Mercedes GLS full details

The Mercedes 4x4 range refresh is complete as GL become GLS and the Range Rover faces renewed competition

By Matt Bird / Wednesday, 4 November 2015 / Loading comments

So now with GLA, G-Class, GLC, GLE, GLE and now GLS, the new Mercedes range of SUVs and off-roaders is finished. Still sounds a little odd, doesn't it? And yes, there really are that many Merc 4x4s; that's without mentioning the GLC and GLE Coupes...

Big car needs a big screen...

The logic behind the name makes sense (GL denoting off-roader, S relating to the saloon equivalent), even if in Britain it evokes the nicer wheels and electric rear windows added to a mid-range Cavalier. To all intents and purposes though, this is a GL facelift with an updated name rather than an all new vehicle.

It's a case of subtle evolution underneath to match the light refresh outside, with a bit more technology and increased efficiency the big talking points. The range starts with a GLS 350d, continuing unchanged with the 258hp 3.0-litre V6 diesel. There's also a 455hp V8 GLS 500 and 333hp V6 GLS 400, but it's unknown whether we'll get those in the UK yet. What we are likely to get, because we're a slightly weird nation, is the GLS 63AMG. Now up to 585hp (!) from its 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8, it's the only GLS using the old seven-speed auto; the rest of the range now has a nine-speed gearbox.

The 'S-Class among SUVs' apparently

Inside there are still seven seats, acres of space and, because it's a new Mercedes, the infotainment tablet screen that proves so divisive. There are more connectivity options, more colour possibilities and yet further configurability. The Dynamic Select system found elsewhere in the Benz line up ranges through Comfort, Slippery, Sport, Individual and Off-Road. With an optional off-road package, there's an Off-Road+ mode added too. As usual, these influence gearbox behaviour, throttle response, air suspension settings and so on. Dynamic and assistance technology is also borrowed from the S-Class, including the Active Curve System, Steer Control, Crosswind Assist, Brake Assist, Pre-Safe, Active Blind Spot Assist...

It's much as before with the GLS then, the facelift bringing it in line with the rest of what Mercedes offers. Its USP remains - at least according to Mercedes - its status as the "only full-fledged seven-seater in the European premium SUV segment". Is that something the European market now covets more? We'll find out soon, with sales beginning this month and first deliveries in March.