The new Mercedes-Benz GLS is Mercedes-Benz‘s largest and most luxurious SUV and, above all, offers more: more space, more comfort, more luxury. The confident presence of its exterior stems from its impressive dimensions, which are even larger than those of its predecessor (length +77 mm, width +22 mm). One of the benefits of the 60 mm longer wheelbase is interior spaciousness, especially in the second row. The three fully electrically adjustable seat rows offer all passengers a generous amount of space and outstanding seating comfort. The seats in the third row can be lowered into the floor to increase the boot space (up to 2400 litres), while the seats in the second row fold flat. Furthermore, a sixseater variant with two luxury individual rear seats in the second seat row is available for the first time.
Celebrating its world premiere in the GLS 580 4MATIC (combined fuel consumption: 10.0-9.8 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 229-224 g/km)1 is an electrified V8 engine featuring EQ Boost – a 48-volt system with integrated starter-generator.
The E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL active suspension on 48-volt basis offers outstanding suspension comfort, agile handling and a high degree of off-road capability. Like the GLE, the GLS features the latest generation of MercedesBenz driving assistance systems giving cooperative support to the driver. The new 4MATIC ensures great agility on the road and strong performance off the beaten track. The new GLS has impressive aerodynamics in its segment, with a Cd figure of 0.32. It has a new Carwash function, which enables the car to be prepared for entry into a carwash with a single press of a button.
As the S-Class of SUVs, the new GLS indulges its passengers, especially those in the rear. The key comfort features at a glance:
• MBUX Rear Seat Entertainment System: Two 11.6-inch touchscreens for movie, music and internet enjoyment
• Rear Comfort package Plus: Separate tablet for controlling all of the MBUX comfort and entertainment functions from the rear seats
• Electrically adjustable seats throughout as standard, as is the EasyEntry function, which makes it easy to get into and out of the third seat row
• Simple folding-down of all rear seats at the push of a button
• Choice of either three-seater rear bench seat or two luxury individual seats with armrests in the second row
• Two fully fledged seats in the third row (for people up to 1.94 m tall)
• Heated seats and separate USB charging ports for the third row, too
• Five-zone automatic climate control available.
“The new GLS is the S-Class of premium SUVs. It embodies luxury, confidence and intelligence like almost no other vehicle,”, states Ola Källenius, the member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for corporate research and Mercedes-Benz Cars development.
“The GLS combines modern luxury with the character of an off-roader,” says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer at Daimler AG. “Powerful highlights of the off-road design idiom combine with an elegance reminiscent of a classic luxury saloon. The interior is a synthesis of modern, luxurious aesthetics, hallmark SUV practicality, and digital high-tech. In our view, the new GLS therefore offers the best of all these worlds.”
Since 1997, when the M-Class was introduced, Mercedes-Benz has been building premium SUVs in the USA – the main market for these vehicles worldwide. The GL full-size variant offering space for seven people was launched in 2006. In 2015, a facelift emphasised the luxury character of the large SUV’s second generation and also heralded the changing of the name to GLS. On top of that, it is the market leader in its segment – just like the S-Class Saloon.
At present, Mercedes -Benz offers seven models in the SUV segment (GLA, GLC, GLC Coupé, GLE, GLE Coupé, GLS, G-Class). The SUVs are a major structural pillar in the Mercedes-Benz product portfolio, and greatly contribute to the growth of the brand. To date, more than six million customers worldwide have purchased a Mercedes-Benz SUV.
The new Mercedes-Benz GLS will be presented to the public for the first time at the New York International Auto Show (19 to 28 April 2019). It will be in the dealerships in USA and Western Europe by the end of the year. The GLS is produced in Tuscaloosa (Alabama/USA).