New Mercedes-Benz GLS: The S-Class of SUVs
MUSCAT: The new MercedesBenz GLS is Mercedes-Benz’s largest and most luxurious SUV and, above all, offers more: more space, more comfort, and more luxury.
Starting from OMR39,995, the confident presence of its exterior stems from its impressive dimensions, which are even larger than those of its predecessor (length+77mm, width+22mm). One of the benefits of the 60mm longer wheelbase is interior spaciousness, especially in the second row. The three fully electrically adjustable seat rows offer all passengers a generous amount of space and outstanding seating comfort. The seats in the third row can be lowered into the floor to increase the boot space (up to 2400 litres), while the seats in the second-row fold flat. Celebrating its world premiere in the GLS5804MATIC is an electrified V8 engine featuring EQ Boost-a 48volt system with integrated starter-generator.
The E-active body control active suspension on 48-volt basis offers outstanding suspension comfort, agile handling and a high degree of off-road capability. Like the GLE, the GLS features the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz driving assistance systems giving cooperative support to the driver. The new 4MATIC ensures great agility on the road and strong performance off the beaten track. The new GLS has impressive aerodynamics in its segment, with a Configure of 0.32. It has a new carwash function, which enables the car to be prepared for entry into a carwash with a single press of a button.
As the S-Class of SUVs, the new GLS indulges its passengers, especially those in the rear seat. The key comfort features at a glance:
MBUX Rear Seat Entertainment System: Two 11.6-inch touch screens for movie, music and internet enjoyment
Rear Comfort package Plus: Separate tablet for controlling all of the MBUX comfort and entertainment functions from the rearseats
Electrically adjustable seats throughout as standard, as is the Easy-entry function, which makes it easy to get into and out of the third seat row, simple foldingdown of all rear seats at the push of a button, two fully-fledged seats in the third row (for people up to 1.94 m tall), heated seats and separate USB charging ports for the third row, too, five-zone automatic climate control available.
“The new GLS is the S-Class of premium SUVs.It embodies luxury, confidence and intelligence like almost no other vehicle,” states Ola Källenius, the member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for corporate research and MercedesBenz Cars Development.
“The GLS combines modern luxury with the character of an off-roader,” says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer at Daimler AG. “Powerful highlights of the off-road design idiom combines with an elegance reminiscent of a classic luxury saloon. The interior is a synthesis of modern, luxurious aesthetics, hallmark SUV practicality, and digital high-tech. In our view, the new GLS therefore offers the best of all these worlds.”
Mercedes-Benz has a rich history of building premium SUVs, and in 2006 the GL full-size seven-seater was launched. The next major change came in 2015, with a facelift that emphasised the luxury character of second-generation large SUV’s and changed the name to GLS. On top of that, it is the market leader in its segment -just like the S-Class Saloon.
At present, Mercedes-Benz offers models in the SUV segment GLC, GLC Coupé, GLE, GLE Coupé, GLS, G-Class). SUVs are a major structural pillar in the Mercedes-Benz product portfolio and greatly contribute to the growth of the brand. To date, more than six million customers worldwide have purchased a Mercedes-Benz SUV.
Modern luxury both on and off the road: that is the design message of the new GLS. Its aesthetics are based on the confident presence that its impressive dimensions alone create (length5207mm, width 1956mm). The wheelbase of3135mm, which is 60 mm longer than that of its predecessor, makes the vehicle beneficially longer and gives harmonious proportions, emphasised by the understated, elegant side design.
If the GLSis equipped with the five-zone automatic climate control, the third row has its zone with climate control vents in the roof. This zone is supplied by its own, electrically powered heater and air conditioner.
A push of a button is all that is required to stowaway the comfortable seats and make full use of the 2400-litre boot space in the GLS. The switches on the left and right of the load compartment and the front of the wheel arches on the front-passenger side in the C-pillar are allow the seats in the rear rows to be folded completely flat. Itis also possible to fold down all the seats simultaneously by pressing the “ALL” button.