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Mercedes GLS revealed in New York

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James Cleary
Deputy Editor
18 Apr 2019
2 min read

Mercedes-Benz has revealed a new, third-generation version of its luxurious seven-seat SUV flagship, the GLS at this year’s New York motor show.

Longer (+77mm) and wider (+22mm) with an extended wheelbase (+60mm), the new GLS features three electrically-adjustable seat rows, with the two third row seats claimed to be capable of accommodating passengers up to 1.94m tall.

The second and third row seats are both able to fold flat into the floor to maximise load space, and a special order six-seat version (standard configuration in the USA) is offered for the first time with a pair of individual seats in the second row.

Third row seating is said to be capable of accommodating passengers up to 1.94m tall.
Third row seating is said to be capable of accommodating passengers up to 1.94m tall.

Despite the car’s increased dimensions, a revised exterior design has resulted in a lower drag-coefficient of 0.32 (was 0.35), an exceptional number for such a large vehicle.

Petrol engine choices range across in-line six and V8, with the GLS 580 4Matic introducing an electrified V8 with 48-volt on-board electrical system and integrated starter-generator delivering 360kW/700 (with an extra 16kW/250Nm available via ‘EQ Boost’ for short periods).

The two in-line six-cylinder turbo-diesel engines in the launch line-up are claimed to comply with the Euro 6d (Real Driving Emissions) standard, which comes into force on 1 January 2020.

All variants feature a nine-speed automatic transmission, with drive going to all four wheels via the brand’s 4Matic all-wheel drive system. A full transfer case for hardcore off-road driving is available as an option.

The new GLS is equipped with Benz’s latest suite of active safety tech as well air suspension, ‘E-Active’ body control and (optionally) ‘Road Surface Scan’, which uses a stereo multi-purpose camera to scan the road surface so the suspension can prepare for irregularities in advance.

Mercedes-Benz Australia says it is expecting first deliveries of the new GLS in the fourth quarter of this year, with the local line-up, pricing and spec “confirmed in due course.” For context, pricing for the current (out-going) GLS range covers a close to $58k spread from the GLS 350 d at $118,729 to the GLS 500 Designo at $176,400.

Is the Merc GLS your preferred luxury SUV option? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

James Cleary
Deputy Editor
As a small boy James often sat on a lounge with three shoes in front of him, a ruler between the cushions, and a circular drinks tray in his hands. He would then play ‘drivings’, happily heading to destinations unknown for hours on end. He’s since owned many cars, raced a few, and driven (literally) thousands of them at all points of the globe. He’s steered around and across Australia multiple times, spent time as an advanced driving instructor, and had the opportunity to experience rare and valuable classics here and overseas. His time in motoring journalism has included stints at national and international titles including Motor, Wheels and TopGear, and when asked to nominate a career highlight, James says interviewing industry legend Gordon Murray, in the paddock at the 1989 Australian Formula One Grand Prix was amazing, especially as Murray waived away a hovering Ayrton Senna to complete the conversation. As Deputy Editor, James manages everything from sub-editing to back-end content, while creating written and video product reviews, as well as the weekly 'Tools in the Shed' podcast.'
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