India-bound next generation Mercedes-Benz GLS images leaked ahead of Shanghai debut

-Second generation GLS
-Mild hybrid technology

Images of the second generation India-bound Mercedes-Benz GLS has been leaked ahead of its global debut at the 2019 Shanghai Motor Show. We’ve already spotted the car testing on multiple occasions and can now confirm that the second generation model retains the basic shape of the outgoing car but with curvier design elements and a lowered roof line to give it a sporty appearance.

It’s still the flagship Mercedes SUV and thus sets the stage, in terms of design, for future Mercedes’ SUVs. The face gets the two-slat grille while the tail lamps have become sleek and wrap around the body. The square edged lines of the first generation car have been replaced with softer lines that give the car a modern look.

The highlight of the cabin is the massive display that dominates the dashboard. It’s a single unit, split between the infotainment system as well as the instrument panel. Other than this, the elements in the cabin all appear to be standard S-Class fare. It’s expected to get a host of new driver aid systems, safety systems as well as autonomous driving technology.  

However, where appearance may be more of an evolution, underneath it is a new platform. Sspecifically, it is now underpinned by the German automaker’s MHA platform that it shares with the GLE. 

This new GLS is expected to be offered with a range of six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines and all of them will sport the 48V mild-hybrid technology as well as an expected pure electric range of 50km. There will also be a GLS 63 AMG and for the first time, a GLS Maybach that’s likely to be offered only with the 6.0-litre V12.

The Mercedes GLS is expected to come India in 2020 and will be locally assembled at their Pune factory. It will take on the likes of the BMW X7, Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90. In higher spec models, rivals include the Range Rover LWB as well as the Lexus LX.