Mercedes-Benz has launched the new GLS 350d in India priced at INR 80.40 lakh (ex-showroom,Pune). The GLS is essentially the facelifted version of the erstwhile GL-Class of vehicles which were the largest SUVs Merc sold in India. The GLS is no different; it still retains the size and the road presence that the GL was so famous for but also packs quite a bit of new kit. 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.
Talking about the exterior, the front fascia has been redesigned to make the GLS look like an aggressive SUV version of the German car maker’s flagship sedan, the S-Class. It now comes with an even more muscular bonnet and a larger tri-star logo which blends into the twin-slat chrome grille. The headlamps too have been redesigned and now feature Mercedes’ signature MultiBeam lamps along with LED DRLs. The air intakes in the bumper are now much larger and give the car a more aggressive appearance. 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. The rest of the car is relatively unchanged.
The interior of the car too has been reworked to take the luxury factor up by a notch. The interior is bathed in the finest Napa leather and wood. The COMAND system now gets an 8-inch screen and it also comes with an optional air ionization system which helps improve the cabin air quality. The cabin still retains its 7-seater layout and the Panoramic sliding sunroof. In terms of safety, along with the usual airbags and ESP it also offers collision prevention assist, crosswind assist, attention assist, cruise control and an electronic AWD traction system with 4ETS.
Under the hood, the GLS comes with a 3.0-litre V6 bi-turbocharged diesel engine on the single 350d trim that churns out 258PS of max power and 620Nm of peak torque. The engine comes mated to a 9-speed automatic (9G-Tronic) 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 center differential lock. The top speed of the SUV is electronically limited to 222kmph.
Mercedes-Benz India is offering a ton 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. Source
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