Mercedes-Benz GLS

The Mercedes-Benz GLS is the Stuttgart-based carmaker’s flagship SUV in India. The carmaker launched the third-generation model of the SUV in India on June 17, 2020, and like the previous version, the new-gen GLS will also be locally assembled in India, at Mercedes-Benz India’s Chakan plant, in Pune. The new Mercedes-Benz GLS is offered in both petrol and diesel engine options - GLS 450 4MATIC and GLS 400 d 4Matic - and both are priced at Rs.99.90 lakh (ex-showroom, India). The SUV comes in five colours - Cavansite Blue, Selenite Grey, Hyacinth Red, Obsidian Black, and Mojave Silver.

In terms of looks, the new GLS has certainly grown in size, in fact, it’s 77 mm longer and 22 mm wider than before, and it also comes with a 60 mm longer wheelbase. Visually, however, we see a bigger octagonal grille, along with Multibeam LED headlamps as standard, featuring a total of 112 LEDs per headlamp and daytime running lights with three LED segments. The SUV also gets a chrome-plated under-guard in the front apron with large air inlet grille and the bonnet comes with two power domes.

The profile features a set of large twin-5-spoke alloy wheels, squared wheel arches, side skirts, and large silver roof rails. At the rear, the SUV comes with two-piece LED taillamps with a three-dimensional pattern, a simple-looking rear bumper with underbody cladding, silver skid plate, and dual exhaust mufflers with chrome bezels. The SUV also gets power tailgate and AIRMATIC suspension as standard which allows you the increase or decreases the height of the SUV at the touch of a button.

The cabin features Mercedes’ signature single unit touchscreen display with split screens for the infotainment and instrumentation, along with the latest-gen MBUX system, which for the first time gets gesture controls. Mercedes-Benz India also offers rear-seat entertainment system, featuring two 11.6-inch displays for movie, music and internet enjoyment, as part of optional accessory, priced at around Rs. 1.2 lakh. The system also gets additional connectivity system as part of the Mercedes Me connectivity system, including Geofencing. Other features include the company’s latest-generation driver assistance system, heated seats, 5-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, and a lot more. The SUV also comes 11 USB ports, 2 wireless chargers (front and 2nd row), and rear seats that can be folded at the push of a button, expanding the boot space to a massive 2,400-litre.

Under the hood, the GLS 450 4MATIC, comes with a 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder engine comes with the EQ Boost featuring a 48-volt on-board electrical system and integrated starter-generator. The engine is tuned to make 362 bhp and 500 Nm of torque, with an additional 21 bhp and 250 Nm of torque available via EQ Boost over short periods. The diesel version, which is the GLS 400 d 4MATIC, comes with a 2.9-litre in-line six-cylinder oil burner that makes 326 bhp and 700 Nm torque. In India, the SUV competes with the likes of the BMW X7.