2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS Launched; Prices Start at Rs. 80.4 Lakh

Mercedes-Benz India has officially launched the 2017 GLS SUV in the country with prices starting at Rs. 80.4 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Essentially a facelifted version of the GL-Class, the GLS moniker comes courtesy of the German auto giant's new nomenclature bringing the flagship in-line with the brand's flagship sedan - the S-Class. In effect, it is just not the 'S' that has been added to the new GL-Class, but a host of other changes that give a refreshing look to the luxury SUV, which impressed us as we drove it earlier this month.

Cosmetically, the 2017 Mercedes GLS falls in-line with the S-Class and gets a revised front including the contoured headlamps with Multi-Beam lamps along with LED daytime running lights and a massive two-slat grille finished in silver. The bumper has been tweaked to get larger air-intakes and gets a large chrome diffuser. The new character lines on the hood add a macho appeal to the SUV. The styling on the GLS is now similar to the S-Class and certainly adds to the charm of the SUV. The side profile remains largely the same, whereas the rear gets minor changes in comparison to the front with revised LED tail lights, revised bumper and tail gate. Other updates include new alloy wheels and exterior colour options on the seven-seater luxury SUV.

The cabin too has seen several upgrades on the new Mercedes GLS, but has been updated on the current layout. The interior now gets a new 8-inch free floating infotainment screen, updated three-spoke steering wheel that gets wrapped in Nappa leather; new instrument console and a touchpad unit placed between the two front seats. The Nappa leather is also extended to the seats and door pads inside the cabin, keeping the luxury quotient at the maximum on the new GLS.

Talking about, the new Mercedes-Benz GLS uses a 3.0-litre V6 bi-turbo diesel engine on the single 350d trim churning out 258bhp of power and develops 620Nm of torque. The engine comes mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels via the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system and can be had with an optional low-range configuration and a centre differential lock.

Mercedes-Benz India is offering a tonne of safety and electronic aids on the 2017 GLS including collision prevention assist, crosswind assist, attention assist, Pre-Safe, Brake Assist, cruise control, ESP and electronic AWD traction system with 4ETS. The GLS will be locking horns with a host of other luxury SUVs in the segment including the new generation Audi Q7, new Volvo XC90, Land Rover Range Rover and the likes. The automaker has already begun the production of the GLS 350d at it's Chakan based facility. Also, given the engine cubic capacity, the GLS will be yet another offering from Mercedes to not go on sale in Delhi.