The new Mercedes-Benz GLS is now on sale in SA. Four models are on offer, starting with GLS450d, GLS 580S, GLS 63 AMG and the GLS 600 Maybach. As a concept the GLS is aimed at those wanting a large seven-seater SUV with luxury appointments associated with S-Class ownership.
The latest model has a handsome exterior look made more striking by a large radiator grille with four louvres and a revised bumper in the 450d and 580S models. The AMG is differentiated by the AMG-specific grille with numerous vertical slats while the range-topping GLS 600 is distinguished through a unique grille with more chrome and vertical bars, and air inlet grilles that feature a Maybach pattern. Wheel sizes start from 20-inches right up to 23-inches with new patterns, and colour options introduced.
The face-lifted GLS that competes with the BMW X7 and others lives up to its butch but practical position, ready to tackle the hinterlands and the school run in the same week. Inside, there’s plenty of room front and rear, and the driving position is reasonably good with views of power domes on the bonnet.
Adjustment of certain functions among plenty is built into the steering wheel, while the materials and design details around the gear lever and various other places you touch are tactile and feel robust.
You get a colour touchscreen with smartphone integration, live traffic information, panoramic sliding sunroof, automatic climate control, heated front seats, ambient lighting as standard while options can include aluminium-look, illuminated running boards with rubber studs, AMG Line exterior, Night Package and much more.
The 600 Maybach is more opulent. Apart from the heated individual pair of reclining seats and Maybach Exclusive nappa leather, it also benefits from electric sun blinds, temperature-controlled cup holder, refrigerated compartment, MBUX rear tablet, Wireless charging system for the rear and more.
All new GLS models come fitted with 4Matic all-wheel drive and nine-speed automatic transmissions, and in GLS 450d guise it’s a 3.0l diesel engine with outputs of 270kW and 750Nm beating upfront. The GLS 580S, AMG 63 and Maybach 600 wield eight-cylinder engines outputting 380kW/730Nm, 450kW/850Nm and 410kW/770Nm respectively.
The GLS 450d is the model we drove exclusively at the launch, and it served as the precursor on what to expect across the range. The car feels qualitative and well-built, and the diesel motor is punchy and refined. It’s remarkably cushy on various surfaces, and able to self-throttle, brake and keep within lanes thanks to active cruise control.
The standard AIRMATIC air-suspension system allows for trips off road, able to increase ground clearance at the touch of a button to help skirt obstacles, or lower the car to enable ease of access for loading the boot. The E-Active Body Control system that is optional to the Maybach 600 enables control of the spring and damping forces at each wheel, suppressing rolling, pitching and lifting.
A side benefit of the system is the ability to make the GLS bounce about on the move. Mercedes-Benz says the feature is handy in off-road situations should you get stuck in deep sand or mud, but it’s used widely as a dance in urban areas.
The bigger take-away is how the GLS felt being hustled hard and fast on the at-times narrow roads resplendent with potholes and plenty of bends. The composure belies its sheer size, being one of capacious alternatives in the segment and able to swallow between 355l and 2,400l of cargo. All Mercedes-Benz GLS models come with a five year/100,000km maintenance plan and two years/unlimited km warranty.
Prices
Mercedes-Benz GLS450d — R2,304,700
Mercedes-Benz GLS580 — R2,840,600
Mercedes-Benz GLS600 — R4,500,000
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