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Shortly after the facelift of the GLE and GLE Coupé, the Mercedes‑Benz GLS, Mercedes‑Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC and Mercedes‑AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+ (X 167) are also presented in a modernized form. A number of changes in design, technology and equipment raise the comfort, connectivity and ambience of the large SUV series to the next level. With their generous exterior dimensions, the interior of the SUV models offers space for up to seven passengers in three rows of seats. The updated Mercedes‑Benz GLS will be available from European sales partners from the end of October 2023; in the USA, the market launch will start in mid-September.
Mercedes-Benz GLS: visual upgrade and functional off-road details
The latest Mercedes‑Benz GLS can be recognized by the even more distinctive radiator grille. The four slats are electroplated in high quality Silver Shadow. The bumper is also visually more present. Side air inlet grilles are integrated, combined with a high-gloss black frame. The large optical underguard (standard equipment) has also been redesigned. The eye-catcher at the rear is the interior of the lights with three horizontal blocks. A new 20-inch light-alloy wheel in multi-spoke design, high-sheen in Himalaya Gray completes the wheel range.
As usual, the Mercedes-Benz GLS has a seven-seater as standard. Two new leather colors are available: Catalana beige and Bahia brown. The trim portfolio has also been revised. Lime brown glossy is now standard. The trim part MANUFAKTUR piano finish flowing lines glossy black, previously reserved for the Mercedes‑Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC, is now also available for the GLS family from Mercedes‑Benz. The slats of the center and side air vents are galvanized in Silver Shadow – also a detail familiar from the Mercedes‑Maybach GLS.
Most drivers of a GLS only drive on paved roads or in easy to moderately difficult terrain. That is why Mercedes-Benz has reorganized the scope of the off-road technology package. Components are an underguard and a 30 millimeter higher ground clearance.
The updated generation of the MBUX infotainment system is accompanied by a new appearance of the displays. The displays can be customized with three styles (classic, sporty, discreet) and three modes (navigation, assistance, service). In "classic" the driver chooses the tried and tested second tube with the familiar content between the two circular displays. In "sporty" the color red dominates, the central rev counter is dynamically staged. In "decent" the content is reduced to the essentials. In addition, both displays can be shown with the ambient lighting in seven color worlds. The result is an impressive color experience in the interior. The central display offers all previous content and can be operated directly and conveniently as a touchscreen.
The "off-road mode" in the current MBUX generation makes special content such as incline, body roll, compass and steering angle a visual experience. Thanks to the standard parking package with 360-degree camera, it offers the "transparent bonnet" function. When the off-road driving program is switched on, the central display shows a virtual view under the vehicle at the front. The display consists of the images from the 360-degree camera. With the "transparent bonnet" obstacles such as large stones or deep potholes on the road can be better recognized.
All-wheel drive and a gear ratio designed for traction enable a high trailer load of up to 3,5 tons and a vertical load of up to 140 kg. The trailer hitch has two additional bolts on the ball neck, on which a suitable bicycle carrier can be supported. Its load capacity is 100 kg - this means that e-bikes can also be taken along. Helpful additional features for train operation are the trailer maneuvering assistant, the updated trailer menu in the central display and the trailer route planner. It can be used to find optimized routes for towing a trailer.
Mercedes-Maybach GLS: extraordinary luxury further refined
Vertical chrome bars and the "Maybach" lettering are the features of the high-quality radiator grille on the top model. The air intake grilles have a Maybach pattern and are surrounded by a chrome trim part. A 23-inch forged wheel in typical Maybach design with forged wheel bolt covers is new to the list of options.
Another new standard feature is ambient lighting with animated projection of the Mercedes-Maybach pattern. In the interior, a new design of the seat covers underscores the particularly luxurious character of the Mercedes‑Maybach. The center sections of the seat and backrest now have high-quality diamond quilting with well-placed perforations. The interior color combinations MANUFAKTUR crystal white/silver gray pearl and MANUFAKTUR mahogany brown/macchiato beige are available exclusively for the Mercedes-Maybach.
Further innovations from Mercedes-Benz GLS and Mercedes-Maybach GLS
- New exterior colors sodalite blue metallic and MANUFAKTUR alpine gray uni
- Latest steering wheel generation with touch elements on the spokes
- Voice assistant can also be triggered without the activation term Hey Mercedes
- With the MBUX Multi Seat Entertainment option, rear passengers experience the same extensive range of infotainment and comfort options as those sitting in the front. They have up to three touchscreen screens and a wide range of intuitive operating options such as the Hey Mercedes language assistant
- Two USB ports (optional) with 100 W power at the rear of the center console
- ENERGIZING AIR CONTROL (optional in Western Europe) with a two-stage filter concept against fine dust and other pollutants
Mercedes-AMG GLS: refreshed design details and software updates
Mercedes‑AMG has upgraded the GLS 63 4MATIC+ and also expanded the standard equipment. The exclusive equipment and the further improved on-road driving dynamics make the GLS 63 the head of the AMG SUV family. Visually, the new model can be recognized by the newly designed signature of the LED rear lights. Two new colors have been added to the paint range: MANUFAKTUR Alpinggrau uni and Sodalite blue metallic.
