Mercedes-Benz India has launched the new GLS in India at an introductory price of Rs. 99.90 lakhs (ex-showroom). This is the third-generation of this three-row SUV, and it is made available in two variants – GLS 400 d 4MATIC (diesel) and GLS 450 4MATIC (petrol). Both these variants are priced the same.
Compared to its predecessor, the new GLS has grown bigger. It is now longer by 77mm and wider by 22mm. The wheelbase has also increased by 60 mm.
The new GLS gets revised exterior and interior, more features and mechanical updates too. The new GLS is equipped with LED headlights and taillights, 21″ alloy wheels, air suspensions, twin 12.3″ touchscreens – one for the instrument cluster and the other one for the infotainment system, Burmester surround sound system, MBUX with voice command, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, panoramic sunroof, 64-colour LED ambient lighting, 5-zone auto climate control, 11 USB charging ports, wireless charging at the front and rear, rear-seat entertainment screens, 2400 litres of boot space (once the second and third-row seats are folded by pressing a button in the boot area), and hands-free Active Parking Assist.
Both the variants are powered by BS6 compliant engines. The GLS 400 d, is powered by a 3L, in-line, 6-cylinder, diesel engine that churns out 330 BHP and 700 Nm of torque. It goes from 0-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds. The GLS 450 gets a 3L, in-line, 6-cylinder, petrol engine that produces 367 BHP and 500 Nm of torque. This petrol engine also gets a 48V mild-hybrid system that serves an additional 22 BHP and 250 Nm of torque. It goes from 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds.
Safety features on this SUV include – Seven airbags, ABS with EBD, off-road ABS, Active Brake Assist, Attention Assist, Pre-Safe, ESP, BAS, Advanced TPMS, Hill Start Assist, Automatic Brake Drying, Predictive Brake Priming, Crosswind Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Surround View System, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Rain Sensing Wipers, and Mercedes Emergency Call Service. The MBUX infotainment system also shows nearby Covid-19 test centres across key metro cities.
