- available now at Mercedes-Benz showroom on Salwa Road
The new Mercedes-Benz GLS is Mercedes-Benz's largest and most luxurious SUV and, above all, offers more: more space, more comfort, and more luxury. Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, the authorised general distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Qatar, is proud to introduce this car for the first time in Qatar and is available now at Mercedes-Benz showroom on Salwa Road.
The confident presence of its exterior stems from its impressive dimensions, which are even larger than those of its predecessor (length +77 mm, width +22 mm). One of the benefits of the 60 mm longer wheelbase is interior spaciousness, especially in the second row. The three fully electrically adjustable seat rows offer all passengers a generous amount of space and outstanding seating comfort. The seats in the third row can be lowered into the floor to increase the boot space (up to 2400 litres), while the seats in the second-row fold flat. Celebrating its world premiere in the GLS 580 4MATIC is an electrified V8 engine featuring EQ Boost - a 48-volt system with integrated starter-generator.
The E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL active suspension on 48-volt basis offers outstanding suspension comfort, agile handling and a high degree of off-road capability. Like the GLE, the GLS features the latest generation of Mercedes- Benz driving assistance systems giving cooperative support to the driver. The new 4MATIC ensures great agility on the road and strong performance off the beaten track. The new GLS has impressive aerodynamics in its segment, with a Cd figure of 0.32. It has a new Carwash function, which enables the car to be prepared for entry into a carwash with a single press of a button.
As the S-Class of SUVs, the new GLS indulges its passengers, especially those in the rear seat. The key comfort features at a glance:
MBUX Rear Seat Entertainment System: Two 11.6-inch touchscreens for movie, music and internet enjoyment
Rear Comfort package Plus: Separate tablet for controlling all of the MBUX comfort and entertainment functions from the rear seats
Electrically adjustable seats throughout as standard, as is the Easy- Entry function, which makes it easy to get into and out of the third seat row
Simple folding-down of all rear seats at the push of a button
Two fully fledged seats in the third row (for people up to 1.94 m tall)
Heated seats and separate USB charging ports for the third row, too
Five-zone automatic climate control available.
Exterior design: powerful presence
Modern luxury both on and off the road: that is the design message of the new GLS. Its aesthetics are based on the confident presence that its impressive dimensions alone create (length 5207 mm, width 1956 mm). The wheelbase of 3135 mm, which is 60 mm longer than that of its predecessor, makes the vehicle beneficially longer and gives it harmonious proportions, emphasised by the understated, elegant side design.
The front section of the new GLS exudes presence and power: this is ensured by the upright radiator grille in an octagonal SUV interpretation, the prominent, chrome-plated underguard in the front apron with the bone-shaped air inlet grille, and the bonnet with two powerdomes. This striking appearance is emphasised by the distinctive headlamp design by day and night. The MULTIBEAM LED headlamps are equipped with a total of 112 LEDs per headlamp, the maximum light intensity permitted by law. The daytime running lights with three LED segments underline the status of the GLS as the S-Class of SUVs.
The GLS cuts an imposing figure from the rear, as well, particularly with the powerful shoulder muscle extending from the rear doors to the tail lights. The two-piece tail lamps are based on LED technology, and their high-calibre, three- dimensional look conveys depth and solidity. The reflectors are relocated lower down, giving the tail lamps a flatter appearance. They are crowned by a slender, continuous chrome trim strip.
Interior design: luxuriously elegant and powerfully progressive
The interior of the new GLS is all about luxuriously elegant aesthetics, the comfort of a Mercedes-Benz luxury saloon with the robustly progressive detailing of an SUV. The central element in the dashboard's design is an impressively sized screen unit embedded in a distinctive support. The dashboard support flows into the door panels, and the integral trim element likewise extends to meet the doors.
