The new Mercedes-Benz GLS has been spotted testing at Nürburgring, ahead of its anticipated public debut later this year. The range-topping, heavyweight SUV sports a design similar to that of the smaller new GLE, which is also due later this year.
The GLS’ significantly larger scale is emphasised by its boxier rear section, although part of this is due to cladding applied to the development car to hide its design.
Like the current GLS, the next-gen car will share many parts with the S-class luxury saloon, including its powertrains. The S-class has six and eight-cylinder turbocharged petrol engines, a six-cylinder turbo-diesel and a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid, so expect a similar line-up with the GLS. At the top of the range will be a GLS 63 with AMG’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 powerplant, likely with the same 620hp on offer as in the S 63.
Much of the SUV’s in-car tech will also be carried across from the S-class, including its highly advanced autonomous features. The 2017 S-class introduced Mercedes’ latest Distronic Active Proximity Control and Active Steer Assist systems, which can automatically accelerate and brake the car within posted speed limits while providing autonomous steering for periods of up to 30sec.