Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class Makes its Debut

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class (Credit: © Mercedes-Benz)

Mercedes-Benz continues its work toward revamping its naming system, and with each new name comes at least a refreshed version of the model it replaces. The GL-Class was the next model lineup due for its name change, and today we introduce to you the model that takes its place, the GLS-Class.

The new GLS-Class rolls in with a slight change in look relative to the GL-Class that predated it. This model gets a slightly reworked nose that includes a new grille, and a revamped rear end that includes a restyled bumper and new LED taillights.

Most of the revisions made in turning the GL-Class into the GLS-Class are inside the cabin. In here, you’ll find a host of changes that are highlighted by the three-spoke steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather, the tablet-like 8-inch touchscreen, a revised center console cover, a new-look instrument panel, and more.

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class (Credit: © Mercedes-Benz)

The GLS-Class will come in three gasoline-powered versions, GLS450, GLS300d, GLS550 and GLS63, all of which come standard with 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The base GLS450 4MATIC features 3.0-liter biturbo V-6 that produces 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The midrange GLS550 4MATIC waltzes in with a biturbo 4.7-liter V-8 that pumps out 449 horsepower – 20 more horsepower than the outgoing GL550 — and 516 pound-feet of twist. The final gasoline-powered GL, the GL63, comes with a V-8 engine that pounds out 577 horsepower – 27 more than the GL63 – and 561 pound-feet of torque.

The only diesel-powered model is the GLS300d 4MATIC, which comes with a V-6 engine that produces 255 horsepower – 15 more horses than the GL350 BlueTEC — and a respectable 455 pound-feet of torque.

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class (Credit: © Mercedes-Benz)

The GLS450. GLS550, and GLS300d all come standard with a nine-speed auto transmission. The Mercedes-AMG GLS63 comes with a performance-oriented SPEEDSHIFT PLUS seven-speed transmission.

The GLS-Class also takes the DYNAMIC SELECT from last year and tweaks it for the new SUV. This system carries over the “Comfort,” “Slippery,” and “Sport” modes for 2016, but it also gains new “Individual” and “Off-Road” modes. What’s more, there is an “Off-Road+” mode available on models with the optional Off-Road Engineering Package and a “Sport+” mode on the GLS63.

The GLS-Class will be available for order starting in December of 2015, but pricing details are not yet available. Stay tuned for more.