As we have said on many occasions, the SUV fashion seems to have no end. We have them in all sizes, styles and economic levels. The latest addition to the large luxury SUV is the new Mercedes-Benz GLS, which they themselves describe as “the S-Class among SUVs”. With this, they make it clear that they have put all the meat on the grill in terms of quality, space and technology.
The new generation Mercedes GLS will arrive at dealerships by the end of the year, produced exclusively in Alabama (United States). It is no less important to emphasize that some mechanical variants will make this giant German model have the Eco label of the DGT thanks to the microhybridization. Let's see in parts everything that this new Mercedes-Benz GLS brings.
Larger dimensions
It seems that any model that receives a generational change is bound to be larger than its predecessor. The new GLS has grown 77mm in length, 22 in width and 60 mm in its battle. All this affects the interior space and comfort, especially for the occupants of the second and third row of seats. And it is that, as you know, we are facing a 7-seater model. The overall length is 5.207mm, the width is 1.956 mm and its wheelbase is no less than 3.135 mm.
All this translates into a passenger compartment that, in the absence of testing it and getting on its rear seats, is wider than ever. The objective of the GLS is to take maximum care of its occupants and for this reason, among other things, it has the possibility of having electric seat adjustments in all three rows. The last row can also be folded with an electric drive, achieving a volume of 2.400 liter trunk, which is said soon. On the other hand, for customers who so wish, an interior configuration of six seats can be chosen, which would be 2+2+2.
Elegance and fluidity
Regarding the design, you can see in the images that the Mercedes GLS intends to show off its brand with the large star on the front. It should be noted that this car, despite being an SUV, does not seek to offer a very offroad aesthetic, avoiding the use of the typical dark-colored protections on the underbody and wheel arches. On the other hand, there are no marked lines of tension either, having preferred a softer and more fluid language.
As expected, the cabin It features a multitude of luxurious details and a large selection of high-quality materials. The German firm has tried to combine elegance, luxury and technology, not forgetting to incorporate the MBUX system and the double screen running from the dashboard. Although the style is very similar to that of the rest of the Mercedes models, obviously the qualities are much higher than those of, for example, a Class A.
Engines
The Mercedes-Benz GLS will arrive with various mechanics, although all of them will use 4Matic all-wheel drive and automatic transmissions. Highlights the Mercedes GLS 580 4Matic, with a V8 gasoline engine and micro-hybrid support at 48 volts that will allow it to obtain the Eco label. We are talking about a gasoline engine with 489 hp and 700 Nm, to which an extra 22 hp and 250 Nm can be added for a few moments using the EQ Boost function. Almost nothing!
But probably the majority of sales in Europe will be diesel, offering us the mechanics GLS 350d (with 286 hp and 600 Nm) and the GLS 400d (with 330 hp and 700 Nm). Both diesel engines approve a combined consumption of between 7,9 and 7,6 l/100 km (depending on equipment) and use an SCR catalyst and the famous AdBlue to reduce their environmental impact.
driving assistants
There are not a large number of driving assistants and various active safety systems, such as adaptive cruise control capable of recognizing delays or slow traffic, active assistant for driving in retentions, as well as adaptation to the speed marked by road signs. It is optional the trailer maneuvering assistant.
important is the system E-Active Body Control. With him and his role active tilt, the Mercedes-Benz GLS leans the body towards the inside of the curve on three levels, as if it were a motorcycle. The advantage is that lateral forces are considerably reduced, reducing driver and occupant fatigue, as well as the possibility of dizziness.
It draws special attention for being curious the car wash function. Selecting it, the mirrors are folded, the windows and the panoramic roof are closed, the rain sensor is inhibited, the front camera is activated to access the tunnel more easily, the suspension is raised to its highest position to facilitate cleaning of the low and, after leaving it and reaching a speed of 20 km/h, this mode for car washes is suppressed.
