Mercedes Benz GLS Class First Look Review

In order to strengthen its SUV portfolio, Mercedes- Benz, a well known German Luxury auto brand introduced the petrol derivative of GLS SUV. Priced at INR 82.90 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the consumers can now choose between petrol and a diesel version for the GLS SUV. Earlier, the German brand introduced the diesel version of the SUV only. With company’s strategy to introduce the petrol variants for its all models in the country, the petrol derivative of GLS SUV is the eighth car to roll out from the house of Mercedes-Benz India.

Mercedes Benz’s biggest SUV, GL-class now gets a fresh GLS class badge along with a refreshed makeover for the 2016 model with minor exterior and interior updates. The new and rebadged version is known as Mercedes Benz GLS class according to the new adopted nomenclature by the company. This new 7-seater SUV features modernized exteriors along with luxurious cabin developed to proffer luxury as well as best in class safety.

Mercedes Benz GLS Class Exteriors

The most obvious change is at the front with the GLS getting a new face. The highlight is the change to full-LED, adaptive headlights that look like the ones on the S-Class. Other changes include a more rounded, muscular twin-slat grille; as also a redesigned bumper and hood that add more pizzazz to the SUV’s personality. Changes at the rear are limited to a revised bumper and full-LED tail lights which look similar to the predecessor’s from a distance. The intricate design of the headlamp and tail lamp units is no less than that of a jewel though, and it is something that’s worth taking a closer look at.

Goes without saying, the GLS looks a lot more appealing. It’s a design that will make you soak in the details – there’s a sense of familiarity to the face, though it is more muscular and well-toned, the way SUV’s should look. What gets your attention from the sides is the enormous length. At over fivemetres long, the GLS is one of the biggest SUVs in the country, and is longer and wider than a lot of other full-sized luxury SUVs.

Mercedes Benz GLS Class Interiors

More changes are visible inside the cabin, where Mercedes added a new three-spoke steering wheel in Nappa leather, an instrument panel with Media Display, and a center console with touchpad control. The ambient lighting comes in three color shades and Mercedes now offers an available air ionization system. Check for Mercedes Benz GLS price in Hyderabad at Autozhop.

Connectivity and infotainment are provided by the company’s latest generation of Comand Online, which includes an eight-inch color display and an intuitive touchpad. The optional “Mercedes connect me” service adds the Standard Services package with automatic emergency call, Accident Recovery and breakdown assistance, and after-sales service. There’s also the Remote Online services, which allow access to vehicle information from anywhere at all times, including the status of windows and doors, mileage, and tire pressure.

Those looking for a bit of exclusivity can choose between trim elements in Black Piano Lacquer or a variety of woods, as well as five leather upholstery color combos in Black, Ginger Beige/Espresso Brown, Saddle Brown/Black, Crystal Grey/Black, or Ginger Beige/Black. There’s also a Designo Exclusive package with heated front seats, Nappa leather, and diamond quilting. For the first time, the GLS gets an AMG Line interior with sports seats in Exclusive Nappa leather, a sports steering wheel in black Exclusive Nappa leather, instrument dials in a Checkered flag look, and brushed stainless steel sports pedals with rubber studs.

Legroom, headroom, and shoulder room remained unchanged with the facelift, but that’s far from bad news, as the second-generation GL was know to boast an outstanding level or roominess in all three seat rows.

Mercedes Benz GLS Class Engine

Apart from the cosmetics, the only other change in GLS compared to the GL is the new nine-speed dual-clutch transmission. It has the same 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine, producing 258bhp and 620Nm of torque and carrying the ‘350 d’ badge of the boot lid. This isn’t the most refined engine, there is clatter but hardly any of it percolates into the cabin.Despite the similar power figures, the car performs much better with the two additional ratios. It is a quick gearbox, immediately responding to a tap on the paddle shifters, however, it does act slightly confused in cities when left to choose on its own. In comfort mode, the gear shifts come at around 1,600rpm unless there is extra pressure on the accelerator pedal. The drivability for an SUV of this size is commendable, it builds momentum quickly, downing a gear or two if required.

There are a few other modes, most important being the Sport Mode, that makes the steering heavier, gear shifts sharper and the ride stiffer. It has airmatic suspension that can be tuned for comfort or sporty ride, plus it can raise the car height thereby offering better ground clearance for off-roads. The other modes are for snow / slippery conditions and off-road, which reduce the throttle response to offer better traction in harsh conditions.For more information on Mercedes Benz GLS check Icassp2003

The individual mode allows you to separately adjust the engine response, steering and suspension set up.For a car that weighs close to 2.5 tonnes and is mainly intended to be a luxurious people carrier with a diesel engine, the GLS 350d is decently quick to reach 100kmph from standstill in 8.3 seconds. It has decent drivability as well with ample of low end torque, getting to 80kmph from 20kmph in 4.8 seconds. The GLS is not intended to be pushed around the corners, but should the need arise, the GLS does better than expected from an SUV of its size. The steering has decent feedback and brakes that manage to bring it to a halt quick enough.

Mercedes Benz GLS Class Riding

Compared to the GL-Class, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class benefits from suspension refinements that provide a more controlled, confident feel in corners. Nonetheless, it retains the quiet interior and absorbent ride over bumps for which the GL was known. Braking performance was a strong suit for the GL, and we expect it to remain one for the GLS, which stops with the drama-free ease of a much smaller vehicle.We’re a bit disappointed with the lack of real-world oomph from the diesel-powered GLS350d, especially given its prodigious torque rating, but the other three engines pour on the performance in increasingly concentrated doses. The GLS450 is a fleet SUV in its own right, but the V8-powered models practically redefine what’s possible for a large crossover with their effortless acceleration.

Mercedes Benz GLS Class Safety

Standard safety features on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class include automatic crosswind stabilization, trailer stability assist, front side airbags, a driver knee airbag, full-length side curtain airbags, a forward collision mitigation system with automatic braking and a driver attention/drowsiness monitor. Also standard are a rearview camera and a five-year subscription to mbrace Connect (includes Mercedes-Benz roadside assistance).

Mercedes Benz GLS Class Cost in Hyderabad

Mercedes Benz GLS On Road Price is 98,82,062/- and Ex-showroom Price is 82,90,000/- in Hyderabad. Mercedes Benz GLS comes in 6 colours, namely Cavansite Blue,Citrine Brown,Obsidian Black,Diamond White Bright,Tenorite Grey,Iridium Silver. Mercedes Benz GLS comes with AWD with 2996 CC Displacement and 6 Cylinders with Maximum Power 333 bhp@5250-6000 rpm and Peak Torque 480 Nm@1600-4000 rpm DRIVE TRAIN AWD and reaches 100 KMPH at 6.6 seconds . Mercedes Benz GLS comes with Automatic Transmission with AWD .

Mercedes Benz GLS Class Conclusion

Mercedes-Benz GLS series is a solid, vast and spacious model that boasts of its unbeatable style and superior internal and external features that make it a luxurious series. The latest model of the GLS comprises of highly advanced technology and unseen functions that enhance driving quality and experience.