Top 10: Facts about the new 2020 GLS
Mercedes-Benz is positioning the 2020 GLS as “the S-Class of SUVs”, so it’s aimed at customers who want luxury with plenty of interior space. Here are ten things worth knowing about this all-new model.
1. The dimensions have increased
Compared to the previous GLS, length is up by 77 mm (3.0”) to 5,207 mm (205.0”), wheelbase is up by 60 mm (2.4”) to 3,135 mm (123.4”) and width is up by 22 mm (0.9”) to 1,956 mm (77.0”).
2. Six- or seven-seat versions are available
The GLS can accommodate seven people across three rows. When more luggage capacity is needed, the three-place middle bench folds flat and the two rearmost seats lower into the floor.
Alternatively, if comfort is the priority, then a 2+2+2 configuration can be ordered. Whichever layout is chosen, each seat is heated and power-adjustable.
3. Everybody is entertained
A latest-generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment array uses a 12.3” high-definition dashboard display. Upgrading to the MBUX Rear Seat Entertainment System adds two dedicated 11.6” touchscreens for second-row passengers.
Furthermore, anybody sat in the back can take charge of all MBUX entertainment and climate control settings when the optional Rear Comfort Package Plus is specified. This is essentially a 7” Android tablet that comes with its own docking station. The driver can override any commands at any time, of course.
4. There are two mild-hybrid petrol engines
The 3.0 litre six-cylinder GLS 450 (not intended for the European Union) has 362 bhp (270 kW / 367 PS) with 500 Nm (368 lb/ft) of torque. If those figures aren’t sufficient, the 4.0 litre V8-powered GLS 580 boasts 482 bhp (360 kW / 489 PS) plus 700 Nm (516 lb/ft).
As well as 48 volt electrics, both feature an integrated starter-generator (ISG) that recharges the battery through energy recuperation. The ISG is also responsible for the EQ Boost hybrid facility which provides an extra 21 bhp (16 kW / 22 PS) and 250 Nm (184 lb/ft) in short bursts.
5. There are two diesel engines
Strictly speaking, Mercedes-Benz is offering just one 2.9 litre six-cylinder diesel unit in two states of tune.
Initially, every GLS sold in the UK is going to wear a 400 d badge. In this form, output is 325 bhp (243 kW / 330 PS) and peak torque is 700 Nm (516 lb/ft). However, don’t expect fantastic efficiency, because fuel economy on the combined cycle varies from 37.2 to 35.8 mpg (7.6 to 7.9 l/100 km). CO2 emissions meanwhile are between 201 and 208 g/km.
Certain other markets are due to receive the GLS 350 d variant that makes do with 282 bhp (210 kW / 286 PS) and 600 Nm (442 lb/ft).
6. Every GLS has the same transmission
Regardless of the engine selected, the sole gearbox is a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic.
4Matic all-wheel drive is standard, too. Thanks to a transfer case with an electronically-controlled multi-plate clutch, all of the torque can be sent to either axle as required, thereby helping with traction whatever the terrain.
7. Airmatic suspension is standard
This self-levelling set-up combines Airmatic air suspension with the Adaptive Damping System Plus.
8. E-Active Body Control is optional
E-Active Body Control allows each wheel’s spring and damping forces to be applied individually. The claimed result is better ride and handling.
It can even react in advance to upcoming surface imperfections, courtesy of a camera-based device called Road Surface Scan. To aid cornering, the Curve function leans the body into bends, thereby virtually eliminating centrifugal force effects.
9. The GLS has a special car wash setting
When activated, the windows and sunroof close, the door mirrors fold inwards, the automatic windscreen wipers are turned off and the climate control changes to recirculation mode.
To make negotiating the inside of a car wash easier, the suspension gets raised to its highest position (narrowing the wheel-track widths in the process) and the front camera is switched on.
10. Deliveries begin later this year
The 2020 GLS is due to arrive at North American dealers in July. Buyers in western Europe have to wait until the third quarter of 2019, though.
