In episode 4 of our “Last Forgotten Off-Roader” series with our 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450 4MATIC with the super-rare off-road package, we put it up against its 2024 version, the GLS 450 4MATIC, but without the off-road package. From the outside, the basic shape has remained the same. The luxurious interior room has remained roughly the same, although the new GLS is five inches longer. Let’s see how they compare where it counts.
The 4.6-liter naturally aspirated aluminum V8 on the 17-year-old Benz has proven to be one of the more reliable and smooth engines MB produced from the aughts. Good for 300-plus hp, it still pulls strong after all these years. It’s everything else around it that’s the problem. The list starts with the air suspension (replaced), steering system (replaced), and power liftgate motor (replaced). All told, the original owner sunk some $27,000 into this GL to keep it in near-mint condition, then sold it to us for $8,000. Our only upgrades were a set of new BF Goodrich Trail Terrain T/A tires to match our GL’s off-roading bonafides.
The new Benz gets a 3.0-liter turbo inline 6 mild-hybrid powertrain, which maxes out at 375 hp and 369 ft-lb. torque. Acceleration gets a hand from a 48-volt EQ hybrid motor, which also helps deliver roughly 6-7 mpg better than the 2008 GL. The new mill is even smoother than the V8 and faster, a result you expect after 17 years of German engineering evolution. What’s lacking? The GLS lacks the off-roading chops of its GL cousin: a low-speed transfer case and a center- and rear-locking differential. It does, however, come with adjustable height thanks to air suspension. Oddly, the new GLS, spec’d from Mercedes-Benz North America came to us rolling on $ 3,250 worth of AMG 21-inch wheels and 315/40 R21 snow tires.
The off-road comparison
As expected, no traction-control tech can beat center- and rear-locking diffs coupled with a low-speed transfer case. The V8-powered GL crawled easily through the Trenches at the onX Off-Road Course at Tumbleweed Ranch. This test of articulation and traction keeps two wheels off the ground while climbing a steep, short hill. The new BF Goodrich AT tires helped considerably.
The new GLS has an “Off-Road” mode that jacks up the suspension height and modulates throttle response, gear shifts, and traction control. But that’s it. And, to be honest, that’s all it needs. Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive system is one of the best. So the GLS struggled through Trenches relative to the older GL, but it still made it without much trouble thanks to its torque-vectoring system that pushes power to the wheel with traction. The knobby snow tires helped with plenty of grip. We did like the 360-degree cameras, though. They added a reassuring sense of relief. No worries about bashing this $92,000 luxury SUV into a rock, bush, or tree and scratching it.
So, which Mercedes-Benz should you buy: Old (and cheap) or new?
All things being equal, our 17-year-old GL would cost $109,405 today, which is a heck of a lot more than the $92,000 of this new GLS. In terms of luxury, ride, and the off-roading goodies in that old Benz, it’s held up okay for a car with 122,000 miles on it. That depreciation, though, oof. To see what Tommy thinks, click on the video below.
