Mercedes-Benz has announced that it will be launching GLS SUV in India on May 18, 2016. Under Mercedes new nomenclature, the GL class is now GLS and will sit at the top of German carmaker’s lineup. The SUV made its global debut last year and it is expected to come in the range of Rs. 80-90 lakhs (ex-showroom). The GLS will be rival Range Rover, Volvo XC90 and Audi Q7 in the Indian market.
The changes to the SUV are minor; it gets new set of projector headlamps with LED DRLs, new twin slat front grille with tri-star logo. The front bumper has become muscular that sports large air dams adding aggressive stance to the front fascia. The side profile remains same except for the 21inch alloy wheels and side flaps while rear receives new bumper, tweaked LED tail lamps.
The revised luxurious cabin is now convoyed by premium leather upholstery in five different shades-black, crystal grey, saddle brown, ginger beige and espresso brown. The central console is accompanied by freestanding 8 inch touchscreen command infotainment system with navigation, reverse parking camera and touchpad controller. You also get premium Nappa leather for sporty seats and a three spoke multifunction function steering wheel and stainless steel finished sport pedals.
Mercedes Benz is offering GLS with latest safety systems such as brake assist, cruise control, multiple airbags, crosswind assist, ESP, collision prevention assist, pre-safe and AWD traction system.
Under the hood of GLS SUV is a 3.0l V6 petrol engine developing 255bhp power@3600rpm and 619Nm between 1600-2400rpm, paired to a 9-speed automatic gearbox replacing the 7-speed automatic on the current one. The AMG version bears the bigger 5.5 lite twin turbo V8 engine producing 577bhp power and 760Nm of torque.
