The first car launch for 2024 in India has taken place in the first ten days of the year. The Mercedes-Benz GLS facelift hit the roads earlier this week and comes with many changes concerning design, features as well as engines. Mercedes says with a long wheelbase for generous room and a smoother ride, the restyled GLS lets you live large without the bulky driving experience.
Design
The design of the new GLS looks chiselled and muscular, with the highlight being the new grille that inspired by the iconic G-Wagon to its LED taillamps. The SUV also gets a redesigned front apron that contributes to a sportier look. You also get 3 new paint finishes – Sodalite blue, High-tech Silver and Selenite Grey and 5 colour options in all.
Interiors
The updated GLS gets the new 5th generation multifunction steering wheel from the S-Class with capacitive touch controls. The MBUX multimedia system featuring the latest NTG 7 software generation and a refreshed user interface is also an addition to the car. Mercedes says with the MBUX Multi-Seat Entertainment system, rear-seat occupants experience the same comprehensive range of infotainment and comfort features as those in the front. They can use up to three touchscreens and a variety of intuitive control options such as the “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant.
The SUV also gets a Burmester surround sound system with 13 speakers and a system output of 590 watts. Other highlights in the cabin include a giant sunroof, 64-color ambient lighting, ventilated front seats, and a power second row. You also get widescreen displays and more advanced and intuitive visual, voice, and touch interfaces. The rear seat comfort package plus gets extra-soft head restraints with additional cushions ensure a relaxed posture while the removable rear-seat tablet integrated into the centre armrest gives the passengers direct access to the MBUX multimedia system.
Engine
The new GLS has come with 6-cylinder Petrol and Diesel engine options. While the 2,999-cc mill in the GLS 450 makes 375 bhp along with 500 Nm, the 2,989-cc engine in 450d makes a little lesser 362 bhp but provides significantly more torque at 740 Nm. Both engine variants also get the upgraded 48V mild hybrid technology with Integrated Starter Generator which (in petrol engine) gives an additional power of 20 bhp and torque of 200 Nm when driving conditions require it. The electric auxiliary compressor delivers high torque even at low engine speeds.
The diesel variant gets more powerful with an additional power of 36 bhp and an added torque of 50 Nm. The nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifts promises to deliver quick response as well as efficient, quiet cruising. Both engines reach a top speed of 250 kmph and do 0-100 kmph in 6.1 seconds. The Dynamic Select comes with various drive modes that suit your driving moods and needs. The brand is also promising a very silent drive owing to the specialized laminated sound insulation glass and other noise insulation measures within the car. Seen in many other cars from the brand, the transparent bonnet finds a place in the GLS as well. It provides a virtual view that shows the area directly in front of the vehicle which helps specially during off-road driving. The prices of the new GLS start at Rs. 1.32 crore (ex-showroom) for Petrol and go up to Rs. 1.37 crore (ex-showroom) for the
Diesel variant.