LIKE the GL before it, the new GLS is setting standards in the world of SUV as it confirms its position as the “S-Class among SUVs”. Being the full-fledged seven-seater in the Mercedes-Benz SUV range, the GLS boasts ample spaciousness and combines luxury with impressive levels of comfort, agile dynamics and also best-in-class safety. Whether put to everyday use or venturing off the beaten track - the GLS meets all requirements effortlessly and comfortably. More power, more dynamism and more equipment are also offered by the new Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4MATIC. With a peak output of 430 kW (585 hp), discrete suspension and the revised AMG Speedshift Plus 7g-Tronic Transmission, it is the fastest seven seater in the world.
“Effortless superiority, confidence and elegance are just some of the characteristics of the new GLS. Compared with its predecessor, the new GLS demonstrates more dominance and character. It has been thoroughly updated and features a host of further advanced detail solutions. The result is a premium full-sized luxury SUV with seven seats, generous space and a great ride quality under all conditions both on and off the road. The GLS is the car for those who strive for perfection in everything they do. It is the car for the modern family as well as for drivers who demand space, comfort and power. We are confident that customers in the Middle East will love this car as much as they did its predecessor,” said Dirk Fetzer, Vice President & Director of Sales and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East & Levant.
A new, dynamic exterior and revised, luxurious interior clearly underscore the impressive character of the GLS. On the exterior, the focus has been placed on a redesign of the front end, while the rear has been modernized primarily in the area of the bumper and taillights. Eye-catching highlights in the interior include the newly designed instrument panel with semi-integrated Media Display, the new 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel, the modified centre console with touchpad and also the new appointment colours and trim elements.
New exterior design and equipment lines
The new GLS reflects harmony and modern luxury to impressive effect. Chrome-look details such as the roof rails, underguard, shoulderline trim strips, luggage compartment handle and side skirt trim create attractive highlights.
Those after a sporty look can select the AMG Line exterior, comprising specific front and rear aprons, side running boards, side flaps painted in the vehicle colour and 53.3 cm (up-to 22-inch) AMG light-alloy wheels. Even more exclusivity is created with the Night package which is available in conjunction with this design and equipment line.
Luxury liner with outstanding inner values
Accompanying the high exterior design quality is the revised interior, which underscores the first-class standards of the GLS. Like its predecessor, the new GLS boasts ample elbow and headroom in all three-seat rows.
Individual highlights can be created in the GLS interior with the help of, for example, the wood/leather multifunction steering wheel, the ambient lighting featuring three colour shades or the wide range of generously proportioned trim elements on the instrument panel and door panels with coordinated retractable cup holder covers.
In addition to ambient lighting as well as trim elements in black piano lacquer or a variety of wood trim, the optional EXCLUSIVE design and equipment line also provides five attractive interior colour concepts, exclusively in genuine leather: black, ginger beige / espresso brown, saddle brown / black, crystal grey / black or ginger beige / black.
In the case of the designo Exclusive package, the overall impression of refinement is further heightened by heated comfort seats in the front with upholstery in designo nappa leather as well as characteristic diamond quilting. A distinctively sporty note comes courtesy of the AMG Line interior. It comprises, for the first time for the GLS, sports seats in nappa leather, a 3 spoke multifunction sports steering wheel in a black nappa leather finish, graduated instrument dials in a chequered flag look and brushed stainless steel sports pedals with rubber studs.
The equipment level of the new GLS in the area of active safety underscores Mercedes-Benz’s high standards when it comes to taking the strain off the driver. Driver assistance systems fitted as standard include Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Crosswind Assist and attention assist, for example.
Other systems available as standard on the GLS also include: the Pre-Safe system, Brake Assist BAS, the electronic all-wheel drive traction system 4ETS, ESP with Curve Dynamic Assist, cruise control with variable Speedtronic speed limiter and the steering assist function Steer Control.
Night-time vision is improved by the optionally available LED Intelligent Light System, while adverse weather conditions resulting in impaired visibility are defused by Magic Vision Control, the heated adaptive windscreen wiper system with purposeful, efficient water distribution.
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 easy 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 center 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 extended functions of the AIRMATIC air suspension with raised ride heights for a ground clearance of up to 306 millimeters and thus a fording depth of up to 600 millimeters.
In addition to the ground-breaking powertrain configuration, the retuned Airmatic air suspension with enhanced ADS damping characteristics guarantees extremely stable driving. The damping system changes its priorities depending on the preselected Dynamic Select mode. The optional active roll stabilization 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.
