Mercedes-Benz took advantage of the New York Motor Show to unveil the new GLS . Based on the MHA platform (the same as the GLE), the GLS is larger than its predecessor — 77 mm longer and 22 mm wider —, measuring 5207 mm in length and 1956 mm in width.
Aesthetically, the GLS doesn't hide the similarities with the “younger brother”, the GLE, yet the enormous dimensions of the new SUV from Stuttgart make it not go unnoticed (nor be confused with the smaller GLE).
Inside the new GLS the highlight goes to the two 12.3” screens. One serves as the instrument panel while the other serves as the infotainment system. Speaking of infotainment, the GLS now has the MBUX system that can either be controlled via the touchscreen or voice controls. Already the rotary command between the seats gave way to a touchpad.
Space is not lacking
With seven seats (all of them with electronic adjustment), if there's one thing the GLS doesn't lack, it's space. Thanks to a wheelbase of 3135 mm (60 mm more than its predecessor), passengers in the second row of seats saw their legroom increase by 87 mm, and those traveling in the third row also had more space.
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For now, Mercedes-Benz has not yet revealed figures for the capacity of the luggage compartment with the second and third rows of seats fitted, only stating that the maximum load capacity of the GLS stands at an impressive 2400 l of capacity.
Engines? Mild-hybrid and Diesel
The Mercedes-Benz GLS will feature two petrol engines and a Diesel option available in two power levels. Common to all GLS engines is the association with a nine-speed automatic gearbox and the latest version of the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. An off-road pack including gearboxes will also be available.
Both petrol engines use a mild-hybrid 48 V system equipped with a generator engine capable of offering (in case of acceleration) an EQ Boost mode. extra 250 Nm of torque and 22 hp of power. At the same time, the engine-generator is also capable of energy recovery.
The gasoline offer is divided between the GLS 450 4MATIC and the GLS 580 4MATIC. The first will not be available in Europe and uses an in-line six-cylinder with 367 hp and 500 Nm. As for the second, it uses a 4.0 l V8 with 489 hp and 700 N m, with announced consumptions between 9.8 and 10 l/100 km and emissions between 224 and 229 g/km.
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The Diesel offer is divided between the GLS 350 d 4MATIC and the GLS 400 d 4MATIC with six cylinders in line to be presented 286 hp and 600 Nm in the less powerful version and 330 hp and 700 Nm in the most powerful version. As for consumption and emissions, these are between 7.6 and 7.9 l/100 km (in both versions) and 200 to 208 g/km (201 to 208 g/km in the GLS 400 d 4MATIC ).
Security on the rise
As might be expected, safety was not neglected and Mercedes-Benz equipped the GLS with a series of safety equipment and driving aids. Thus, the GLS counts as a series with systems such as the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC (an adaptive cruise control) and the Active Stop-and-Go Assist.
As standard, the GLS also has the Airmatic suspension, and as an option it can be equipped with the intelligent E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension that adapts the damping to the road conditions.
Produced in the United States, the GLS is expected to arrive on the European market by the end of the year, but the prices of the new Mercedes-Benz SUV are not yet known. For 2020, the AMG versions are expected.