivers greater acceleration and standard AMG wheels, the GLS 450 provides all the capability most families need without the additional fuel consumption of a V8.

Technology and Safety for Mountain Driving

The GLS 450 includes advanced driver assistance systems designed to reduce fatigue and enhance safety on long highway stretches. PRE-SAFE prepares the cabin for impact by adjusting seats and tensioning seat belts in the moments before a collision.

Optional DISTRONIC cruise control adapts speed to traffic conditions and can even adjust for upcoming curves in your navigation route. Active Steering Assist helps maintain lane position, reducing driver effort during extended highway drives.

The standard 360-degree camera system simplifies parking and manoeuvring in tight mountain village parking lots. The "Transparent Hood" display uses exterior cameras to show a virtual view of the terrain beneath the front of the vehicle—useful when navigating steep driveways or uneven off-road trails.

Interior Refinement and Versatility

The GLS 450 cabin features leather seating across all three rows, with power-adjustable front seats that include memory, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The steering wheel and front armrests are heated as well—small details that matter during early-morning departures.

A standard panoramic sunroof spans the length of the cabin, bringing natural light to all three rows. The power mesh shade can be deployed when needed, and the roof automatically closes if rain is detected.

Ambient lighting with 64 selectable colours allows you to customize the cabin atmosphere. Twin 12.3-inch displays—one for instrumentation and one for multimedia—provide clear, reconfigurable information at a glance.

Dimensions and Practicality

The GLS 450's 3,135 mm wheelbase contributes to a spacious interior without sacrificing manoeuvrability. The turning circle measures 12.5 m wall-to-wall, making parking and U-turns manageable despite the vehicle's size.

Ground clearance and suspension tuning provide confident handling on snow-covered roads and gravel access routes. The self-levelling AIRMATIC suspension adjusts ride height and damping based on load and driving conditions, maintaining composure from solo trips to full passenger loads.

Your Next Mountain Adventure Starts Here

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATIC SUV is built for families who refuse to compromise on comfort during long winter drives. With three rows of seating, four-zone climate control, and the capability to handle Alberta's toughest road conditions, it's a vehicle designed for the realities of mountain living.

Visit our team at Mercedes-Benz Country Hills in Calgary to experience the GLS 450 firsthand. Schedule a test drive and discover how this SUV transforms your weekend escapes into effortless journeys.