In addition, the front mask now bears the AMG crest instead of the Mercedes star - a sign of even greater brand proximity. In addition, there are the red brake calipers, which emphasize the sportiness. When the front doors are opened, the vehicle stages an AMG-specific light animation with the help of a new logo projector. The range of wheels extends from the standard 21-inch light-alloy wheel in a ten-spoke design to options with a diameter of 22 and 23 inches, including forged wheels.
New accents in the interior
In the interior, the AMG seats and elements such as the instrument panel are exclusively upholstered in nappa leather. The color scheme in bahia brown/black or macchiato beige/black is new. Lime wood in glossy brown is now also available as an option for the decorative elements. In addition, there is the new MANUFAKTUR high-gloss black piano finish with flowing decorative lines. The new Mercedes-AMG GLS also benefits from the latest MBUX generation: AMG-specific screen design and functions make the brand experience even more noticeable.
Significantly more extensive standard equipment
The standard equipment is even more extensive than in the predecessor, which was already lavishly equipped. It includes, among other things, the electric panoramic sunroof, heated and air-conditioned front seats, the adaptive high-beam assistant and smartphone integration. In addition, there is the switchable AMG Performance exhaust system, the Burmester® sound system, the memory package, the 360-degree park pilot, the KEYLESS GO package and the Blind Spot Assist.
The latest generation of the AMG Performance steering wheel is always on board. The round AMG steering wheel buttons impress with their brilliant displays and intuitive operating logic. This can be used to control important driving functions and all driving programs without having to take your hands off the steering wheel. The steering wheel rim can be heated as an option and can also be ordered in a carbon look.
Customers can also look forward to the optional extras MBUX Augmented Reality function, MULTIBEAM LED headlights and the AMG Driver's Package. There is also the AIR BALANCE package, the multicontour front seats and the head-up display. The MBUX interior assistant and temperature-controlled cup holders also come as standard.
In the GLS 63, the proven AMG 4,0-litre V8 biturbo engine with an output of 450 kW (612 hp) ensures powerful propulsion. The 4,0-litre V8 engine from Mercedes-AMG is consistently electrified with a 48-volt partial electrical system and the integrated starter generator (ISG) including a boost function. It is characterized by an explosive development of power with finely controllable power output. In addition, the twin-scroll turbochargers are located between the cylinder heads for better response. When less power is required, on the other hand, cylinder deactivation noticeably reduces consumption.
The V8 engine is electrified with an integrated starter generator (ISG) and a 48-volt electrical system. The ISG combines the starter and alternator in one powerful electric motor. It is installed between the engine and transmission. The ISG also takes on hybrid functions. These include boosting, recuperation, load point shifting, coasting and the almost imperceptible restart of the engine with the start-stop function.
Active roll stabilization with new tuning
Also standard is the AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension with adaptive adjustable damping. The active roll stabilization AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL works with two electromechanical actuators on the front and rear axles. The system reduces body roll when cornering and enables more precise coordination of steering and load change behavior. It also increases driving comfort when driving straight ahead because it compensates for bumps on one side of the road.
As part of the facelift, the roll stabilization and air suspension in the Mercedes-AMG GLS also received a software update and new tuning. These measures increase the spread between driving dynamics and comfort. Fine-tuning of the software for tuning ESP®, the electronically controlled rear-axle locking differential, the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive and the chassis control also enhance the superior driving experience.
Success story: the Tuscaloosa plant
When the Mercedes‑Benz Tuscaloosa plant was founded in 1995, the location was the first large Mercedes‑Benz plant outside of Germany. Around two-thirds of annual production is exported, making Mercedes‑Benz US International (MBUSI) based there one of the largest automobile exporters in the USA. Around four million vehicles have rolled off the production line at the Tuscaloosa plant since 1997. In 2021 alone there were around 260.000 SUVs.
The Tuscaloosa plant uses modern digital, sustainable, efficient and flexible production methods. The location thus follows the blueprint of “Factory 56” in Sindelfingen, which symbolizes the future of Mercedes‑Benz automobile production. Mercedes-Benz invested in flexible production at an early stage and used the modern digital production ecosystem MO360. This enables Mercedes‑Benz in Tuscaloosa to produce models with combustion engines, plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles in parallel in large numbers.
- [1] All information is preliminary and was determined internally in accordance with the “WLTP test procedure” certification method. To date, there are neither confirmed values from an officially recognized testing organization nor an EC type approval nor a certificate of conformity with official values. Deviations between the information and the official values are possible.
- [2] The stated values are the determined "WLTP-CO2 values according to Art. 2 No. 3 Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1153. The fuel consumption values were calculated on the basis of these values.
- [3] All information is preliminary and was determined internally in accordance with the “WLTP test procedure” certification method. To date, there are neither confirmed values from an officially recognized testing organization nor an EC type approval nor a certificate of conformity with official values. Deviations between the information and the official values are possible.
- [4] All information is preliminary and was determined internally in accordance with the “WLTP test procedure” certification method. To date, there are neither confirmed values from an officially recognized testing organization nor an EC type approval nor a certificate of conformity with official values. Deviations between the information and the official values are possible.
- [5] electronically limited
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Photo credit: Mercedes-Benz
