Mercedes-Benz Gls Class

Mercedes Benz GLS

S-Class in Mercedes Benz language means luxury motoring. Thus, the GLS is the German premium brand’s largest and most luxurious sport utility vehicle (SUV) that offers more space, more comfort and more luxury. It’s an impressive size too; at over five metres long and two metres wide this full-size SUV is designed to seat seven people in prestige comfort. It’s the flagship of the extensive Mercedes Benz SUV range with saloon car appointments and superb ability both on- and off-road.

The Exterior

At the front, the GLS exudes presence and power thanks to the upright radiator grille in an octagonal design, with a chrome-plated under-guard. Two ‘power-domes’ accentuate the bonnet (hood) emphasised by the distinctive headlamp design. The GLS has ‘mulit-beam’ LED headlamps as standard, with a total of 112 LEDs per headlamp. These produce the maximum allowed light intensity permitted by law, and feature daytime running lights. There’s a choice of alloys on new vehicles with sizes up to 23”.

This big car is just as imposing at the back. A powerful shoulder-line extends from the rear doors to the tail lights, which are also based on LED technology, and the three-dimensional look conveys depth and solidity. The rear is strikingly rounded off with another chrome-plated under-guard. Overall, the styling is softer than previous iterations of this car, resulting in a more restrained and dignified appearance. It’s unmistakable on the highway and there are several versions to choose from depending upon new or used availability for buyers wishing to import from the UK to Kenya, New Zealand and other global destinations.

The Interior

The driver sits high with a commanding view of the road. Comfort for almost any size of driver is assured thanks to the seat which is electrically adjustable in every direction. Despite the size, the GLS is surprisingly easy to manoeuvre thanks in part to the standard equipment 360° camera. Depending on the configuration of the seven seats, the boot (trunk) is enormous, capable of swallowing the whole family’s luggage.

On the inside, it’s all about elegant aesthetics, as evidenced straight away by the leather upholstery, which, naturally enough, come as standard. The central element in the dashboard's design is an impressively sized screen embedded in a distinctive dashboard support which flows into the door panels, and the integral trim likewise extends to meet the doors. The wide, raised, centre console creates a contrast with the free-floating appearance of the dashboard. A Head-Up display is optional.

The controls, with haptic and audible feedback, are especially note-worthy. The large touchscreen of the ‘MBUX’ infotainment system allows all the GLS comfort features to be controlled from the driver's seat. A strikingly-designed multifunction sports steering wheel accentuates the impressive appearance of the SUV's interior.

Driving The Mercedes Benz GLS

Powerful 3.0 litre six- and 4.0 litre eight-cylinder very refined diesel engines deliver the effortlessly superior power that suit the characteristics of this luxurious vehicle. The petrol engine versions have integrated starter-generator and EQ Boost. In all variants of the GLS, power is transmitted via the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission with Mercedes 4MATIC all-wheel-drive.

The broad ratio spread of nine gears allows a clearly perceptible reduction in engine speed and is a decisive factor behind the high level of energy efficiency and ride comfort. A transfer case with electronically controlled multi-plate clutch is likewise fitted as standard and, available as an option, is a transfer case specially configured for superior off-road driving characteristics.

Refinement on the go is impressive, keeping the cabin nice and quiet. The engines can be heard when pressing on, but otherwise all is hushed and relaxed, even on rough roads. AMG models are sportier, but remain comfortable nonetheless.

As mentioned, when it comes to comfort all versions hit the mark. Optional trim packs are available for new models but even as standard this car is packed with advanced kit. Safety credentials are excellent, featuring the very latest in road safety technology.

Should You Buy One?

The company confidently offer a long warranty on new vehicles so there should be no problems with a used Mercedes Benz GLS either.

It is solidly put together and is more than capable of withstanding the daily trials as a luxury SUV. Find out more about availability by contacting us here at MHH International and find out about our comprehensive service.