Touted as the S-Class of SUVs, the Mercedes-Benz GLS is the new name for the GL-Class under the company’s new nomenclature
Mercedes-Benz is launching its luxury SUV, the GLS, in the country tomorrow, 18th May. Sitting at the top of the German carmaker’s SUV food chain, the GLS is the replacement to the GL-Class under Mercedes-Benz’s new naming scheme and comes with many new features over its predecessor, along with subtle design changes on the exterior. The engine, however, remains the same as the one on the GL 350d.
Not that that makes the GLS a slouch, though, not by any margin. In its 350d guise, the 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine churns out 255PS of max power and 620Nm of peak torque. The engine is mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox that channels power to all four wheels via Mercedes’ ‘4MATIC’ all-wheel-drive system. We reckon Mercedes will be plonking a petrol unit in the GLS soon too, considering the blanket ban on diesel vehicles in the NCR.
Visually, the GLS gets a redesigned front fascia with a new twin slat grille sporting a larger three-pointed star. The redesigned headlamp now incorporates LED daytime running lights. The front and rear bumpers have been tweaked; there are new body colours, and the alloy wheels are of a different design. Overll, the basic silhouette of the SUV remains unchanged and only subtle changes can be found on the exterior.
Things have changed a bit more on the inside, with the GLS getting a standalone tablet-sized 8-inch screen with touchpad control on the centre console, which will replace the integrated display found in the outgoing model. It functions as the one-stop source for audio, navigation, the reverse camera display, and various menus that help set the car up. A new 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel covered in Nappa leather also comes in the GLS. The GLS will also flaunt Dynamic Select that provides five driving modes that can be selected according to the terrain. In addition to the currently available comfort, slippery and sport driving modes, the GLS will also feature individual and off-road modes.
Expect the Mercedes-Benz GLS to be priced around the Rs 80 lakh mark when it is launched here tomorrow, pitting it squarely against the likes of the Volvo XC90 and Audi Q7.
Mercedes-Benz GLS Launching tomorrow in India
