Mercedes Ups the Ante With Enhanced GLS Range
Mercedes has enhanced its GLS ‘S-Class of SUVs with a new face, upgraded equipment levels and software updates.
Mercedes-Benz’ Enhanced GLS ‘S-Class of SUVs’ has benefited a mild nip and tuck across the range. The upgrade brings a new face, upgraded equipment levels and software updates across the entire Benz, AMG, and Maybach family.
All models get subtle styling updates, including revised LED lighting and new grilles up front, revised LED taillights, and reworked underbody cladding. Biggest changes however come inside, where the enhanced GLS cabin now gets a new glossy-brown lime wood trim option and a standard Parking Package with a 360 degree camera view at low speeds.
GLS Gets Enhanced MBUX Infotainment
Latest generation Classic, Sporty and Discreet three-mode MBUX infotainment software is now standard across the range. It can now be set to seven colours to match ambient lighting tones. A revised Off-Road mode gains the transparent bonnet camera view of to show obstructions underneath the car is now also standard GLS equipment
Regular GLS models come in four engine specifications. Petrol units include a 3-litre straight six with 370 HP GLS 450 and a 503 HP biturbo 4-litre petrol V8 with GLS 580. Diesel customers will be satisfied by a pair of 2.9-litre diesel straight sixes in either 303 HP GLS 350d, or 357 HP GLS 450d get-up.
Enhanced GLS AMG 63 keeps 615 HP V8
The AMG variant gets a 615 HP hand assembled version of the biturbo V8 with mild hybrid assistance. The Maybach GLS gets the 542 HP 600 biturbo petrol V8, while All models turn Mercedes’ 9-speed 9G-tronic transmission turning the company’s 4Matic all-wheel drive.
The power Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 now comes off the shelf with an AMG performance exhaust system and adaptive dampers. Add an electric panoramic sunroof, adaptive high-beam headlights, a Burmeister sound and heated cupholders, among other features.
Even More Maybach Luxury
Stepping up another notch, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS brings ambient lighting with Maybach logo projection. There’s also new Sodalite Blue metallic and Alpine Grey non-metallic paint finishes.
These GLS changes are part of a broad update programme across the entire Mercedes range. Many models now benefit its latest generation MBUX software. Expect the GLS to reach US showrooms later this year. Prices are likely to increase slightly in line with the upgraded standard equipment levels.
Images: Mercedes