German automaker Mercedes-Benz has revealed the 2017 GLS SUV. The vehicle gets few changes over the current GL-Class whose facelift it is.
Mercedes has just lifted the veils off the new GLS which is basically a facelifted version of the current GL-Class. Following Mercedes’ new nomenclature, the GLS indicates that it will sit at the top of the company’s SUV range and officials from the German automaker have also stated that the GLS is the S-Class of SUVs. The S-Class as we already know is one of the best luxury sedans out there when it comes to comfort, luxury and a lot more.
Not many changes differentiate the GLS from the GL. On the front fascia, the vehicle gets a new grille with redesigned bumpers and tweaked headlamps. The side profile remains mostly unchanged and it continues to look imposing and big. The rear again gets very minor changes that have been made to the tail lamps, bumper and tail gate. Apart from all this, Mercedes will also offer some new colours and alloy wheel designs with the GLS.
The Mercedes GLS continues to remain a seven-seater SUV but there are quite a few changes to the insides. First up, the integrated centre console screen has now been replaced by a free standing tablet monitor and it can be controlled through a new touchpad that is placed between both the front seats. The steering wheel and the instrument cluster also get a new design and the GLS now comes with the Designo Nappa leather package.
The 2017 Mercedes GLS will be offered in the following trims – GLS550 4MATIC that comes with a twin-turbo V8 engine, GLS63 AMG V8, GLS450 V6 petrol and GLS350d V6 diesel. Most of the trims will come with a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission while the GLS63 AMG will come with an improved version of the 7G-TRONIC AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS gearbox. The GLS also gets an optional low-range gearbox and a centre differential lock.
The 2017 Mercedes GLS will be showcased to the public at the LA Motor Show happening in this month itself and bookings will begin in December 2015. Prices of the SUV have not yet been revealed. Deliveries are slated to begin in March 2016 for initial customers in the US. The GLS will be launched in India only in late 2016 and it is unclear whether it will be showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo or not.
