The GLS 450d is a beautiful reminder of why we love straight-six diesels so much!

Diesels have traditionally been workhorses - efficient, torque-rich, and regrettably noisy. But every once in a while, an engine breaks the stereotype, offering an evocative reminder of why we once adored diesels. Mercedes-Benz’s GLS 450d AMG Line is exactly such an exception - one that blends nostalgia with a generous serving of sophistication and AMG swagger. If there were ever an SUV that could turn the genteel act of luxury travel into something a tad more exciting, Mercedes-Benz reckons it's the GLS. Approach the GLS 450d AMG Line, and you're met with unmistakably confident styling cues. It doesn't whisper understated luxury as much as it announces itself with a sophisticated growl. The front end is boldly decked out with AMG’s trademark styling, sports aggressive air intakes and a high-gloss black grille that wouldn’t look out of place on a G-Wagen. Black accents from the Night Package contrast dramatically against the hulking silhouette, giving this refined giant a darker, more assertive presence.

The rear, not to be left out of the drama, sports a diffuser-look insert and chrome accents that straddle the line between sporty elegance and outright intimidation. And those gorgeous 21-inch AMG alloys in high-gloss black? They’re automotive couture, though one can’t help but wonder about the kerb anxiety they might induce on narrow city lanes. But it’s beneath that confident façade where things get truly fascinating. The straight-six diesel, delivering a towering 750Nm of torque, punches with an enthusiasm that evokes genuine nostalgia. Remember when a diesel’s thrust was its ace card, back when you measured respect in torque rather than horsepower? This GLS revives that memory vividly. Press the throttle, and you're thrust forward with an immediate, buttery surge. It is no match for an EV, but it is certainly more satisfying.

Straight-six diesels have long been celebrated for their inherently balanced nature, thanks to the symmetrical alignment of cylinders, which significantly reduces engine vibrations and noise compared to four-cylinder configurations. This refined balance not only improves longevity but also delivers smoother and more linear power delivery. The inherent torque-rich characteristic of straight-six diesels makes them particularly adept at effortlessly handling heavy loads and quick overtakes, translating into an engaging yet relaxed driving experience. It's precisely this blend of refinement, performance, and mechanical harmony that makes straight-six diesels so distinctively appealing.

Surprisingly, the GLS 450d’s engine doesn't announce itself with the typical diesel rattle and clatter. Instead, there's a smooth, almost petrol-like burble, reminiscent of a performance-tuned V6 rather than a utilitarian diesel. Close your eyes - figuratively, please, or from the luxurious rear seats - and you would swear you were in something far sportier. It's a soundtrack befitting of the AMG badge, and it makes a mournful statement about what we stand to lose as diesel engines fade from view. The driving experience is amplified by the brilliantly calibrated AIRMATIC suspension with adaptive damping, delivering an impeccable balance of comfort and dynamic composure. It manages to straddle the contradictory worlds of Mumbai’s pothole-laden streets and glass-smooth highways with almost suspicious ease. The car doesn't get a Sport mode, though! Which means no matter how much that engine sound urges you to push harder, the GLS still turns like a whale.

Inside, Mercedes ensures luxury hasn't taken a back seat to performance antics. Mercedes has taken a few pages from its own Maybach playbook, adding extended cushioning, acoustic-laminated windows, and even electric sunblinds - perfect for hiding from paparazzi or simply blocking out the summer glare. The rear seats are practically begging you to let someone else drive, featuring 11.6-inch entertainment screens, a removable MBUX tablet, and even a chauffeur package for lounging in stretched-out comfort. Ironically, though, the massage functions are missing from the package!

Audiophiles will appreciate the Burmester surround system's audio tuning, complete with Dolby Atmos, turning your morning commute into a private concert. Mercedes knows its clientele, after all, why simply drive when you can arrive bathed in sound and splendour? And if you don’t mind messing your hair a bit and want to keep your music choices private, there are the stunning headphones too.

Tech-wise, the GLS AMG Line isn't skimping. The ADAS Level 2 with Driving Assistance Package complements the long list of safety tech. The 360-degree parking camera setup is your personal spotter, along with the Transparent Bonnet, which cleverly keeps you from accidentally remodelling speed bumps into speed flats. Despite all the sporty embellishments, this GLS doesn't stray far from its luxurious roots. There's the kind of scrupulous comfort you’d expect from Mercedes: climatised seats that graciously cool your back in sweltering traffic, five-zone climate control to prevent family feuds, and seats so cosseting that Mumbai’s notorious potholes fade into mere suggestions. Verdict So, what exactly is the GLS AMG Line? Is it a luxury cruiser with sporty pretensions, or an AMG with softened edges? Frankly, it’s both. It's the GLS you buy when you've outgrown the shouting match of full-fat AMGs but aren't quite ready to hang up your driving gloves for Maybach-level softness. It sits confidently in the middle, unapologetic about its dual identity.

And then it's a stylish salute to diesel’s golden age, cleverly disguised as a contemporary luxury cruiser. It's the sort of car you’ll buy not only for what it does superbly today but for the nostalgic grin it’ll evoke every time you floor it tomorrow. Diesel might be dwindling, but this GLS ensures it goes out not with a whimper, but with an unforgettable, AMG-tuned roar.