The Mercedes-Benz GLS, which replaces the GL-Class as the largest 4x4 SUV in the premium brand’s range, is available to order in Britain now. Starting from £69,100, the first orders for the GLS will commence in March 2016.
The seven-seater GLS features greater efficiency and new styling features over the GL-Class. Regarding the latter, the GLS sports a redesign for the front grille, air intakes, bumpers, headlights and alloy wheels.
Inside, meanwhile, the GLS interior now predominantly features a ‘floating’ COMAND infotainment system with a tablet-like touchscreen and sat-nav onboard.
From launch, there will be three specifications available for the Mercedes GLS. The range starts with the 350d AMG Line, which uses a 3.0-litre V6 producing 258bhp. A 4MATIC four-wheel drive powertrain and nine-speed automatic gearbox are also standard. Standard kit for the GLS 350d AMG Line includes leather upholstery, panoramic electric sunroof, three-zone climate control and a 360-degree camera.
The mid-range 350d designo model, priced from £78,095, uses the same engine as the AMG Line but features extra luxury kit such as front seats with heating and cooling functions, a heated steering wheel and four-zone climate control.
Fuel economy figures have yet to be confirmed but the 350d models emit 199g/km of CO2, which is 10g/km less than the most efficient diesel in the preceding GL-Class range. An optional off-road package is also available for the 350d, which adds extra such as a centre differential lock and low-range gearbox.
Topping the range is the GLS 63 AMG, priced from £102,330. Like the GL-Class AMG, it uses a 5.5-litre bi-turbo petrol V8. It now produces 28bhp more, however, giving the luxury 4x4 a total output of 585bhp.
According to online reports, the Mercedes GLS range could expand at some time after the car’s initial launch with the addition of a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid model, rumoured to be called the GLS 500e.