The prominently wide, raised centre console creates a robust contrast with the free-floating appearance of the dashboard. As a typical feature of off-roaders, there are two prominent grab handles on the centre console. Apart from good ergonomics, fluent leather surfaces create a modern, luxurious impression, rounded off by a broad area of trim and flush-fitting sunblinds. The controls with haptic and audible feedback appear to have been milled from a solid metal block.
The large touchscreen of the MBUX infotainment system allows all the GLS comfort features to be controlled from the driver's seat. The new multifunction sports steering wheel with its striking spoke design accentuates the impressive appearance of the SUV's interior.
The cabin: exceptional spaciousness in the second and third rows
All seats are electrically adjustable as standard. The same applies to the EASY- ENTRY function, which makes it easy to get into and out of the two individual seats in the third row. For this, the seats in the second row move a long way forwards and fold forwards.
The seats in the third row are fully fledged seats that are suitable for people up to 1.94 m tall and are heated for the first time. There are also separate USB charging ports here.
If the GLS is equipped with the five-zone automatic climate control, the third row has its own zone with climate control vents in the roof. This zone is supplied by its own, electrically powered heater and air conditioner.
A push of a button is all that is required to stow away the comfortable seats and make full use of the 2400-litre boot space in the GLS. The switches on the left and right of the load compartment and on the front of the wheel arches on the front-passenger side in the C-pillar area allow the seats in the rear rows to be folded completely flat. It is also possible to fold down all the seats simultaneously by pressing the "ALL" button. The carpet-trimmed backs of the backrests form part of a flat, practical load area. Another push of a button lowers the boot sill by approx. 50 mm to make it easier to load heavy items.
Even more comfort in the rear: MBUX served on a tablet
Luxury in the new GLS is shared generously among all passengers, particularly if the Rear Comfort package Plus is ordered. It includes a 7-inch Android tablet in its own docking station in the second row's larger luxury centre armrest.
The tablet allows control of all the MBUX comfort and entertainment functions from the rear seat rows, such as access to radio, TV, media, phone and web browser. It can also be used to control the Rear Seat Comfort package and the five-zone automatic climate control for the rear seats. The driver can assume control of all options and features from his or her seat at any time, of course.
The centre console also offers a wireless-charging compartment for smartphones and additional USB ports. Rear passengers are indulged further still thanks to luxury head restraints with additional cushions and the rearward-extended centre console between the front seats with cup holders. Optional additions include luxury seats with lumbar massage function and climate control.
The MBUX Rear Seat Entertainment System is available for all seating variants for even more entertainment and convenience. It includes two 11.6-inch touchscreens that allow passengers in the second row to enjoy movies or music, use the integrated web browser, or call up and input trip information. In addition to the options offered by the MBUX infotainment system, users can also play their own media from a mobile phone, tablet or laptop. If the GLS is equipped with the optional MBUX rear tablet, this can also be used to control the MBUX Rear Seat Entertainment System.
MBUX with Interior Assistant
The GLS is equipped with the latest generation of the infotainment system MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). Upgrades include two large 12.3-inch/31.2 cm screens. The information on the instrument cluster and media display is easily legible on the large, high-resolution screens. An emotive presentation with brilliant graphics underlines the comprehensibility of the intuitive control structure.
The optional MBUX Interior Assistant also allows intuitive operation of different comfort and MBUX functions by movement recognition. A camera in the overhead console registers movements of the driver's and front passenger's hands and arms. The system is able to distinguish the driver's hand from that of the front passenger, and therefore knows for whose seat the massage function is to be activated, for example.
In addition, there are functions that can be controlled by simple hand gestures: for example, the reading lamp can be switched on and off by extending a hand towards the interior mirror. Furthermore, the driver and front passenger can each store personal favourite functions, e.g. "navigate home" or "call office".
A unique feature of MBUXis its learning capability thanks to artificial intelligence. With its predictive functions, it anticipates what the user would like next. For instance, anyone who often telephones their mother on Tuesdays during the journey home will receive her telephone number as a suggestion in the display on this day of the week. Anyone who regularly switches over to a radio station with news at a certain time also receives this as a suggestion.
