NELSPRUIT, MPUMALANGA – If there’s one automotive company currently filling every possible conventional, as well as niche market segment, it’s Mercedes-Benz. Its latest introduction being the updated GL range (now called the GLS), Merc’s largest and most luxurious SUV to date.
Styling
Up front, the GLS looks as imposing as its dimensions suggest. While a large family grille features a huge Mercedes-Benz emblem, all three models launched (GL350 d, GL500 and GL63) offer air vents on the bonnet, with “power” lines running towards the windscreen.
The profile clearly shows the length and size of the vehicle, with the side-steps offering a somewhat hunkered-down look. At the squared rear, there’s an automatic tailgate and dual exhaust tailpipes.
Interior
Mercedes-Benz is calling the revised GLS its “S-Class of SUVs”, and in many ways, including technology, safety and sheer relative size, it is. In terms of interior layout, however, the GLS is somewhat more rudimentary than the S. The infotainment screen, partially recessed into the dashboard, is mounted atop the centre console, with the rest of the buttons positioned below this screen.
While the view ahead of the steering wheel could easily be mistaken for that of the smaller GLE model, a glance backwards reveals a different perspective. Offering three rows of the seats, there’s head- and leg-room in each pew for an adult to sit comfortably. Egress and ingress into the third row of seats is offered via the press of a single button, releasing the second row backrest forward.
With the third row of seats in place, the luggage compartment can still house two small suitcases, with a lighter bag atop the luggage tray.
Behind the wheel
Equipped with the same 4,7-litre, biturbo V8 petrol unit installed in other Mercedes-Benz products, acceleration is relatively impressive, especially considering the mass of this SUV.
Although the idea of a nine-speed automatic transmission may seem excessive, thanks to the smooth operation of this ‘box, gearshifts are hardly intrusive. Paddles attached to the steering wheel allow you to change gears yourself, though this operation felt somewhat fruitless. Ultimately, it’s best to leave the transmission to its own devices.
The Airmatic suspension (standard on all three models) does a good job of minimising the transfer of road undulations into the cabin. On both 19-inch, as well as optional 21-inch wheels, the ride quality is impressive, largely thanks to the efforts Mercedes-Benz has put into the suspension setup. Press the sport setting and along with a throttle that becomes slightly more sensitive, the body control is stiffened, though the ride quality barely deteriorates – a rare characteristic.
Verdict
The new Mercedes-Benz GLS is an über SUV for individuals who require space yet still have a penchant for luxury. While I would opt for the somewhat more sensible GLS350d, I can definitely see the appeal of the more guttural GLS500, not to mention the Optimus Prime GLS63.
