Mercedes-Benz officially reveals updated GL-Class as the new GLS

Mercedes-Benz has officially revealed the updated GL as the new GLS, under the brand’s new nomenclature for their luxury SUV range. Mercedes, in fact, is calling the new seven-seater GLS as the "S-Class among SUVs".

The GLS, in essence, is the updated GL and as a result, the former retains the basic profile of the old GL and makes use of Mercedes' latest design cues. The headlight design is all-new and relatively soft flowing and the grille is now bigger too and houses the three-pointed star in all its glory. Meanwhile, the rear is nearly the same as the old GL except for the redesigned taillights and the bumper.

Inside, Mercedes has included a new 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel and a newly designed instrument panel with colour display. The SUV also gets the latest generation of Merc’s COMAND Online, including an 8-inch display as well as an intuitive touchpad. Standard safety features on the new GLS include a plethora of airbags, ABS, ESP, brake assist, traction control, collision prevention assist, cross wind assist and attention assist.

Compared with its predecessor, the GLS features improved efficiency, additional transmission modes, improved air suspension system (AIRMATIC) with enhanced damping system and an all-new 9-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. As for the engine range, there’s the GLS550 4MATIC with V8 bi-turbo engine developing 449bhp, some 20bhp more than the preceding model. The 3-litre V6 bi-turbo engine, also featuring direct injection, is used in the GLS450 4MATIC. This engine produces 362bhp and like all GLS models has start/stop function. Alongside the petrol engine offerings, there’s also the GLS350d 4MATIC with the proven V6 diesel engine rated at 255bhp.

Mercedes has announced that the GLS will be available to order from December 2015, with deliveries in in the US market expected to begin from late-March 2016.