Mercedes-Benz India has officially launched the company’s latest SUV in the GLS series – Mercedes-Benz GLS 350d in India at a price tag of Rs. 80.4 (ex-showroom, Pune). It comes in six colours – Citrine brown metallic, Designo diamond white bright, Cavansite blue metallic, Obsidian black metallic, Iridium silver metallic and Tenorite grey metallic. The GLS will compete with number of luxury SUVs like new generation Audi Q7, new Volvo XC90, Land Rover Range and few more. The production of Mercedes-Benz GLS 350d has already begun at it’s Chakan based facility. With the ongoing Supreme Court order, the Mercedes-Benz GLS will not on sale in New Delhi. If you are not aware, Mercedes-Benz GLS is the facelift version of GL and the new nomenclature brings the flagship sedan “S-Class”. Originally, it made its debut at the LA Auto-Show last year and it’s not the “S” added to the new GL-Class but a number of changes made which gives a refreshing look to the luxury SUV.
Commenting on the launch, Roland Folger, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said:
“Popularly known as the S-Class of SUVs, the introduction of the GLS underscores Mercedes-Benz’s dominance in the luxury SUV segment in India. The GLS is the epitome of exemplary engineering that cleverly combines unmatched space, with delightful driving pleasure on any terrain. With the launch of the GLS, we are glad to provide the most comprehensive luxury SUV portfolio in the country to our discerning customers. India has a growing penchant for the SUVs and at 100% growth achieved in 2015; it was the highest growing segment for us.”
Mr. Folger further added:
“The GLS is a distinguished and versatile SUV, as it performs effortlessly as a dynamic sports car, a luxurious cruiser or even a fully-fledged off-roader. The GLS indulges its occupants in an opulent ambience, and promises unsurpassed luxury experience that no other seven seater SUV can offer. The GLS has contributed to the success of our SUV portfolio in a significant way. India has also emerged as one of the top 10 markets for the GLS, globally. The GLS will be locally manufactured in our world-class production facility in Pune from its India launch. We are confident that the local production will make the GLS 350d attractive for the eminent buyers with additional value propositions and increased availability. This is yet another illustration of our vision of ‘Make in India’, and gives us the opportunity to provide the newest products for our elite customers here.”
The Mercedes-Benz GLS comes with revised fascia and it includes the contoured headlamps with Multi-Bean lamps along with LED daytime running lights and a massive two-seat grille finished in silver. In addition to this, the bumper also tweaked to get larger air-intakes and gets a large chrome diffuser. the new character lines on the hood add a stunning look to the SUV. The styling on the GLS is now similar to the S-Class and the side profile remains largely the same. When compared, the rear gets minor changes to the front with revised LED tall lights, revised bumper and at all gate. Other updates include new alloy wheels and exterior colour options on the seven-seater luxury SUV.
The cabin of the GLS remains largely similar to the GL but there are several upgrades like the interior gets a new 8-inch free floating infotainment screen, updated three-spoke steering wheel which gets wrapped in Nappa leather, new instrument console and a touchpad between the two front seats. The Nappa leather is also extended to the seats and door pads inside the cabin, keeping the luxury quotient at the maximum on the new GLS.
Taking about safety features, the Mercedes-Benz GLS features several high-end features just like the Mercedes-Benz GL. The list of safety features include collision prevention assist, crosswind assist, attention assist, pre-Safe, Brake Assist, electronic all-wheel drive (AWD) traction control with 4ETS, ESP and cruise control. It also gets optional driver-assistance package that has features such as active lane keeping assist. Active Blind Spot Assist, DISTRIONIC PLUS with steering assist. Pre-Safe brake with pedestrian detection, etc.
The new Mercedes-Benz GLS equipped with 3.0-litre V6 bi-turbo diesel engine on the single 350d trim churning out 258bhp and develops 620Nm of torque. The engine is mated to 9-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels via the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The engine helps the vehicle to touch the 100 kmph mark from standstill in mere 7.8 seconds.
Mercedes-Benz GLS 350d India Key Features
- 9-G TRONIC: 9-Speed Automatic Transmission
- DYNAMIC SELECT controller with 5 modes: Comfort, Sport, Slippery, Individual and Off-road
- Panoramic sunroof
- Full LED Headlamps with Intelligent Light System
- Adaptive highbeam Assist Plus
- 4MATIC permanent all-wheel-drive System
- AIRMATIC suspension with Adaptive Dampening System Plus
- New Generation Telematics (NTG 5*1)
- Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay
- COMAND Online with 20.3 cm (8-inches) high resolution media display and Touchpad
- Mirror package with brand logo projection
- Memory package for driver and front passenger
- Parking package with Active Parking Assist and 360° camera