3rd-gen Mercedes-Benz GLS unveiled

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the third-generation GLS SUV at the New York Auto Show. It is scheduled to be on sale by the end of 2019, with production taking place at the Mercedes plant in Alabama, USA.

The new GLS measures 5,207 mm long, 1,956 mm wide and has a wheelbase of 3,135 mm. Compared to the outgoing car, it is 77 mm longer, 22 mm wider and has a 60 mm longer wheelbase. It gets an octagonal radiator grille, chrome-plated under guard, side air vents on the bumper and LED headlights. The sides reveal a large window area, plastic cladding on the wheel arches, roof rails and a choice of 19-21 inch alloy wheels. The rear gets a two-tone bumper with dual exhausts on either side along with LED tail lamps with ring-shaped patterns inside.

On the inside, it comes with a 12.3-inch MBUX touchscreen infotainment system in the middle of the dashboard. Rear occupants can get optional 11.6-inch touchscreen units while a 7-inch tablet is provided in the middle row armrest to control the infotainment system. All seats are electrically adjustable while the rear two rows can also be folded electrically for a 2400-liter boot. The new GLS can be configured with 6 or 7 seat options (captain seat middle row) and all seats are heated. A five-zone automatic climate control is also offered.

The GLS will be offered with a choice of petrol and diesel engines. The petrol engines will all come with 48V mild hybrid systems. The GLS 580 4MATIC is powered by a V8 petrol engine rated at 482 BHP and 700 Nm of torque. An additional 22 BHP / 250 Nm will be available as an electric boost for a limited amount of time. A 362 BHP / 500 Nm inline six-cylinder will be available on the GLS 450 4MATIC with the same 22 BHP / 250 Nm electric boost. Two diesel variants will be offered. The six-cylinder engine produces 282 BHP / 600 Nm on the GLS 350 d 4MATIC and 325 BHP / 700 Nm on the GLS 400d 4MATIC. The diesels are Euro 6d complaint and come with a 31.6-liter Ad-blue tank and an SCR converter.

Some of the safety features offered include adaptive cruise control and trailer manoeuvring assist. The GLS also gets a carwash mode which raises the car's suspension so cleaning the wheel wells is easier. It will also disable the automatic wipers, folds the exterior mirros and closes all windows and sunroof.