The GLS, like the GL-Class claims to be the “S-Class among SUVs.” Unveiled ahead of its official debut at the LA Auto Show, the GLS is claimed by Mercedes-Benz to be the only full-fledged seven-seater in the European premium SUV segment.
In its newest avatar, the GLS features stylistic changes on the outside, feature additions to the cabin, along with introduction of new engine and transmission systems. It’s quite a comprehensive upgrade, and we are here to tell you all about it.
Design and style
The new GLS is a massive machine, just like its predecessor, and stands at 202 inches long, 80.9 inches wide and 72.8 inches tall with a wheelbase of 121 inches. Changes to the exterior include a fascia which is a nod to the new S- and C-Class in accordance with M-B’s new design language. Chrome details such as the roof rails, under-guard, shoulder line trim strips, luggage compartment handle and side skirt trim create other attractive highlights.
In addition to the regular trim, the Sport exterior, available on the GLS550, features more muscular appearance comprising unique front and rear aprons, side running boards, side flaps painted in the vehicle color and 21-inch AMG light-alloy wheels.
Additional individualization options come in the form of a variety of standard and metallic paint finishes. There are two special editions in designo Diamond White and, new for the GLS, designo Cardinal Red. On top of this there is a comprehensive range of new light-alloy wheels featuring a variety of designs.
Engines and transmissions
The engines across the GL-range have been tweaked for better performance on the GLS.
There’s the powerful GLS500 4MATIC with V8 biturbo engine with 455 hp, some 20 hp more than the preceding model, and peak torque of 700NM.
The GLS450 4MATIC with the 3.0-liter V6 biturbo engine, gets 362 hp and 500NM of torque.
The diesel range starts with the GLS350d 4MATIC with its 3.0-liter V6 diesel producing 255 hp of power and 616 NM of torque.
All the non-AMG engine will be mated with the nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission as standard, optionally in combination with low-range gearbox and center differential lock.
The top of the line, AMG version, the Mercedes-AMG GLS63 now gets 577 hp, over 27 horsepower more than its predecessor, and peak torque of 760Nm at a low 1,750 rpm.
Interior
In addition to a claimed ‘full-comfort’ for seven passengers inside the cabin, the new GLS offers a high degree of flexibility in the interior, including a cargo position for optimum use of the luggage compartment.
Other interior highlights include a new 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel in nappa leather and a newly designed instrument panel with color Media Display. Options available for the new GLS also include an air ionization system for even better interior air quality.
Customizations on the inside can be made in the form of wood/leather multifunction steering wheel or ambient lighting featuring three color shades. There is also a wide range of trim elements available for the instrument panel and door panels. The interior also gets the optional latest generation of COMAND Online, including an 8-inch color Media Display as well as an intuitive touchpad.
“Mercedes connect me” service includes automatic emergency call, Accident Recovery, and after-sales service. The Remote Online services (standard with COMAND online and free for the first five years). The new system lets the user access vehicle information from anywhere at all times, including the status of windows and doors, mileage, tire pressures and other diagnostic data.
Safety and security
The GLS gets the regular bevy of the impeccable Mercedes-Benz safety and security systems. Standard driver assistance systems include COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, Crosswind Assist and ATTENTION ASSIST. Other systems available as standard on the GLS include: PRE-SAFE system, Brake Assist BAS, electronic all-wheel drive traction system 4ETS, ESP, and cruise control.
Night-time vision is improved by the optionally available LED Intelligent Light System, new to the GLS. The car also gets the MAGIC VISION CONTROL, the heated adaptive windscreen wiper system which provides optimum water distribution.
With DYNAMIC SELECT, the new GLS provides up to six transmission modes. In addition to the settings COMFORT, SLIPPERY and SPORT, with the DYNAMIC SELECT Controller in the center console, the driver can additionally choose INDIVIDUAL or an OFF-ROAD mode. If the GLS model is equipped with the optional Off-Road Engineering package, OFF-ROAD+ mode is also available. AIRMATIC air suspension can attain a ground clearance of up to 12.5 inches (306 mm) and a fording depth of up to 23.6 inches (600 mm).
Check out a comprehensive image gallery of the new Mercedes-Benz GLS below
