The GLS is expected to be powered by a new range of engines.
Advertisement
For United Kingdom buyers, the engine range is unchanged for now, comprising the GLS 350d V6 diesel that sends 245bhp through a nine-speed automatic gearbox and the high-performance Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 model, which gets 28 more horsepower to bring its total output to 577bhp.
As for the variants which will be offered, it is suggested that the GLS350, GLS450, GLS550 and GLS63 AMG models will all be carried over to this facelifted model.
The somewhat distinctive design of the outgoing E-Class will soon be history as its successor will fully embrace Mercedes-Benz’s latest design language and as you can see it will look like a long wheelbase C-Class on the outside, with an interior cabin partially sourced from the S-Class.
On the outside, the GLS sports the smoother, more elegant lines that now dominate the Mercedes lineup.
The changes implemented in the GL’s transformation into the GLS have focused on improving efficiency as well as the handling and dynamics. It is also believed that the Mercedes-Benz logo adorning the front grille is slightly larger than now on the GL. For instance, the top-range AMG GLS63 comes with a 5.5-liter V-6 bi-turbo engine with 577 hp, up 27 hp over the GL class. The GLS500 4MATIC features a direct-injection V-8 bi-turbo engine that generates 455 hp, up 20 hp over its GL-class predecessor. Mated to a 7-G Tronic Plus 7-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, the motor is capable of 258 PS. All trim levels have standard all-wheel drive, and the AMG’s is tuned for a rear-wheel-drive bias.
Standard safety features include Collision Prevention Assistant Plus, which provides audible and visual warnings when a forward collision is detected, and will automatically apply the brakes to slow the SUV if the driver doesn’t respond to the alerts.
Advertisement
Pricing for the GLS has not been announced yet, nor have fuel economy and 0-to-60 miles per hour figures.
