The new Mercedes-Benz GLS has extra large capacity, outperforming even its predecessor – +77mm in length, +22mm in width. Unique, the world's first 48-volt E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL active suspension provides unmatched comfort in all conditions. Three fully-functional electrically adjustable rows of seats and a spacious luggage compartment of up to 2,400 liters also provide practical convenience. In addition, a version GLS 580 4MATIC with a new electrified V8 engine with 48-volt EQ Boost system and a built-in starter generator is available. The new Mercedes-Benz GLS which is the largest and most luxuriously equipped Mercedes-Benz off-road vehicle, currently in Baltics available only in Latvia – in Daimler AG General representative SIA "Domenikss" car showroom.
“48-volts E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL active suspension provides outstanding comfort, agile maneuvering and a high degree of off-road passage. The GLS model is equipped with Mercedes-Benz latest generation assistance systems. New 4MATIC system provides excellent road control and is confident in remote areas. Like in the off-road S-Class model, the new GLS focuses on passenger comfort – especially in the rear,” explains Renārs Agarskis, Retail Director of SIA “Domenikss”.
Large and impressive exterior of a luxury off-road vehicle
The new design of the GLS demonstrates modern luxury both on and off the road. Mercedes-Benz novelty is AMG Line wheels with up to 23 inches in diameter. The off-road capability is also indicated by the car's nearly vertical octagonal radiator grille in the interpretation of the off-road vehicle, the highlighted chrome crankcase guard and the bonnet with the two air intakes. The exterior of the car and the high level of technical standards are enhanced by MULTIBEAM LED headlamps incorporating 112 LEDs.
Sophisticated aerodynamics
The aerodynamic drag coefficient of the new GLS model has been reduced to 0.32, a significant improvement over its predecessor (cd 0.35) and an impressive achievement in the big luxury off-road vehicle segment. Excellent aerodynamics, on the one hand, reduces fuel consumption and, on the other hand limit the wind noise.
Mercedes-Benz engineers have paid particular attention to the underside of the body and the flow of air through the engine compartment. That is important, because the characteristic shape of off-road vehicles – the vertical front and high ground clearance - make these areas vulnerable to the resistance of low airflow.
Elegant luxury and innovations in the interior design
The new GLS salon embodies the aesthetics of luxury elegance – leather upholstery is also the standard equipment. The comfort of a luxury Mercedes-Benz limousine in it is blended with robustly advanced off-road vehicle details. The centerpiece of the control panel is the impressive screen that is built into the highlighted control panel console. All GLS comfort functions can be controlled from the driver's seat using MBUX infotainment system on the large touch screen.
MBUX rear seat entertainment system (Rear Seat Entertainment System) is available in all seat configuration versions. It features two 11.6-inch touchscreens that allow passengers in the second row to enjoy movies or music, use the Internet or make phone calls and enter their travel information. MBUX internal assistance system (Interior Assistant) allows the driver and front passenger to intuitively control various comfort and MBUX functions via a gesture recognition system.
Spacious interior with three electrically adjustable seat rows
The new GLS has more space, especially in the second seat row, which can be electrically adjusted by 10 cm. With the seats are extended as far as possible, the legroom is by 87 mm longer than in its predecessor. All seats are electrically adjustable already in the standard version. This also applies to EASY-ENTRY feature that provides easy entry and exit from the two separate seats in the third row. For this purpose, the second-row seats slide far ahead and fold down. The third row seats are fully equipped and suitable for up to 1.94 m tall people, as well as heated.
To create a flat load compartment in the up to 2,400-liter GLS luggage compartment, all the rear seats can be folded individually or simultaneously with a single button. The rear of the car can be automatically lowered by 50 mm for easy loading and unloading of the boot.
Power with EQ Boost – the choice between six or eight cylinders
The powerful six- and eight-cylinder engines available in the new Mercedes-Benz GLS deliver harmonious driving comfort and instant power. The launch of the GLS 580 4MATIC marks the world premiere of the new electrified V8 petrol engine. With a displacement of about four liters, this engine develops 360 kW (489 hp) and 700 Nm of torque, and the EQ Boost system also temporarily adds an additional 250 Nm of torque and 16 kW / 22 hp.
The GLS 450 4MATIC in-line six-cylinder petrol engine with EQ Boost is also electrified. The integrated starter generator (ISG) performs hybrid functions such as providing extra power, driving with disconnected transmission or energy recovery, and saves fuel in the amount beyond what was previously only possible with high-voltage hybrid technology.
Six-cylinder diesel engine
Two GLS models powered by OM 656 diesel engine are expected to be available on the market. There are available two in-line six-cylinder engines with different output, the GLS 350 d 4MATIC with 210 kW (286 hp) and 600 Nm of torque (combined fuel consumption: 7.9-7.6 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 208-200 g/km), and GLS 400 d 4MATIC with 243 kW (330 hp) and 700 Nm of torque (combined fuel consumption: 7.9-7.6 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 208-201 g/km). In both versions, the powerful engine already complies with the “Euro 6d” standard, which will enter into force on January 1, 2020 for new models, but will apply to all vehicles a year later.
4MATIC all-wheel drive – off-road handling, off-road superiority
In all new GLS models the power is transmitted by 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. Thanks to its wide nine-speed range, you can clearly feel that the engine is able to run at lower rpm. This is crucial for a high level of energy efficiency and driving comfort. A transfer case with electronically controlled multi-disc clutch is also part of standard equipment. In this way, a drive torque from 0 to 100 percent can be transmitted between the axles.
Assistance systems for even better driver support
The new GLS model is equipped with the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz driver assistance systems. These systems further enhance the level of active security.
When the active distance assistance system DISTRONIC (Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC) is activated with speed adaptation on the route, the new GLS is capable of recognizing congestions or slow traffic and to respond appropriately using information from the Live Traffic system before the risk is covered by the driver. For example, if a traffic jam is detected on a motorway and the driver does not choose to react otherwise, DISTRONIC reduces the speed of movement as a precaution.
Driver Assistance System Kit Plus has new function: when driving in traffic jams, the active Stop-and-Go assistance system (Active Stop-and-Go Assist) is in most cases capable of holding the car in the lane and maintaining a safe distance in the speed of up to about 60 km/h. It can also automatically restart the vehicle movement for up to one minute after stopping and even help in creating an emergency lane. As soon as the congestion ends, the GLS accelerates again to the speed set in the active distance assistance system DISTRONIC.
New is also the turning function of the Active Brake Assist. If there is a risk of a collision with the oncoming vehicle while cornering, the GLS will be braked according to the driving speed to prevent a collision.
A trailer maneuvering assistance system is available on the GLS. It facilitates reverse maneuvering for drivers unfamiliar with towing trailers. It also helps experienced drivers when towing longer trailers.
