2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS: engines, design changes, third generation

The third generation of the Mercedes-Benz GLS: the entire first info about the SUV

Let’s face it, the Mercedes-Benz GLS already sat on the shelf. The second generation, which debuted in April 2012 at the new York auto show obsolete not only morally, but also physically. Despite the fact that the flagship SUV is still in the lead by quantity of a variety of electronic features and technologies that help the car owner to feel in full safety and comfort, aesthetically, the model is not far removed from its direct predecessor, the first-born in the back of X164. Of course, the novelty of the past years has helped a little distance local renaming model from ‘ GL ‘ facelifted SUV the second generation turned into a “GLS”, but it does not much affect the overall picture.

Fortunately for those seeking the ultimate luxury crossover, a brand-new version is not far off, and it really will be even more refined “S-Class” among three-row SUVs. On the basis of known at the moment the data is more or less confident in understanding how it will look new generation of the model and what features we might expect. Moreover, the task is simplified thanks to the Internet there was its first rendering of the photo.

A familiar face

The first impression arises from viewing the spy photos accurately tells us that this car is GREAT! However, once you begin to look at the details, it turns out that his appearance is not as impressive as the other contenders in the category. Rather, new GLS third-generation is more like a large GLE overgrown bloated, growth hormone. A nerd-Jock. Outwardly powerful, but smart inside.

From the front the design is dominated by a large filesresearch with two wide horizontal bars with a marked icon “Mercedes” in the middle. Small multibeam led headlamps with inscribed vertical turn signals, and large lower air intakes. Side third got rid of most of the folds and began to look less aggressive than before. Echoed by the soothing style rear quarter side Windows, they are shorter with small radii.

Accommodation first class

Inside large and spacious 7-seater cabin is dominated by a huge digital screen, covering half of the front panel. Of course, we are talking about the infotainment system MBUX with advanced satellite navigation. The instrument panel also needs to become fully electronic. Probably even in the basic version.

Below are four vents of the air conditioning system, heating and controls climate control and new touch panel (mounted on the place where usually is located the shifter) is designed to work with the infotainment system without touching the screen – think of it as interpretation of the BMW iDrive from Mercedes.

Otherwise, the salon promises to be even more refined and comfortable, combining a variety of new features and capabilities. By the way, one of the “chips” will be a seat with advanced features massage and ambient lighting with more than 60 colours in the range.

Under the “skin” of the third generation GLS

Revised GLS will be built on the same basis MHA that its smaller sibling GLE. This means that the new product will offer better handling at the expense of such systems, for example, as E-Active Body Control System, which uses electric 48-volt setting for individual adjustment of shock absorbers pneumatic suspension. In the case of being bogged down in the middle of nowhere, it will raise and lower the suspension to improve traction. Read more about it, we wrote here:

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In addition, there will be many other auxiliary means for the driver, such as assisted Active movement of the Tailback Assist, which recognize the tail tube at an early stage by radar, and information from the cloud service to help move in Stop&Go mode at speeds up to 60 km/h.

Power to the people!

You will be offered many options of engines (with the use of “mild hybrid technology”), starting with turbo-diesel engine with a turbocharged 286 HP and 600 Nm, more powerful version of the same unit to offer a capacity of about 340 HP and 700 Nm. The petrol version of the 3.0-litre six-cylinder motor will produce 362 HP and torque of 500 Nm and 250 Nm and an additional 22 h. p. will be available through EQ Boost for a short time.

The eight-cylinder powertrains (familiar 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with a turbo) and his impressive, more powerful version under the hood of Mercedes-AMG GLS 63, will also join the lineup as the most powerful, top of the motors. The power will go to all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Impressive Company

Mercedes GLS 2020 will face a very elite group of big luxury SUVs. There are BMW X7, Ranger Rover, Audi Q7, Lexus GX, Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade.

For those who think that ordinary GLS is not enough elegant, the good news is that, according to rumors, will appear ultra-luxury version of the Maybach, which may offer an alternative to the Rolls Royce Cullinan.

We expect the official debut in 2019, possibly at the Frankfurt motor show in September, although an earlier release, such as at the motor show in new York in April, also is not excluded. It is expected that sales will begin before the end of the year.