Mercedes-Benz South Africa has quietly added the new GLS to its local configurator, revealing pricing for its largest, poshest SUV.
Interestingly, only the GLS400d 4Matic derivative currently appears on the Stuttgart-based brand’s local website, priced from R1 582 993. More variants, of course, are likely to be added later.
For the record, the GLC400d employs a 3,0-litre inline-six turbodiesel engine, which delivers 243 kW and 700 N.m to all four corners via a nine-speed automatic transmission. That’s enough for a sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in a claimed 6,3 seconds and a top speed of 238 km/h.
Standard features on the SA-spec, seven-seater GLS400d include adaptive air suspension, 19-inch alloys, a lane-tracking package, a parking package, blind-spot assistance, black leather upholstery, heated front seats, a sunroof, the MBUX infotainment system (with extended MBUX functions), the brand’s widescreen cockpit and adaptive headlamps.
Interesting optional extras include an off-road engineering package (R32 300), the AMG Line exterior package (R62 000), a keyless-go comfort package (R13 000), a head-up display (R18 300), various wheel designs (up to 21 inches), a Bang Olufsen BeoSound system (R83 500), a pair of wireless headsets (R10 000) and the MBUX rear seat entertainment system (R47 000).
As a reminder, this latest-generation version of the GLS is even larger than the outgoing model, growing in length by 77 mm (to 5 207 mm) and in width by 22 mm (to 1 956 mm), with an extra 60 mm slotted between its axles (for a wheelbase of 3 135 mm).
All three rows of seats are electrically adjustable, offering what Mercedes-Benz calls “a generous amount of space and outstanding seating comfort”. The seats in the third row can be lowered into the floor to increase luggage space (up to 2 400 litres, says Mercedes), while the pews in the second row also fold flat.
