The new Mercedes-Benz GLS for many will see it as the class of its sector, an SUV which powerfully continues a tradition of quality and a vehicle which is intuitive to operate, prestigious in appearance and first-class in every detail. The newcomer does embody a contemporary vision of luxury, comfort and digital intelligence and with its “Welcome home.” feeling, which arises from the moment driver and passengers step inside, the door closes and a space of safety, tranquillity and care becomes tangible.
With a new range of engines, the new GLS provides a new, more nimble driving experience; more agile and offering more pulling power on country roads. For maximum assistance, every version is equipped with an impressive array of sensors: ten exterior cameras as well as up to five radar and twelve ultrasonic sensors capture the surroundings with precision. This impressive suite of sensors works together with a powerful control unit running MB.OS, the Mercedes Benz Operating System. This makes the new GLS an intelligent companion with over the air updates to keep the vehicle up to date for years to come.
The display architecture has been completely refreshed with the standard MBUX super screen, this lends the interior a modern aura and makes it appear even more fascinating. With cloud-based damper regulation with AIRMATIC, the vehicle automatically adjusts the damping just before encountering a bump; that will be welcome on some of our roads; this assists in making every journey taken even more comfortable, which will be especially true for passengers in the rear.
There is no shortage of on road presence with the new GLS, with the now upright Mercedes Benz star on the bonnet, which is an established hallmark of the S Class. This gives this newcomer an iconic touch of tradition, prestige and confident performance and this impression is powerfully reinforced by the larger radiator grille, with its striking chrome frame and contour lighting, distinctive chrome fins and the shimmering Mercedes Benz pattern in chrome, the face of the GLS radiates modern luxury and unmistakable presence. This new offering from the giant German carmaker is more than an SUV, you could say it is a statement of contemporary luxury, innovative technology and commanding presence. The engines are designed to meet future emissions standards and deliver the brand’s hallmark high level of noise and vibration comfort. The range topping GLS 580 4MATIC V8-powered model is now also noticeably more agile and the V8 responds more quickly to accelerator inputs, operates more efficiently and delivers its performance more smoothly than before with a rated output increased from 380 to 395 kW and the maximum torque of 750 Nm is available across a wide range from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm. Many who opt for the new GLS will certainly appreciate this V8. For the first time, the two six-cylinder diesel models, the 350d 4MATIC and 450d 4MATIC are equipped with an electrically heated catalyst.
Living with this new Merc, there are trim elements and additional comfort features to significantly enhance the interior and air vents are now round instead of rectangular and provide visual anchors either side of the imposing MBUX Super screen. Atmospheric ambient styles are available as background motifs in a separate app, enhancing the unique effect of the MBUX Super screen. The striking background images offer a wide choice from calm to intense, from cold to warm and from technical to emotional, thus users can create a personal atmosphere in the vehicle. The colour scheme of the instrument cluster, including the dials and ambient lighting, is coordinated with these emotional motifs. Standard comfort seats with new 3D seat graphics and moccasin stitching combine modern aesthetics with a comfortable seating experience. Electric adjustment of the seat cushion depth is now included as standard. Summing up the new GLS is the largest and most luxurious SUV from Mercedes Benz, offering more of everything: more space, more comfort and more luxury.
Ian Lynas