Mercedes-Benz’s third-generation GLS has touched down in Australia. The three-pointed star’s local arm will be bringing in the full-size SUV in two guises namely the GLS 450 4Matic and GLS 400 d 4Matic.
The flagship SUV is now bigger on the outside and on the inside too as compared to the outgoing car. The brand say’s they’ve loaded up the GLS with new powerplants, tech and safety features. The seven-seater also has its looks inspired by its more popular GLC and GLE siblings.
This full-size SUV has grown in dimensions over the previous model with a 77mm increase in length, 22mm in width and 60mm between the axles. The increased wheelbase length translates to easier access to the third row, says the brand.
Inside, with the both the second and third rows folded, there’s 2,400-litres of cargo space to play with, an improvement of 100-litres over the outgoing model. It has 1350 and 470-litres of space available with the second and third rows of seats in use respectively.
The GLS comes with standard equipment such as leather upholstery for its seven electric seats, sports steering wheel, two 12.3-inch displays with MBUX infotainment featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, head-up display, a 590W 13-speaker Burmester stereo, wireless smartphone charging, sliding panoramic sunroof, electric tailgate, power-closing doors, Multibeam LED headlights and an AMG Line exterior pack with 21-inch alloy wheels (23s are optional).
Both variants of the GLS will receive the brand’s new straight-six turbo engines. The petrol-fed 450 variant gets a 3.0-litre M256 lump that churns out 270kW and 500Nm while the oil-burning OM656 3.0-litre turbodiesel makes 243kW and 700Nm. The duo are mated to a 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox; both variants get the 4Matic all-wheel drive system as standard.
Both variants feature 48V mild hybrid technology that regenerates kinetic energy to electrically assist the engine. The EQ Boost unit can deliver 16kW and 250Nm for short periods during acceleration.
Additionally, Mercedes-Benz is offering up the GLS with an Off-Road Engineering Package which will give you a fully-variable all-wheel drive system and low-range gearbox with variable torque distribution, off-road driving modes and underbody protection. This option will set you back $3,500.
In terms of safety, the GLS comes with nine-airbags, active cruise control, active parking assist with 360-degree camera, lane-keeping, lane-change assist and blind spot assist.
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS is already on sale with deliveries starting from December 2019.
- Mercedes Benz GLS 450 4Matic - $144,600
- Mercedes-Benz GLS 400 d 4Matic - $151,300
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