The German manufacturer has revealed the latest generation of the Mercedes-Benz GLS SUV. The BMW X7 rival, longer and wider than the previous version, offers for the first time the possibility of a six-seater configuration, the seat on the second row being replaced by two individual seats.
The new GLS also boasts the E-Active Body Control suspension, which works thanks to the 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Germans claim that the model offers a high level of road comfort and off-road capabilities.
The exterior is adapted to the impressive proportions of the new GLS. Its length is 5207 mm (77 mm longer than the previous version), and the width is 1956 mm (22 mm wider). The wheelbase is 3135 mm (60 mm longer) and provides extra space for second and third-row passengers. If you choose to fold the seats in the 2nd and 3rd row, the maximum load volume reaches to 2,400 liters.
The SUV receives the Multibeam LED headlamps as standard. They integrate 112 LEDs each and produce the highest light intensity allowed by law. The headlights also offer a night vision of about 650 meters.
The interior of the new Mercedes-Benz GLS SUV comes with leather-covered surfaces and the media unit receives the MBUX system. The two screens on the dashboard each have a diagonal of 12.3 inches (31.2 cm). The MBUX is also available on the second row as the MBUX Rear Seat Entertainment System. It is displayed on two 11.6-inch screens, which can optionally be controlled with an Android tablet.
Mercedes GLS features EQ Boost technology for all gasoline-powered engines. This technology offers an extra power of 22 hp and 250 Nm torque for short periods. To begin with, the GLS 450 4Matic version has a six-cylinder in-line engine under the hood and offers 367 hp and a maximum torque of 500 Nm.
Shortly after the official release, the GLS 580 4Matic will be available in showrooms. It relies on a 4.0 liter V8 propulsion featuring a maximum output of 489 hp and a maximum torque of 700 Nm. European countries will also benefit from the two GLS diesel versions: GLS 350 d 4Matic with (286 hp / 600 Nm) and 400 d 4Matic (330 hp and 700 Nm). The diesel versions have two additional catalytic converters (SCR and ASC) to bring cars to the Euro 6d-standard (Real Driving Emissions Step 2), which will be imposed on manufacturers only after January 1, 2020.