India Bound: Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Facelift Revealed, Renamed as GLS

Modified On Nov 04, 2015 02:08 PM By Raunak for Mercedes-Benz GLS 2016-2020

1.5K Views
Write a comment

Mercedes Benz’s flagship SUV got the company’s new nomenclature, now in-line with GLA, GLC and GLE

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the facelifted GL-Class which now bears the GLS moniker according to the company’s new nomenclature.The vehicle's details were leaked a couple of days ago and Mercedes has now officially unveiled their flagship SUV. The vehicle will be up for order from next month in the US while deliveries will start around March 2016. Speaking of India, expect the automaker to launch it around the second half of next year, while it could make its public debut at the upcoming 2016 Indian Auto Expo in Feb. Moreover, the new GLS63 AMG will also be available in the country as German automaker currently offers GL63 AMG.

Mercedes is touting it as the "S-Class among SUVs"! Like the new GLE, GLS is also a mildly updated version of the GL-Class. Externally, it offers refreshed LED headlights which now incorporate daytime running LEDs. The grille is subtly updated with a slightly bigger star logo. The taillamps feature new LED graphics while front and rear bumpers are redesigned. The vehicle also rides on a new set of alloys. Interiors also feature the same story, mild updation over the outgoing model and central console has received the majority of alterations. The highlight of all is Mercedes Benz’s latest 8-inch COMAND Online infotainment system along with the new touch-pad.

In terms of safety, the new GLS comes with standard Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Crosswind Assist and Attention Assist along with the Pre-Safe system, Brake Assist BAS, electronic all-wheel drive traction system 4ETS, ESP®, and cruise control. Speaking of the airbags, it comes with adaptive two-stage airbags for driver and front passenger, knee airbag for the driver and front passenger (combined thorax/pelvis airbags) and window airbags above all three seat rows are available as standard.

Mechanically, the Mercedes has uprated the engine line-up of the GL-Class facelift globally. However, they only offer it as GL350 with 3.0-liter V6 diesel in India and this engine has not received any updates. It is expected that the automaker will continue with the same engine option in the country as well. The 2987 cc V6 motor churns out 255 bhp @ 3600 rpm and a max torque of 616 Nm. The engine will be Mercedes’ 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. Speaking of the flagship AMG version - GLS63 AMG, Mercedes has ramped up the power by nearly 27 horses, the motor now produces 577 bhp and a peak torque of 760 Nm. The GLS63 AMG comes mated to an AMG SpeedShift Plus 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission.

Also Read: