Mercedes-Benz has finally revealed its top-of-the-line seven-seat luxury SUV, the GLS. As per the latest naming system at Mercedes, the GLS serves as a successor to the GL-class and aims at delivering luxury levels at par with the benchmark S-class saloon.
Stylistic revisions remain minor, both on the exteriors and interiors. The exteriors get revised bumpers, a new twin-blade grill with an oversized three-pointed star and new alloy wheels. Interiors of the GLS receive treatment similar to that seen on the recently launched GLE in India, replete with the floating infotainment screen and touchpad control between the seats. The familiar multi-function three-spoke steering wheel is also included. A new addition comes in the form of a six-mode Dynamic Select system instead of the five-mode system seen on the GLE. It now features an extra Off-road Plus mode, besides the Comfort, Slippery, Sport, Individual and Off-Road modes, that gives the SUV a wading depth of up to 600mm.
The petrol engine line-up on the GLS includes a 328bhp 3.0-litre V6, a 449bhp 4.7-litre V8, and of course, the 5.5-litre twin-turbocharged V8 found in the GL AMG available here. It produces a massive 557bhp; 27bhp over the current engine. The GLS carries over the 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine and the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel-drive system from the GL-class and now, also features the new nine-speed automatic transmission. The AMG variant though, still comes mated to the seven-speed G-tronic transmission. Other changes to the underpinnings include an upgraded Airmatic suspension and hydraulically operated anti-roll bars.
The Mercedes-Benz GLS will go against the Range Rover and the upcoming Bentayga when it goes on sale in 2016. It is expected to hit our roads by late 2016.