Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS Design

The Mercedes-Benz GLS is easily one of the largest cars ever produced by Daimler. But despite its mammoth footprint, Mercedes has managed to disguise its hefty size with a more athletics design cues which no doubt inspired by the sleeker-looking Mercedes-Benz GLE. The imposing upright front grille, that is becoming a hallmark of Mercedes SUVs, is punctuated by the 3-pointed stars, flanked by a twin chromed louvre that resembles an old-school bi-wing airplane. 

Marking its status as a true range-topping model, the car is fitted with Multibeam LED headlights with incorporated three daytime running light sections, similar to the ones fitted to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, with 112 diodes on each side. AMG Line exterior package also brings along an aggressively styled lower bumper with slated side intakes and skid plate, diffuser-like chrome elements at the rear that encompasses the twin exhaust finishers, aluminium running boards with rubber studs, and a panoramic sunroof.

Along the side, you will find squared-off wheel arches, accompanied by a more subtle body contours and cleaner body lines than before. Pronounced shoulder haunches accentuates its muscular form, and alloy wheels of up to 23-inches in size further exemplify its imposing stance. At the rear, the broad two-piece LED lamps get three-dimensional blocks which are again draws its inspiration from the Mercedes-Benz GLE.

Mercedes-Benz GLS Dimension

The third generation X167 Mercedes-Benz GLS measures 77 mm longer, 22 mm wider, and 27 mm lower than its predecessor. While its impressive 3,135 mm wheelbase is 60 mm longer than before. To put that into perspective, it is 56 mm longer than the already massive BMW X7 and just 39 mm shorter than a long-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz S-Class. 

Mercedes-Benz GLS Interior

The cabin is lifted virtually wholesale off the Mercedes-Benz GLE. The dashboard is dominated by the dual 12.3-inch widescreen display, one acting as the driver’s instrument display while the other for controlling the MBUX infotainment system. They are mounted to an octagonal shaped vented structure as opposed to free standing ones seen on most compact cars from Mercedes-Benz.

Squared out quad central air vents mimic the 3D block signatures seen in the rear LED lamps, and they are positioned on top of the extended centre console which houses a pair of integrated grab handles. Nappa leather steering is fitted as standard, along with AMG floor mat, Artico man made leather upholstery, and an interior chrome package with high-gloss anthracite lime wood trim.

Both the Mercedes-Benz GLE and the Mercedes-Benz GLB may also have seven seats, but the Mercedes-Benz GLS is the only Mercedes SUV that can comfortably accommodate seven full-sized adults. Mercedes claims that the rearmost two seats can fit adults of up to 1.94 metres tall, with the second row slid as far forwards as possible.

Easy-Entry function allows easy access to the third row with just a push a button to get the second row to fold and move forward for easier ingress and egress. Additionally, to access the whopping 2,400 litre maximum cargo capacity, both the second- and third-row benches can be folded down electronically by dedicated controls in the boot. These controls also allow you to lower the car by approximately 50 mm via the air suspension for a more accessible load floor.

Mercedes-Benz GLS Features

Like most top-of-the-range Mercedes-Benz today, the Mercedes-Benz GLS comes equipped as standard with the latest Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, accessible via the 12.3-inch touchscreen display, dedicated media buttons, touch control button on the steering wheel, touchpad on the centre console, gesture control, or the ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice command function.

Second row occupants get two dedicated 11.6-inch MBUX rear-seat entertainment system, fitted to the back of the front seats. Burmester high-end 3D surround sound system is standard, along with two wireless headsets for the rear-seat entertainment system. Other available functions include a wireless charger for devices, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and Mercedes Me connected services, which is accessible via the onboard LTE communications module.

Creature comfort like the Thermotronic four-zone climate control with rear air vents, power adjustable seats (all seven seats) with memory function for the front occupants, powered sun blind and powered panoramic sunroof are also available as standard.

The adaptive Multibeam LED headlamps technology employs individually controllable LEDs in each headlamp to adapt to the prevailing driving situation, optimally lighting up your field of vision without dazzling on any oncoming traffic, much like Audi’s Matrix LED technology.

In terms of safety and driver assistance tech, the Mercedes flagship SUV comes equipped with a comprehensive safety system which include the Mercedes-Benz’s Pre-Safe system, Keyless-Go, Easy-Pack tailgate with hands-free access, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic, a 360-degree camera, exit warning function, Magic Vision Control wipers and a tyre pressure monitoring system. 

Driving assistant package brings along a whole host of advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) which include Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Steering Assist, Active Braking Assist, and Active Lane Keeping Assist among other advanced functions. 

Mercedes-Benz GLS Driving Performance

Engine

Mercedes-Benz’s flagship SUV is powered by a M256 3.0 litre turbocharged straight-six engine that churns out 367 PS from 5,500 RPM and 500 Nm of torque from 1,600 RPM. The internal combustion engine is augmented by a 48-volt mild hybrid system consisting of a starter-alternator, which provides a further 22 PS and 250 Nm over short periods via an EQ Boost function. 

The combined performance results in a 0-100 km/h time of 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 246 km/h. The same application can also be found in the Mercedes-Benz S 450 4Matic and the Mercedes-Benz CLS450 4Matic.

Transmission

Drive is sent to all four wheels via a 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission through Mercedes-Benz’ proprietary 4Matic all-wheel drive system, which can send up to 100% of torque to each axle, maximizing traction for improved safety and agility. A new off-road transfer case with a low-range gearbox is also available.

Mercedes-Benz GLS Ride Comfort

We expect no less than a near perfect ride quality from a Mercedes-Benz and the Mercedes-Benz GLS’s superior ride comfort certainly do not disappoint thanks to the onboard E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL system. 

The fully active Airmatic air suspension system with Adaptive Damping System Plus (ADS Plus) is designed to compensate for pitch, roll and shocks, both on and off roads, to deliver not only a refined and comfortable ride quality, but also precise and dynamic car control that is simply unmatched by other rivals in its class.  

Mercedes-Benz GLS Conclusion

It should come as no surprise that the Mercedes-Benz’s flagship SUV is excellent in everything it is designed to do. The SUV equivalent to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is no doubt a massive car both inside and out, but the fact you can fit two full-sized adults in the third row comfortably, and more importantly, in complete luxury, with cargo spaces to spare is truly commendable. 

Compared to the more shouty design of its closest rival, the BMW X7, the Mercedes-Benz GLS appears unassuming and understated in its nature, and just like the Mercedes-Benz S Class, it remains the undisputed benchmark in its segment.