New Mercedes-Benz GLS: UK pricing and spec revealed

Aerodynamic refinements are said to yield a drag coefficient of 0.32Cd, along with “dramatically reduced wind noise at speed”, according to design boss Gorden Wagener. This compares with the previous GLS’s 0.35Cd. 

At 5207mm long and 1956mm wide, the new GLS is 77mm longer and 22mm wider than its predecessor and a considerable 277mm longer and 6mm wider than the GLE. In comparison, the long-wheelbase Range Rover stretches to 5200mm long and 1990mm wide. 

The new GLS is based on Mercedes' Modular High Architecture (MHA) platform, as is the GLE. This is heavily related to the Modular Rear Architecture (MRA) that underpins the Mercedes C-Class, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

The GLS's interior has also been thoroughly redesigned. Like the new GLE, it features a 12.3in digital instrument display, a 12.3in infotainment screen, touchpads within the upper spokes of the steering wheel and a touchpad on the centre console in place of the old rotary controller. Mercedes' MBUX interface supports touchscreen control as well as a voice control in conjunction with the Mercedes Me smartphone app.

The GLS also comes with Mercedes' latest driver assistance systems, including Active Tailback Assist, which recognises tailbacks via real-time traffic updates and reduces speed to 60mph as a precaution. Once in the tailback, the car can autonomously stay within its lane and maintain a safe distance to the vehicle ahead at speeds up to 37mph.

The new GLS is said to be considerably more spacious than its predecessor, which saw close to 800 units sold in the UK last year, making up around 1% of Mercedes' total sales. The wheelbase has increased by 60mm to 3135mm, giving second-row passengers up to 87mm more leg room, while the third row is also roomier than before. All seven seats are electronically adjustable, and the rearmost pair fold away to leave a flat extended boot floor. 

Nominal luggage capacity has yet to be revealed, but Mercedes says the maximum load space is up to 2400 litres.

The new GLS is will be produced with four engines - two petrols and two diesels - from the outset.

Outside of the UK, a lower-tuned version of this engine will be offered in the GLS 350d, making 282bhp and 442lb ft.

Both of these models use a 31.6-litre AdBlue tank and a secondary ammonia filter, enabling them to comply with 6d-Temp regulations on the Real Driving Emissions Stage 2 test, which will become mandatory from 1 January 2020.

The petrol line-up is headed by a new 48V mild-hybrid engine in the range-topping GLS 580. This combines Mercedes-Benz’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 with an electric integrated starter motor, delivering 482bhp and 516lb ft of torque, with a further 22bhp and 147lb ft for available for a brief period under acceleration.

The GLS 450 is also a 48V mild hybrid, using a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine and an integrated starter motor for 362bhp and 369lb ft, with an additional 22bhp and 184lb ft available under acceleration.

According to Mercedes, the 400d's engine is "perfectly suited to the vehicle’s size and weight, and the performance expectations of our customers".

All engines are combined with a nine-speed torque converter automatic gearbox and the latest version of Mercedes' 4Matic four-wheel-drive system, which provides fully variable apportioning of power between the front and rear axles.  

Two AMG performance versions of the new GLS will arrive in 2020, with the GLS 53 using a mild-hybrid petrol engine and the GLS 63 a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre petrol V8.

Mercedes is also preparing to offer the SUV with an updated version of the petrol-electric plug-in hybrid powertrain used by the S560e with a significantly greater electric-only driving range.