Mercedes-Benz Australia’s flagship GLS seven-seat SUV will land in local showrooms in December priced from $144,600 before on-road costs for the 450 and $151,300 for the 400d.
While the new GLS variant do not have any direct predecessors, the outgoing line-up was opened by the $118,370 350d and $137,374 350d Sport, and also featured a $164,770 500 grade.
Powering the entry-level GLS 450 is a 3.0litre inline six-cylinder petrol engine, producing 270kW of power and 500Nm of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.
Also included in the 450 grade is the brand’s EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid technology that will use the energy recovered from braking to electronically boost engine performance by up to 16kW/250Nm.
As a result, fuel economy in the GLS 450 is pegged at 9.2 litres per 100km.
Under the bonnet of the GLS 400d meanwhile, sits a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel inline six, producing 243kW/700Nm.
The diesel-powered GLS also benefits from a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive traction, but misses out on the 450’s EQ Boost technology.
Regardless, the 400d returned a 7.7L/100km fuel economy rating.
Both grades will tow up to 3500kg.
The new-generation GLS is now larger than before, growing in length, width and wheelbase by 77mm, 22mm and 60mm respectively.
As such, the boot will swallow 355 litres of volume with all seats in place, which is 20L more than before, while capacity will reach 1470L and 2400L with the third- and second-row folded respectively.
Inside, the GLS features the brand’s Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system, which is displayed on a 12.3-inch touchscreen and includes satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charger and voice recognition.
Instrumentation is also displayed on a 12.3-inch screen, while leather upholstery features throughout.
Standard equipment on the 450 includes heated and cooled front seats, a 13-speaker Burmester sound system, head-up display, four-zone climate control, a powered tailgate, panoramic sunroof and 21-inch AMG wheels.
Safety systems such as nine airbags, active cruise control, surround-view monitor, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert are also included at no extra cost.
Buyers can specify a $1900 Towbar Package or $3500 Off-Road Engineering Package.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS pricing before on-road costs:
| Model | Price |
| 450 – automatic | $144,600 |
| 400d – automatic | $151,300 |
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