On the agenda for this facelift is an updated look, more power and more equipment than the previous GL.
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Official images of the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class are now out in the public domain thanks to a leaked brochure.
The changes around the rear are even more subtle, with only a new taillight design and a few revised chrome bits to note. The dash gets the same treatment of a larger eight-inch free-standing infotainment screen, while the instrument panel has also been updated with a colour Media Display feature which brings to it better graphics. You also get redesigned air vents, a new three-spoke multifunction steering wheel and new designs of upholstery for the seats.
The GLS is basically a renamed version of the GL.
Safety continues to be a hallmark of the line and the 2017 GLS-Class bolsters its standard Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Attention Assist, Crosswind Assist, Brake Assist BAS and Pre-Safe with an optional Driver Assistance Package that includes Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assists, Pre-Safe Brake with pedestrian detection, roll-reducing Active Curve System with and Pre-Safe Plus – the last item only on the AMG GLS 63. The 3.0-liter diesel gets a 15-hp increase as well to 255 hp, while the super-powerful AMG GLS63’s twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-8 is increased 27 hp to 577 hp. Finally, the GLS500 uses a 4.7-liter V8 engine that delivers 449 hp and a stout 516 lb-ft of torque.
The GL’s engines carry over to the GLS with minor modifications that promise to boost performance and – importantly for a roughly 5,500-pound behemoth – gas mileage. 4Matic all-wheel drive remains standard but the engineers have also fitted the latest 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission across most of the lineup (the high-performance GLS63 from Mercedes-AMG sticks with a uniquely-calibrated AMG Speedshift seven-speed automatic). Adventurous motorists who regularly trek far off the beaten path can order a low-range gearbox and a center differential lock at an extra cost. It will replace the 7G-TRONIC PLUS 7-speed automatic transmission that now does duty in the present vehicle.
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More pictures of the upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLS SUV has been leaked online.
