We had expected Mercedes to showcase the GLS SUV at the Auto Expo, the one that will replace the current GL-Class. While Mercedes pipped us to the reveal by getting the GLC for the Expo, they have imported a unit of the GLS 350d for homologation purpose. Which means, the GLS will certainly be one of the 12 Mercedes-Benz cars to be launched in 2016.
The Mercedes GLS is a cosmetic upgrade to the current GL SUV and a new badge to fall in line with the global nomenclature system. The SUV seats all seven occupants in comfort with the three-zone climate control and a rear AC. The luxury SUV gets electrically adjustable front seats, manually adjustable rear seats and electrically foldable third-row seats. It gets a 360-degree camera to assist while parking along with front and rear parking sensors along with satellite navigation and a display screen for the infotainment system.
The GLS will get the same 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel V6 engine that develops about 260bhp of power and over 600Nm of torque. It gets a seven-speed automatic gearbox along with the permanent 4-matic four-wheel-drive system. It also gets ride-height adjustment for off-roading along with driving modes like Comfort and Sport.
The single unit imported will be a part of the homologation procedure where the car is inspected and necessary changes suggested to bring the car to Indian standards. The GLS will compete with the Audi Q7 and the Volvo XC90 primarily and is expected to cost between Rs 80 to 90 lakh ex-showroom, Delhi.
