Revised Mercedes GLS: Much More Than Just Make-Up

Mercedes is getting its flagship GLS SUV, launched in 2019, ready for the next round. After the first redesign two years ago, this time there is much more to it than just a portion of make-up.

The first glance at the front section shows: They really went all out here. In homage to the S-Class, the GLS now features an upright star on the hood. In the words of Mercedes, it stands for an "iconic element of tradition, prestige and superior performance". While the star is allowed to light up in China, at least when stationary, and in the USA even when driving, this function is not yet permitted in Germany. With the emphasis on yet. Alternatively, the familiar central star is available in the AMG Line and AMG Line Plus equipment packages.

To enhance the physical presence of the GLS, the chrome-framed radiator grille with contour lighting has been enlarged, along with more powerful struts and the Mercedes pattern in chrome. The new front and rear bumpers are also designed to give the vehicle an even more striking appearance. The latest version of the digital light system is fitted as standard. Micro-LED technology and a powerful chip ensure a 40 percent larger illumination field with a 50 percent reduction in power consumption. Even after purchase, there is the option of having guidance lines, symbols and animations projected onto the road.

New Luxury in the Interior

Getting into the revised GLS is like entering a luxurious cocoon. New materials for the trim, new seat cover designs and the option of customizing the interior to suit your own ideas and needs ensure this. There are also oval air vents for the first row of seats instead of the previous square ones and the rocker and roller control concept on the steering wheel.

Even if, according to Mercedes, every seat is the best seat in the GLS, which always has seven seats: In the rear, in row two, it is particularly comfortable, especially if the multicontour seats with cozy headrests have been ordered. Then there are the two 11.6-inch screens plus the remote control for climate control, seat adjustment including massage function and rear seat entertainment. And yes: if you're even the slightest bit limber, you can make yourself comfortable for a while in row three.

GLS: Air Suspension As Standard

The dashboard has been completely redesigned with a superscreen that extends across the entire width of the vehicle. Beneath this glass surface are three 12.3-inch displays—including one for the person in the right-hand front seat. In the depths of the GLS, an AI-powered supercomputer works as a learning and constantly evolving assistant for all situations. The software can be updated via the Mercedes Intelligent Cloud. Thanks to AI from Microsoft, among others, the collected knowledge can be retrieved from the Internet—in the form of complex, multi-part dialogs.

The Airmatic air suspension is installed as standard and is now designed to be firmer and sportier without neglecting comfort. The "E-Active Body Control" goes one step further, which, according to the developers, uses five multi-core processors and more than 20 sensors to enable a very wide range of driving behavior from crisp and sporty to sedan-like and comfortable. Or as Mercedes puts it: the choice between the comfort of a luxury saloon and the agility of a sporty SUV.

All-Wheel Drive in All Variants

The GLS is always equipped with what the Swabians call 4Matic all-wheel drive. The engines, which are supported by an integrated starter-generator, are designed to be more agile right from the start thanks to powerful modifications and also perform better at medium engine speeds. Take the top-of-the-range GLS 580 model, for example, whose V8 now produces 395 kW/537 hp instead of the previous 380 kW/517 hp and whose maximum torque has increased by 20 Nm to 750 Nm.

The 270 kW/367 hp six-cylinder petrol engine of the GLS 450 now has more torque available, especially in the partial load range, with a maximum of 560 Nm. New in the two diesel six-cylinder engines GLS 350d with 230 kW/313 hp and GLS 450d with 270 kW/367 hp is the electric heating catalytic converter, which brings the exhaust system permanently into the optimum temperature range. To reduce weight, the engine block and cylinder head are now made of aluminum.

GLS Prices: Six Figures

Ten exterior cameras as well as up to five radar and twelve ultrasonic sensors provide an all-round view of the surrounding traffic situation in the completely redesigned GLS. Functions such as Distance Assist and Park Assist are installed as standard. In China, the "MB.Drive Assist Pro" can already guide the luxury SUV automatically through dense city traffic at level 2++. The USA will follow shortly—in Europe, the Stuttgart-based (Germany) company is still waiting for the relevant approvals.

Prices are still likely to start at around $134,000 USD. The first deliveries are expected in the fall.

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