The G the off-road genes, the S-Class the luxury equipment and the L in between symbolizes the oversized length: the GLS is space and comfort in the shape of an SUV.
Brief driving report from the new Mercedes-Benz GLS
Mercedes has updated its luxury class GLS SUV. In addition to efficiency improvements on the engine side and a slightly adapted look, the major innovations of the former GL include the technically refreshed interior, new assistance systems and the standard nine-speed automatic transmission.
On first trips in the Austrian Alps, the new automatic system impressed with its smoothness and speed of reaction. It gives the tried-and-tested V6 diesel engine (190 kW / 258 hp) in the GLS 350 d 4matic even a certain liveliness thanks to fast gear changes. The entry-level unit with 620 Newton meters of torque is probably the only diesel offered in Germany for most buyers. The SUV, which weighs around 2,5 tons, is absolutely sufficiently motorized with the diesel engine: 222 km / h top speed, 7,8 seconds from standing to 100 km / h and a trailer load of 3,5 tons are sufficient for most applications. Mercedes specifies 7,1 liters of standard consumption on average.
The two more powerful petrol engines, which should be particularly popular in North America's main market, are more fun: the 3,0-liter V6 in the GLS 400 delivers 245 kW / 333 hp, the 4,7-liter V8 in the GLS 500 even has 335 kW / 455 hp, 20 hp more than before the facelift. Of course, at the push of a button on the standard driving programs, the luxury truck does not become a sports car or a hardcore off-roader - there is the option of off-road reduction and center differential lock - the wide range of its arts is impressive nonetheless.
On the already icy and snowy Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road, the all-wheel drive vehicle was able to present another facet of its advantages with the “smoothness” driving program: the GLS automatically allows more slip when starting off in second gear, the accelerator pedal characteristic changes and the standard one permanent all-wheel drive pushes the SUV confidently over the icy surface. The GLS reveals its true qualities in everyday life anyway: for example with space for seven or a trunk volume of a remarkable 680 liters and a soft, room-glider driving experience thanks to the standard, newly tuned air suspension.
Fine materials dominate inside - from carbon to open-pore wood to leather seats with diamond quilting. The dashboard has been redesigned with the partially integrated display familiar from other models of the brand. You can now control the multimedia functions displayed there using a touchpad between the seats. With smartphone connectivity and an optional WiFi hotspot, the GLS is now up-to-date for everything you want to do besides driving in a car.
With a slightly higher entry price of 74.790 euros, the GLS is significantly above what the competition at Audi, BMW or Volvo demands for their - somewhat smaller - seven-seater SUV. A lush basic equipment with the above-mentioned features including two-zone automatic climate control, sunroof, cruise control and electrically folding third row of seats is a matter of course.
Author: Hanne Lübbehüsen / SP-X