The revised exterior and luxurious interior clearly underscore the impressive character of the GLS. Outside, the focus has been placed on a redesign of the front, while the rear has been modernised primarily in the area of the bumper and tail lights. Eye-catching highlights in the interior include: the newly designed instrument panel with semi-integrated Media Display, the new 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel, and the modified centre console with the innovative touchpad. Once again the dimensions of the GLS bear witness to its full-size format, and form the best possible basis for providing its seven passengers with a generous amount of space:
| Length | 5130 mm |
| Width | 1934 mm |
| Height | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3075 mm |
The new GLS reflects harmony and modern luxury to impressive effect. Chrome-look details such as the roof rails, underbody protection, beltline trim strips, luggage compartment handle and side sill trim create attractive highlights.
The model range
The entry level GLS 350 d, offers an outstanding value proposition for customers. Utilising an efficient 3.0L V6 diesel engine, the vehicle produces 190 kW and 620 Nm, and is coupled with a 9G-TRONIC transmission. In addition to the efficient new transmission, which arrives as standard on all non-AMG models, the new GLS now arrives with COMAND Online navigation, Apple CarPlayTM, an LED Intelligent Light System, DYNAMIC SELECT with 5 driving modes, and 20” 10-Spoke wheels, over the previous model.
Enhancing the value in this variant, the GLS 350 d Sport incorporates a newly designed AMG Line Exterior, ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM with active roll stabilisation, Tyre pressure monitoring system and metallic paint as standard. In addition, Nappa Leather, an AMG Line Interior and 21” AMG wheels arrive as standard equipment over the previous generation’s model.
Producing a maximum output of 335kW and 700Nm from its 4.7L V8 engine, the GLS 500 produces powerful and dynamic driving capabilities in conjunction with the 9G-TRONIC transmission, and 4MATIC all-wheel drive. In addition to the equipment arriving on the GLS 350 d models, the GLS 500 adds even greater value to the range including: a panoramic glass electric sunroof with slide/tilt function, Luxury Front Seats with heating and ventilation, Heated second row seats, an Anti-theft protection package and a Digital TV tuner.
Completing the range, the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 continues the ‘One man, One Engine’ philosophy from Mercedes-AMG to deliver outstanding performance: accelerating from 0-100km/h in just 4.6 seconds. The AMG GLS 63 produces 430 kW of power and 760 Nm of torque from its 5.5L V8 engine. The performance oriented AMG variant also gains further specification over the GLS 500 including an AMG Driver’s package (top speed increased to 270 kph), 4MATIC all-wheel drive with 40:60 rear bias, DYNAMIC SELECT including Sport+ driving mode, 22” AMG Wheels, AMG Sports Suspension, an AMG High Performance Brake system, Power closing doors and an AIR-BALANCE package.
Luxury liner with outstanding inner values
Accompanying the high exterior design quality is the revised interior which underscores the first-class claim of the GLS. The interior boasts what is an S-Class standard among SUVs. Furthermore, up to seven passengers are able to enjoy an outstanding level of spaciousness. Like its predecessor, the new GLS boasts ample elbow and headroom in all three seat rows. With its diverse adjustment options, the centre seat row enables a high degree of flexibility in the interior, including a cargo position for optimum use of the luggage compartment. This provides a volume of 680 to 2300 litres. In addition, the GLS offers a maximum load compartment length of 2124 mm and a payload capacity of up to 805 kg.
Maximum safety for seven passengers
The equipment level of the new GLS in the area of active safety underscores Mercedes-Benz’s high standards when it comes to assisting the driver. Driver assistance systems fitted as standard include: COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, Crosswind Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST, DISTRONIC PLUS with Stop&Go Pilot, PRE-SAFE® Brake with pedestrian detection, BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, PRE‑SAFE® PLUS, PRE-SAFE® Brake and the electronic all-wheel drive traction system 4ETS. Optimal protection potential is provided by the passive occupant protection systems together with the “electronic crumple zones” of the assistance systems and the intelligent body design. Adaptive, two-stage airbags for driver and front passenger, kneebag for the driver and front passenger (combined thorax/pelvisbags) and windowbags across all three seat rows are also part of the standard specification, among other features.
Night-time vision is improved by the standard LED Intelligent Light System, while the heated adaptive windscreen wiper system with purposeful, efficient water distribution (Standard on the AMG GLS 63).
Comprehensive stability: DYNAMIC SELECT, AIRMATIC with enhanced ADS and ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM
With DYNAMIC SELECT, the new GLS provides up to six transmission modes. In addition to the settings COMFORT, SLIPPERY and SPORT, with the DYNAMIC SELECT Controller in the centre console, the driver can additionally choose INDIVIDUAL or the OFF-ROAD mode for light terrain. If the GLS model is equipped with the optional Off-Road Engineering package, the OFF-ROAD+ mode is also available. With this, the low-range gearbox and centre differential lock also intervene if necessary in order to ensure a high degree of driveability in demanding off-road terrain. This is further boosted by the expanded functions of the AIRMATIC air suspension with raised ride heights for a ground clearance of up to 306 millimetres and thus a fording depth of up to 600 millimetres.
Apart from the ground-breaking powertrain configuration, the retuned AIRMATIC air suspension with further advanced ADS damping characteristics guarantees extremely stable handling. The damping system changes its priorities depending on the preselected DYNAMIC SELECT mode. SPORT focuses on the greatest possible lateral dynamics with the best possible ride quality. Conversely, COMFORT mode enables maximum ride quality with the best possible dynamics.
The optional active roll stabilisation ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM uses active anti-roll bars on the front and rear axle and reduces the roll angle of the body during cornering. Better driving comfort both when cornering and on straights and extended off-road capabilities are also part of the advantages of the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM.
Completely modernised SUV family from Mercedes-Benz
With the new GLS, Mercedes-Benz now offers the newest and most comprehensive premium SUV range ever. The portfolio now extends from the compact GLA and the all-new GLC, to the successful GLE and GLE Coupé, the new GLS, and the grandfather of all Mercedes-Benz SUVs, the iconic G-Class.
Launching in April 2016, the exciting new GLS range is now available to order. The manufacturer’s recommended list price is as follows:
- GLS 350 d 4MATIC – $116,900 (MRLP)
- GLS 350 d 4MATIC Sport – $135,900 (MRLP)
- GLS 500 4MATIC – $161,900 (MRLP)
- AMG GLS 63 4MATIC – $217,900 (MRLP)
Important note – The price detailed in this document is the current Manufacturer’s Recommended List Price (MRLP) for the GLS range.
As you may be aware, the MRLP includes GST and any LCT applicable to the base / standard specification model but EXCLUDES DEALER DELIVERY AND ALL ON ROAD COSTS such as, for example, registration fees, stamp duty, CTP and the like.