Q.2016 Mercedes Benz GLS 350D Launch in India

Check out this Autocar India review of new the GLS. [video=youtube;t3gVK7Eskqk]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3gVK7Eskqk[/video]

The Mercedes Benz GLS 350D is the kind of SUV you would want to just live in. I mean, seriously live in. Priced at Rs. 80.40 lakh, ex-showroom Pune, the GLS is probably far less expensive and better furnished than a studio apartment in a metro these days. The new GLS is being portrayed as the "S-Class" of SUVs. (The S-Class is Mercedes Benz's top-of-the-line luxury sedan, just in case someone was wondering what that statement meant). Mercedes launched the GLS in New Delhi today, May 18, strangely at a time when it can't sell this vehicle in the NCR region owing to the [B][URL="http://www.zigwheels.com/forum/posts/7331-supreme-court-extends-ban-on-diesel-vehicles-with-engines-over-2000cc"]ban on diesel cars with diesel engines over 2-litres in capacity[/URL][/B]. The company says it is still in talks with the Delhi government and the courts to sort that out, but that's a different story entirely. [B][ATTACH=CONFIG]n10389[/ATTACH][/B] [B]So what's the Mercedes Benz GLS 350D all about? [/B] It's a luxury SUV that blends the comforts of a luxury sedan with the off-road capabilities of an SUV. At the price point it has been launched at, it is just a tad more expensive than the BMW X5 and Audi Q7, but it packs in features that rival even more luxurious SUVs like the Range Rover Sport. The GLS350D is locally assembled at Chakan in India. It comes with a 3-litre V6 diesel engine that puts out 258 bhp of power and 620 Nm of torque through a 9-speed G-Tronic automatic transmission with all-wheel drive. [B]Standout features of the GLS350D[/B] [LIST] [*]V6 2987 cc 6-cylinder diesel engine with 258 bhp power @ 3400 rpm & 620 Nm torque @ 1600-2400 rpm [*]A 0-100 kmph time of 7.8 seconds is not bad for such a behemoth of an SUV [*]9-GTronic - Nine speed automatic transmission [*]Five driving modes: Comfort, Sport, Slippery, Individual and Off-road with 4Matic permanent all-wheel drive system [*]Airmatic air-suspension with adaptive ride control [*]Full LED headlamps with intelligent light system (it automatically detects oncoming traffic and dips beams) [*]Crosswind Assist - where it detects heavy crosswinds and compensates for sideways drag using its ESP system [*]Attention Assist - if you are feeling drowsy, it will sound an alarm and alert you to stop and have a coffee [*]360 degree parking camera - integrates the images from four cameras around the vehicle to give you a complete view of the surroundings, useful in tight parking spots [*]Active Parking Assist - the vehicle will detect and actively steer itself into suitable parking spots [*]Three-zone automatic climate control [*]Panoramic sun-roof [*]Electric seat folding for easy access to third row [*]Temperature controlled cup holders to keep your drink cool (or warm) on the go! [*]Nappa leather all around the interiors [*]Apple Car Play and Garmin Map Pilot (for GPS Navigation) integrated in the "COMAND" infotainment system. [*]Huge 680 litre boot (with 3rd row folded) has enough space even when third row is being used. [/LIST] [B]What I think[/B] The [URL="http://www.zigwheels.com/news-features/news/mercedesbenz-launches-the-new-gls-350d-in-india-at-rs-8040-lakh/25485/"]Mercedes Benz GLS 350D[/URL] will appeal to luxury SUV buyers who want the best of both worlds - an SUV to be chauffeured around in during the week and one that can be driven on a long road trip to the countryside on a weekend. The sheer size and road presence that the Mercedes Benz GLS has makes it more intimidating than the BMW X5 and the Audi Q7, two of its closest rivals. The long feature list it comes with is an added bonus. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n10391[/ATTACH] [B]A closer look at the Mercedes Benz GLS 350D[/B] The sheer size of this SUV at 5130 mm in length, 2141 mm in width (1934 mm without mirrors) and 1850 mm in height with a 3075 mm wheelbase make it really imposing. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n10394[/ATTACH] That Mercedes Benz three-pointer star logo on the grille is getting bigger with every iteration of this G-Series SUV. It's huge and unmistakable. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n10392[/ATTACH] The full LED headlamps feature an intelligent lighting system that automatically detects oncoming traffic and dips the beam. It also provides a different spread of light for different road speeds ensuring better visibility at night. The daytime running lamps are fibre optic and quite bright. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n10393[/ATTACH] A look at the LED tail lamps with fibre optic technology at the rear. The tail-lamps are much larger than the earlier GL series vehicles. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n10405[/ATTACH] Power for the GLS 350D comes from a V6, three-litre diesel engine that puts out 258 bhp of power and 620 Nm of torque. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n10395[/ATTACH] Another quick look at the 3-litre V6 diesel engine (that is apparently Euro 6 ready, and could easily run on Euro 6 diesel, if and when it is offered in India) [ATTACH=CONFIG]n10396[/ATTACH] That engine is mated to Mercedes' 9-G Tronic, nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive system. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n10397[/ATTACH] The GLS 350D rides on 20-inch, 10-spoke alloys with massive 275/50 R20 tyres. It has discs all around with ABS, EBD and ESP. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n10398[/ATTACH] The interiors are done up in Nappa leather. There are three different shades to choose from. The one here is in chocolate brown. Driver and passenger get 10-way electrically adjustable front seats. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n10399[/ATTACH] A look at the electrical seat controls, power window controls, mirror controls and the leather-upholstered door pads. It just oozes luxury. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n10401[/ATTACH] The rear seats are thick and luxurious. They can be folded down with the press of a button to access the third row. Legroom and headroom are generous. They can be reclined as well. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n10400[/ATTACH] A look at the boot and third row of the GLS 350D. Boot space is 680 litres with third row folded. Even with the seats in place, boot space is generous. If you fold even the second row you get a mammoth 2,300 litres of luggage space, almost like a queen-sized bed! [ATTACH=CONFIG]n10402[/ATTACH] Three zone automatic climate control features vents in the middle, on the pillars and in the roof for rear seat passengers. There's no compromise on air flow here. Everyone stays cool. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n10403[/ATTACH] The cockpit of the GLS 350D. While the international edition comes with a few more features such as heated / cooled front seats, this one too has plenty to offer. Paddle shifts for the 9-GTronic, eight airbags for safety, and multiple choice ambient lighting package are standard. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n10404[/ATTACH] The COMAND control centre for the infotainment system is quite intuitive to use. It looks like a large mouse! The dial controls the various Dynamic Select drive modes - Comfort, Sport, Slippery, Individual and Off-road for the 4Matic all-wheel drive system. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n10406[/ATTACH] The COMAND screen. It has Apple Car Play and Garmin Map Pilot for Navigation integrated in it. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n10407[/ATTACH] And finally, a quick look at the six colours that the GLS 350D is available in. I particularly like that blue. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n10408[/ATTACH] What's your take on the Mercedes Benz GLS 350D? Like it, don't like it? Share your thoughts.