The GLS: Absolute SUV Luxury

The GLS offers absolute SUV luxury. Previously bearing the moniker “GL”, the luxury SUV emphasizes its relationship with the S-Class with its new nomenclature “the GLS”. Continuing the success story of its previous models, the GLS is an improved upgrade in the right direction with even more luxury and exclusivity for select customers.

The S-Class of SUVs has over the years focused on a distinctive hallmark Mercedes-Benz SUV design, excellent ride comfort and best safety systems in its class, this has aided in the formerly known GL’s continued status as market leader in its segment. As earlier mentioned the GLS emphasizes even more exclusivity and luxury in the SUV car segment. One key highlight surely is the design, on the exterior the GLS impresses with a clearer SUV appearance, while the interior convinces with quality, size and comfort.

The GL has always been a big car with a lot of status, this design theme has been pronounced even more in the GLS. On the exterior the GLS highlights features like the raised bonnet, two bar radiator grille with air intake, bigger lights positioned even higher and the lower bumper area with three dimensional chrome skid pads which emphasizes a new front with a new character. On the side of the exterior, the GLS comes with light alloy wheels with up to six new designs from 19 to 22 inches. Another feature is the running board with black rubber studs, this comes with illuminated door sills and it gives a very exclusive look for the car owner. While the rear comes with a modernized and powerful look, this is emphasized with the full LED tail lights that come with a new design, the lower part of the rear bumper with tailpipes integrated to give it a sportier appearance, electric easy pack tailgate that comes as standard and the fully electric trailer hatch that extends & contracts electrically, allowing a towing capacity of up to 35 tons. Another key feature in the exterior of the GLS are the headlights, optically moved upwards with LED daytime running lights integrated. The full LED lamps come with ILS (Intelligent Light System).

The GLS gets a clear modern interior, offering even more luxury. A highlight is the instrument panel with a covering that is offered as standard in Artico imitation leather. There is a larger display that comes in 7 inches as standard, the 8-inch display comes with Audio 20 and Command Online, these are integrated with Telematics 5.1 with Mercedes connect me services. Another highlight is the multifunction steering wheel that comes in a 3 spoke design, the airbag cover is covered in nappa leather with decorative stitching as previously only in the S-Class. The Telematics system also comes with a touchpad and dynamic select control with up to 6 driving programs.

 The GLS comes with two interior packages namely the AMG line interior package and the Exclusive interior package. The AMG line interior emphasizes on making the interior very sporty with sports seats in nappa leather and it comes with its own seat upholstery layout, other features in the AMG line interior include sports steering wheels, sports pedals and a black roof lining. Also the fitting comes with a new decorative carbon-fibre / black piano lacquer trim to compliment the sporty interior. The Exclusive interior package provides an alternative for those that want their GLS a bit more luxury and exclusive. It comes with 5 attractive leather packages to choose from, along with a decorative trim element with the wood of the customer’s choosing. Another highlight is the ambient lighting and illuminated door sills, this presents a very complete package for an exclusive oriented customer. An additional feature in the interior is the designo exclusive package, which remains top of the line, it comes with diamond quilting in 2 colours (porcelain black & espresso brown).

In the GLS, the engine is further optimized in terms of performance and efficiency. With V8 engines for the GLS 500 and GLS 63 AMG and V6 engines for the GLS 400, they are equipped with more power. The GLS 500 engine has a power output of 335 Kw and 700 Nm, while the GLS 63 AMG has a power output of 430 Kw and 760 Nm, this reaffirms the GLS 63 AMG’s place as the fastest 7 seater in the world. The GLS also comes with 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission as standard for all engines with an exception to the GLS 63 AMG, it brings further optimized performance and fuel consumption for the GLS engines. While the suspension has been significantly revamped with the AIRMATIC package with Adaptive Damping System Plus (ADS PLUS).

Another key highlight in the GLS is in the safety systems. The safety systems in the GLS have been raised to the level of the S-Class. Features like CPA PLUS, BAS PLUS, Crosswind Assist and Distronic PLUS with stop and go pilot ensure that the GLS sets greater safety stands in its segment.

Mercedes-Benz has continued to innovate its appeals to cater more for customers’ needs. The GLS sees the GL evolve as the hallmark of the luxury SUV class. The GLS nomenclature outlines the upgrade of the GL as becoming the S-Class of SUVs; looking more robust, with even more exclusive features and safety systems that eclipse industry standards, customers in Nigeria can experience the GLS at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships in Nigeria.