The appearance of the updated Mercedes-Benz GLS echoes the design of the GLE, from which the flagship crossover also inherited the modular MHA architecture. The wheelbase has grown by 60 mm and now stands at 3137 mm.
The new chassis made it possible to include the proprietary E-Active Body Control air suspension in the equipment list, which operates via a 48-volt on-board network. This system can analyze the road condition and select the optimal shock absorber stiffness for a specific surface, and can also raise the body, helping the car get out of difficult off-road conditions.
The new GLS lineup includes two versions with indices 450 and 580. Under the hood of the first is a three-liter turbo engine with 366 hp and a torque of 500 N·m. The older GLS 580 modification will receive a four-liter biturbo V8 producing 490 hp and 700 N·m.
Both engines are paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent all-wheel drive 4Matic. The most powerful version of the crossover accelerates to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, and its top speed is electronically limited to 210 km/h.
The new GLS features the MBUX multimedia system: a 12.3-inch touchscreen display sits alongside a virtual instrument cluster of the same diagonal. The system understands voice commands in natural language, and gestures are provided to control a number of functions.
All three rows of seats are equipped with electric adjustment. Instead of a solid bench in the second row, you can order a pair of separate seats equipped with tablets for controlling the climate system and multimedia.
Other equipment includes five-zone climate control, front and rear seats with heating, ventilation and massage functions, a Burmester audio system, wireless smartphone charging, and multi-color interior lighting with 64 shades.
Special attention deserves a dedicated car wash button: when activated, the car automatically closes all windows and folds the side mirrors.
The arsenal of electronic assistants includes a head-up display, surround-view cameras, an automatic parking system, adaptive cruise control with full stop, self-start and lane change functions, as well as other options.
Sales of the new generation crossover are scheduled to start before the end of this year. Official prices have not yet been announced.
