Mercedes-Benz GLS finally revealed

The Mercedes-Benz GLS has received a major facelift and now carries its new nomenclature as the flagship SUV in the Mercedes range. The GLS gets a front fascia update which includes new headlights, LED DRLs, a chunkier more imposing double-slat grille and a minor update to the bumper. The rear gets taillamp cluster rearrangement and a few subtle tweaks. The GLS also receives a new set of alloy wheels.

The interior gets that new standalone 8-inch infotainment screen we’ve seen recently in the GLE. Also new is the touchpad and the three-spoke steering wheel covered in Nappa leather. There are a new gamut of safety systems as well carried over to the GLS - standard Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Crosswind Assist, Attention Assist, PRE-SAFE, Brake Assist, cruise control, ESP and electronic AWD traction system with 4ETS. Add to that is a long list of optional safety features as well.

A new V8 bi-turbo engine in the top of the line GLS550 4Matic brings its output up to 455PS and 699Nm. Power has gone up by about 20PS to the outgoing model. The 3.0-litre V6 in the GLS450 4Matic makes 367PS and 500Nm while the manic GLS63 AMG gets an extra 28PS out now. It makes 585PS of power and 760Nm of torque. The diesel engine option is the GLS350d, the same one we sampled recently in the GLE. The 3.0-litre V6 unit develops 258PS and 616Nm in the GLS.

All variants expect the GLS63 AMG get the new 9-speed automatic gearbox as well. There is also the option of a low range configuration and a central difflock. Mercedes hasn’t introduced it in the GLE in India so we will have to see if the GLS gets it or not. Expect the facelifted GLS in the first half of 2016.