Prices haven’t been announced yet.
Related post:
Top 10: Facts about the new BMW X7
1. The dimensions have increased
Compared to the previous GLS, length is up by 77 mm (3.0”) to 5,207 mm (205.0”), wheelbase is up by 60 mm (2.4”) to 3,135 mm (123.4”) and width is up by 22 mm (0.9”) to 1,956 mm (77.0”).
2. Six- or seven-seat versions are available
The GLS can accommodate seven people across three rows. When more luggage capacity is needed, the three-place middle bench folds flat and the two rearmost seats lower into the floor.
Alternatively, if comfort is the priority, then a 2+2+2 configuration can be ordered. Whichever layout is chosen, each seat is heated and power-adjustable.
3. Everybody is entertained
A latest-generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment array uses a 12.3” high-definition dashboard display. Upgrading to the MBUX Rear Seat Entertainment System adds two dedicated 11.6” touchscreens for second-row passengers.
Furthermore, anybody sat in the back can take charge of all MBUX entertainment and climate control settings when the optional Rear Comfort Package Plus is specified. This is essentially a 7” Android tablet that comes with its own docking station. The driver can override any commands at any time, of course.
4. There are two mild-hybrid petrol engines
The 3.0 litre six-cylinder GLS 450 (not intended for the European Union) has 362 bhp (270 kW / 367 PS) with 500 Nm (368 lb/ft) of torque. If those figures aren’t sufficient, the 4.0 litre V8-powered GLS 580 boasts 482 bhp (360 kW / 489 PS) plus 700 Nm (516 lb/ft).
As well as 48 volt electrics, both feature an integrated starter-generator (ISG) that recharges the battery through energy recuperation. The ISG is also responsible for the EQ Boost hybrid facility which provides an extra 21 bhp (16 kW / 22 PS) and 250 Nm (184 lb/ft) in short bursts.
5. There are two diesel engines
Strictly speaking, Mercedes-Benz is offering just one 2.9 litre six-cylinder diesel unit in two states of tune.
Initially, every GLS sold in the UK is going to wear a 400 d badge. In this form, output is 325 bhp (243 kW / 330 PS) and peak torque is 700 Nm (516 lb/ft). However, don’t expect fantastic efficiency, because fuel economy on the combined cycle varies from 37.2 to 35.8 mpg (7.6 to 7.9 l/100 km). CO2 emissions meanwhile are between 201 and 208 g/km.
Certain other markets are due to receive the GLS 350 d variant that makes do with 282 bhp (210 kW / 286 PS) and 600 Nm (442 lb/ft).
6. Every GLS has the same transmission
Regardless of the engine selected, the sole gearbox is a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic.
4Matic all-wheel drive is standard, too. Thanks to a transfer case with an electronically-controlled multi-plate clutch, all of the torque can be sent to either axle as required, thereby helping with traction whatever the terrain.
7. Airmatic suspension is standard
This self-levelling set-up combines Airmatic air suspension with the Adaptive Damping System Plus.
8. E-Active Body Control is optional
E-Active Body Control allows each wheel’s spring and damping forces to be applied individually. The claimed result is better ride and handling.
It can even react in advance to upcoming surface imperfections, courtesy of a camera-based device called Road Surface Scan. To aid cornering, the Curve function leans the body into bends, thereby virtually eliminating centrifugal force effects.
9. The GLS has a special car wash setting
When activated, the windows and sunroof close, the door mirrors fold inwards, the automatic windscreen wipers are turned off and the climate control changes to recirculation mode.
To make negotiating the inside of a car wash easier, the suspension gets raised to its highest position (narrowing the wheel-track widths in the process) and the front camera is switched on.
10. Deliveries begin later this year
The 2020 GLS is due to arrive at North American dealers in July. Buyers in western Europe have to wait until the third quarter of 2019, though.
Prices haven’t been announced yet.
Related post:
Top 10: Facts about the new BMW X7
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