Mercedes is set to launch its seven-seat luxury SUV, the GLS, on May 18, 2016. The facelift of the GL- class, the GLS now carries Mercedes’ new naming system that brings its SUVs in line with the corresponding sedans.
In terms of design, changes to the exterior are down to new LED headlamps, a revised grille and revised bumpers. The interiors echo the styling cues of the GLE including a free-standing infotainment system with a touchpad controller, a new three-spoke steering, along with the addition of more features and creature comforts. One of the new inclusions is expected to be a six-mode Dynamic Select drive mode selector with an additional Off-road Plus mode that allows the SUV a wading depth of up to 600mm.
Under the hood, the GLS is expected to carry on using the older GL’s 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, but the seven-speed automatic gearbox is expected to be replaced by the company’s new nine-speed automatic gearbox.
The GLS will now be the range-topping SUV in Mercedes’ line-up and is referred to as the ‘S-class of SUV’s’ by Mercedes. The SUV will be rivalled by the likes of the new Audi Q7 at the bottom end to the Range Rover at the top.