Hot on the heels of the facelift of the GLE and GLE Coupe, the Mercedes‑Benz GLS, Mercedes‑Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC, and Mercedes‑AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+ are now also appearing in updated form.
Several design, technology, and equipment changes take the comfort, connectivity, and ambience of Mercedes-Benz’s most coveted SUV model series to the next level.
With their generous exterior dimensions, the Mercedes GLS offers interior space for up to seven occupants in three-seat rows.
VISUAL ENHANCEMENT AND FUNCTIONAL FEATURES
The latest Mercedes‑Benz GLS models can be recognised by the even more striking radiator grille. The four louvres are galvanised in high-quality Silver Shadow. The bumper is also visually more prominent. It features integrated air inlet grilles, combined with a surround in high-gloss black. The large simulated underguard (standard equipment) has also been redesigned. The eye-catcher at the rear is the interior of the lights with three horizontal blocks. A new 20” multi-spoke light-alloy wheel in Himalayas grey with a high-sheen finish has been added to the range of wheels.
As before, the Mercedes‑Benz GLS is a seven-seater as standard. With Catalana beige and Bahia brown, two new leather colours are available. The range of interior trim finishes has also been revised. Glossy brown lime wood is now standard. The trim element MANUFAKTUR glossy black flowing lines piano lacquer, previously reserved for the Mercedes‑Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC, is now also available for the GLS family.
The louvres of the centre and side air vents are galvanised in Silver Shadow – another detail that will be familiar from the Mercedes‑Maybach GLS.
Most drivers of a GLS only travel on paved roads or in easy to moderately difficult off-road terrain. Mercedes‑Benz has, therefore, recompiled the scope of the Off-Road Engineering package. Components include an underride guard and 30 mm more ground clearance.
The updated generation of the infotainment system MBUX brings a new look to the displays. The displays can be individualised with the help of three styles (classic, sporty, discreet) and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, and Service).
The “Off-Road Mode” in the current MBUX generation turns special content such as gradient, lateral inclination, compass, and steering angle into a visual experience. Thanks to the standard Parking Package with a 360‑degree camera, it offers the “transparent bonnet” function. When the Offroad mode is active, the central display shows a virtual view under the front of the vehicle. The view is composed of images from the 360-degree camera. With the “transparent bonnet”, obstacles such as large stones or deep potholes on the route ahead can be better recognised.
All-wheel drive and a gear ratio designed for pulling power allow a high trailer load of up to 3.5 tonnes and a tongue weight of up to 140 kg.
Additional towing features include Trailer Manoeuvring Assist, the updated Trailer menu in the central display and the Trailer route planner. This can be used to find optimised routes when travelling with a trailer.
MERCEDES-MAYBACH GLS: EXTRAORDINARY LUXURY REFINED
Vertical chrome bars and the “Maybach” lettering are the distinguishing features of the top model’s high-quality radiator grille. The air inlet grilles feature a Maybach pattern and have a chrome surround. A 23” forged wheel in typical Maybach design with forged wheel bolt cover is new to the options list.
Another new standard feature is ambient lighting with animated projection of the Mercedes‑Maybach pattern. In the interior, a new seat design emphasises the particularly luxurious character of the Mercedes‑Maybach. The centre sections of the seat surfaces and backrests now feature high-quality diamond-pattern quilting with specific perforations. Exclusively for the Mercedes‑Maybach, the colour combinations MANUFAKTUR crystal white/silver grey pearl and MANUFAKTUR mahogany brown/macchiato beige are offered for the interior.
MERCEDES-AMG GLS: REFRESHED DESIGN AND SOFTWARE UPDATES
Mercedes-AMG is upgrading the GLS 63 4MATIC+ and adding to the standard equipment. The exclusive equipment and further improved on-road driving dynamics make the GLS 63 the head of the AMG SUV family.
The newly designed LED rear light signature makes the new model visually distinguishable. Two new colours have been added to the range of paint finishes: MANUFAKTUR alpine grey non-metallic and sodalite blue metallic. In addition, the front section now also bears the AMG emblem instead of the Mercedes. Added to this are the red brake callipers, which emphasise sportiness. When the front doors are opened, the vehicle plays an AMG-specific light animation with the help of a new logo projector. Wheels range from the standard 21” ten-spoke light-alloy wheel to options in diameters of 22 and 23 inches, including forged wheels.
NEW INTERIOR HIGHLIGHTS
In the interior, the AMG seats and features such as the instrument panel are upholstered in Exclusive nappa leather. There is also a new colour scheme in Bahia brown/black or macchiato beige/black. Glossy brown lime wood is now also available as an option for the interior trim. In addition, new MANUFAKTUR glossy black piano lacquer with flowing decorative lines is also available on request. The new Mercedes-AMG GLS also benefits from the latest generation of MBUX: the AMG-specific screen design and functions make the brand experience even more tangible.
MORE EXTENSIVE STANDARD EQUIPMENT
The standard equipment is even more extensive than the already lavishly equipped predecessor. It includes, among other things, the electric panoramic sliding sunroof, heated and climatised front seats, Adaptive High Beam Assist and Smartphone Integration. Also included are the engageable AMG Performance exhaust system, the Burmester® sound system, the Memory package, the 360-degree Parking Pilot, the KEYLESS-GO package and Blind Spot Assist.
Customers can also look forward to special equipment features such as the MBUX Augmented Reality function, MULTIBEAM LED headlamps and the AMG Driver’s package. The list continues with the AIR BALANCE package, the multi-contour front seats and the head-up display. The MBUX Interior Assistant and temperature-controlled cup holders are also provided as standard.
In the GLS 63, the proven AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine with an output of 450 kW ensures powerful propulsion. The 4.0-litre V8 engine from Mercedes-AMG has been systematically electrified with a 48-volt auxiliary on-board electrical system and the integrated starter-alternator (ISG), including Boost function. Explosive power delivery with finely controlled power output truly sets it apart. For this purpose, the twin-scroll turbochargers are located between the cylinder heads for better response. On the other hand, the cylinder shutoff system noticeably reduces consumption when less power is required.
ACTIVE ROLL STABILISATION
The AMG RIDE CONTROL+ suspension with adaptive adjustable damping is also standard equipment. The active roll stabilisation system AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL works with two electro-mechanical actuators at the front and rear axle. The system reduces body roll when cornering and allows more precise tuning of load change behaviour and precision when entering bends. It also increases driving comfort when driving straight ahead, compensating for one-sided unevenness in the road surface.
As part of the facelift, the roll stabilisation and air suspension also benefit from a software update and a new setup. These measures increase the spread between dynamic handling and comfort. Fine-tuning of the software for the configuration of ESP®, the electronically controlled rear-axle locking differential, the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive and the suspension control system deliver a dynamic and superior driving experience.
For more information, visit www.mercedes-benz.co.za.
Report & Images by MERCEDES-BENZ
