Rivalling the Range Rover for luxury vehicle status, the prestige Mercedes-Benz GLS sits at the top of the brand’s range of combustion-powered sport utility vehicles (SUV). There’s no fully electric version yet, but watch this space presumably. In addition to the regular model there’s also an AMG version and, if that’s not grand enough, there’s also an ultra-luxury Maybach variant too and they have all recently been upgraded with a standard of equipment that rivals the very best.
Most versions get seven seats as standard, the only exception being the Maybach GLS model which has five or four seats to choice. Engine options are not huge but then it does not have to be: Select from either turbo-charged six-cylinder petrol and diesels in the regular GLS or a 4.0 litre V8 in the AMG and Maybach selections. The V8s get mild hybrid assistance, incidentally.
About The Latest Models
Premium car makers like Mercedes-Benz move with the times. Recently, there has been a number of design, technology and equipment changes that take the comfort, connectivity and ambience of this large SUV model series to the next level. Please note this is a big car; with generous exterior dimensions, the SUV models offer interior space for up to seven occupants in three seat rows, with exceptions, as above.
The latest Mercedes-Benz GLS models can be recognised by an even more striking radiator grille. The four louvres are galvanised in a high-quality ‘Silver Shadow effect. The bumper is also visually more prominent. It features integrated air inlet grilles, combined with a surround in high-gloss black. The large under-guard (standard equipment) has also been redesigned. The eye-catcher at the rear is the interior of the lights with three horizontal blocks. A new 20 inch multi-spoke light-alloy wheel in Himalayas grey with a high-sheen finish has been added to the range of wheels on offer. These visual enhancements are augmented by functional off-road features.
The range of interior trim finishes has also been revised. Glossy brown lime wood is now standard. The trim elements feature glossy black flowing lines in ‘piano lacquer’, previously reserved solely for the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC, is now also available for the whole GLS family from the premium German car maker, Mercedes-Benz. The louvres of the centre and side air vents on the dashboard are also galvanised in ‘Silver Shadow’.
Most GLS models will likely only travel on paved roads or in moderately difficult off-road terrain. Nevertheless, Mercedes-Benz have reconfigured the scope of the ‘Off-Road Engineering’ package. Components include an under-ride guard and 30 millimetres more ground clearance.
Inside this luxury vehicle, the latest generation of the brand’s infotainment system, ‘MBUX’, brings with it a new look for the dashboard displays. The displays can be individualised with the help of three different styles (classic, sporty, discreet) and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service). With ‘Classic’ the driver is opting for the familiar, tried and tested ‘two-tube’ design with all the familiar content split between the two round displays. ‘Sporty’ is dominated by the colour red, with a dynamic design for the central rev counter. Finally, in ‘discreet’ style, the content is reduced to what is essential. In addition, the displays can be shown in seven colour schemes in conjunction with the ambient lighting.
The central display offers all the same content as hitherto and can be operated directly and conveniently as a touchscreen. The ‘Off-Road Mode’ in the current MBUX generation turns special content such as gradient, lateral inclination, compass and steering angle into a visual experience. Further, thanks to the standard ‘Parking Package’ with a 360-degree camera, it offers the ‘transparent bonnet’ (hood) function. When the ‘Off-road’ mode is active, the central display shows a virtual view under the front of the vehicle. The view is composed of the images from the 360°camera.
Thanks to the ‘transparent bonnet’, obstacles such as large stones or deep potholes on the route ahead can be better recognised. All-wheel drive and a gear ratio designed for pulling power allow a high trailer load of up to 3.5 tonnes. The trailer coupling has two additional bolts on the ball neck on which a suitable bicycle carrier can be supported. Helpful additional features for use when towing include ‘Trailer Manoeuvring Assist’, an updated ‘Trailer’ menu in the central display and the Trailer route planner. This can be used to find optimised routes when travelling with a trailer.
The Mercedes-AMG GLS
Like the regular version, the Mercedes-AMG gets a refreshed design and software updates, adding to the standard equipment. The exclusive equipment and further improved on-road driving dynamics make the GLS 63 model the pinnacle of the AMG SUV family. The new model is visually distinguishable by the newly designed LED rear light signature. New colours have been added to the range of paint finishes and in addition, the front section now also bears the AMG emblem instead of the Mercedes star.
Added to this are the red brake callipers, which emphasise the sporting aspect of AMG. When the front doors are opened, the vehicle plays an AMG-specific light animation with the help of a new logo projector. Wheels range from the standard 21 inch ten-spoke light-alloy wheel to options in diameters of 22 and 23 inches, including forged wheels.
New highlights in the interior include the AMG seats and features such as the instrument panel are upholstered in exclusive Nappa leather. For the interior trim, glossy brown lime wood is now also available. Like it’s sibling, the Mercedes-AMG GLS also benefits from the latest generation of MBUX with an AMG-specific screen design and functions to make the brand experience even more tangible.
Significantly more extensive standard equipment includes, among other things, an electric panoramic sliding sunroof, heated front seats, ‘Adaptive High Beam Assist’ and the now vital smartphone integration. For the driving soundtrack there’s an AMG Performance exhaust system, a Burmester sound system, a Memory package, the 360-degree Parking Pilot and ‘KEYLESS-GO package plus a ‘Blind Spot Assist’ function. The latest generation of the AMG Performance steering wheel has actual buttons which truly impress with their displays and intuitive operating logic. They allow important driving functions and all drive programs to be controlled without the driver's hands leaving the steering wheel. The steering wheel can be heated as an option, and is also available in a carbon-fibre look.
And there’s more, as would be expected from this famous premium manufacturer. Owners can also look forward to special equipment features such as the ‘MBUX Augmented Reality’ function, ‘Multibeam LED’ headlamps and the AMG Driver's package and a head-up display.
The Power
In the GLS 63, the proven AMG 4.0 litre V8 bi-turbo engine with an output of 612BHP (620PS) ensures powerful propulsion. The 4.0-litre V8 engine has been systematically electrified with a 48-volt auxiliary on-board electrical system and the integrated starter alternator, including a Boost function. What this delivers is an explosive power delivery with finely controlled power output which truly sets it apart from other SUV’s.
For this purpose, the twin-scroll turbochargers are located between the cylinder heads for better response. On the other hand, the cylinder shut-off system noticeably reduces consumption when less power is required.
MHH International With Mercedes-Benz
This famous German brand offers a very large range of prestige new and used cars to suit all automotive purposes. From compact SUV’s to the mighty G-Wagen, MHH International will export your Mercedes-Benz from the UK to global destinations that include Kenya and New Zealand. Our current stock lists can be found here or ask our colleagues about model availability. Don’t forget, there’s VAT-free options too.
