NEW MERCEDES-BENZ GLS

Der neue Mercedes-Benz GLS: Die S-Klasse unter den SUV The new Mercedes-Benz GLS: The S-Class of SUVs
The largest Mercedes-Benz SUV of them all, the new GLS, is more spacious than ever, having been expanded in length, width and wheelbase.

Technology is bang up to date including a steering wheel with smartphone-style touch and swipe controls. There are two 12.3-inch displays, an MBUX infotainment system with voice-initiated operation, Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto smartphone integration and wireless charging.

Virtually an S-Class SUV, the new Mercedes GLS can seat seven in comfort – on-road and off. The second row is comfortable for passengers up to 200 cm tall, while the third row take those up to 194 cm. The extended wheelbase makes it easier than ever for passengers to access the third row of seating.

Cargo space expands to 2,400 litres when the third row is lowered into the boot floor and the second row is folded flat. The floor length of the luggage compartment is just under 2.22 meters.

With all seats in use luggage capacity is 355 litres when loaded to the top of the rear seat backrest. The volume increases to 890 litres with the third row folded, and 1470 litres with all rear seats stowed away. Loaded to the roof, those capacity figures are 470, 1350 and 2400 litres respectively.

Der neue Mercedes-Benz GLS: Die S-Klasse unter den SUV The new Mercedes-Benz GLS: The S-Class of SUVs

The Mercedes GLS 450 4MATIC is has a new 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine making 270 kW and 500 Nm. It’s mated with a nine-speed automatic driving through the Merc 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.

The engine features advanced EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, incorporating a 48-volt integrated starter-generator that regenerates kinetic energy to electrically assist the drivetrain. This can boost outputs for short periods by up to 16 kW and 250 Nm, creating smoother and more consistent power delivery under acceleration. Fuel consumption is rated at just 9.2 litres per hundred kilometres by the ADR combined cycle.

An AMG Line exterior package is used on the Mercedes-Benz GLS 450. Inside it’s trimmed in leather and features electrically operated multi-contour front seats with heating and ventilation and has a Burmester surround sound system with 13 speakers and 590 watts, head-up display.

THERMOTRONIC four-zone climate control should minimise the number of arguments about comfort between occupants.

Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC SUV (2019)

The GLS 450 has a panoramic sliding sunroof, an EASY-PACK powered tailgate, power-closing doors, and rides on 21-inch AMG 5 twin-spoke alloy wheels.

Driving is simplified by DISTRONIC PLUS active cruise control, lane-keeping and lane-change assist, blind spot assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.

PARKTRONIC active parking assist with 360-degree camera also simplifies life at the end of your trip.

The GLS 450 also has a standard braked towing capacity of 3500kg. Specifying the optional Towbar Package ($1,900 MRLP) adds towbar fitment plus trailer stabilisation that can detect sway at speeds above 65 km/h and apply compensatory braking to individual wheels.

An optional Off-Road Engineering Package ($3,500 MRLP) adds fully variable all-wheel-drive and a low-range off-road gearbox along with variable torque distribution, downhill speed regulation, and the addition of an Off-Road driving mode suited to a variety of surfaces, and underbody protection.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS 400 d 4MATIC uses a new design 3.0-litre, inline six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine producing 243 kW and 700 Nm. It uses the 9G-TRONIC auto and 4MATIC all-wheel-drive. Fuel rating is 7.7 litres per hundred.

Customers may individually tailor their GLS with a choice of 10 exterior paint options, three leather colours, two open-pore wood-trim finishes, and three different AMG alloy wheel designs ranging from the standard 21-inch package up to 23-inches.

Deliveries of the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLS will start in December 2019.

MODEL RANGE
GLS 450 4MATIC: $144,600
GLS 400 d 4MATIC: $151,300
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Mercedes-Benz dealer for drive-away prices.

About Ewan Kennedy

Ewan Kennedy, a long-time car enthusiast, was Technical Research Librarian with the NRMA from 1970 until 1985. He worked part-time as a freelance motoring journalist from 1977 until 1985, when he took a full-time position as Technical Editor with Modern Motor magazine. Late in 1987 he left to set up a full-time business as a freelance motoring journalist. Ewan is an associate member of the Society of Automotive Engineers - International. An economy driving expert, he set the Guinness World Record for the greatest distance travelled in a standard road vehicle on a single fuel fill. He lists his hobbies as stage acting, travelling, boating and reading.
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