Also available is a next-generation full-colour Head-up Display, which sets new standards with a resolution of 720 x 240 pixels and an extended projection distance.
Powertrain: all petrol engines have integrated starter-generator and EQ Boost
The high aspirations of the new Mercedes-Benz GLS are likewise clearly apparent in its engine line-up. Powerful six and eight-cylinder engines deliver the motoring comfort and effortlessly superior power that suit the characteristics of this luxurious car.
The GLS 450 4MATIC, with a six-cylinder in-line engine electrified with 48-volt technology, demonstrates impressive performance data: 270 kW (367 hp) and 500 Nm of torque, with a further 250 Nm of torque and 16 kW/22 hp available via EQ Boost over short periods. Further, the V8 engine in the GLS 580 4MATIC will mark the world premiere of a new, electrified V8 petrol engine with 48-volt on-board electrical system and integrated starter-generator. It has an output of 360 kW (489 hp) and 700 Nm of torque, with a further 250 Nm of torque and 16 kW/22 hp available via EQ Boost over short periods.
The integrated starter-generator (ISG) is responsible for hybrid functions such as EQ Boost or energy recuperation, while allowing fuel savings that were previously reserved for high-voltage hybrid technology. The ISG also eliminates the need for a belt drive for ancillary components at the front of the engine, which reduces its overall length.
4MATIC all-wheel drive: agile on the road, superior when off-road
In all variants of the new GLS, power is transmitted by the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. The broad ratio spread of gears one to nine allows a clearly perceptible reduction in engine speed and is a decisive factor behind the high level of energy efficiency and ride comfort. A transfer case with electronically controlled multi-plate clutch is likewise fitted as standard. This allows a variable transfer of drive torque from 0-100 percent (torque on demand) between the axles.
Also new, and available as an option, is a transfer case specially configured for superior off-road driving characteristics. In addition to the controlled multi- plate clutch with torque-on-demand function, it also features a reduction gear for off-road driving.
Suspension: AIRMATIC air suspension as standard
The GLS comes with the enhanced AIRMATIC air suspension system with Adaptive Damping System Plus fitted as standard. This setup uses highly complex sensor systems and algorithms to adapt the damping characteristics to the road condition and driving situation in real time. All components have been enhanced compared with the previous generation, and the wheel suspension mountings have been optimised to maximise ride comfort. In addition to this, the air suspension keeps the car at the same level, regardless of the load on board.
Outstandingly intelligent suspension: E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL
Even better ride comfort and agility plus new functions such as recovery mode are provided by the optional E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension, which is combined with the newly developed AIRMATIC air suspension. This is currently the only system on the market that can individually control spring and damping forces at each wheel. This means that it not only counteracts body roll, but also pitching and squat. Together with ROAD SURFACE SCAN and the curve inclination function CURVE, E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL makes an exceptional level of comfort possible, and supports the claim of
Mercedes-Benz to build the world's most intelligent SUV suspension.
The off-road functions include recovery mode, if the GLS has bogged down in a sand dune, for example, this can help to free the vehicle more easily. If possible, the suspension level is automatically raised and lowered several times, which changes the ground pressure of the tyres and therefore improves traction – the GLS essentially rocks itself free. Individual wheel actuation is another function for off-road driving. This allows the level at each wheel to be individually adjusted via the touchscreen of the media display, thus improving the vehicle's alignment on rough terrain when, for instance, one wheel is stuck in a ditch or a wheel spring is fully contracted. This also helps to increase traction and the torque at the wheel.
E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL in the GLS also has the curve inclination function CURVE: like a motorcycle, the GLS leans into bends and thereby allows cornering in three stages with practically no centrifugal force. If the GLS is equipped with a stereo multi-purpose camera, ROAD SURFACE SCAN becomes possible: the camera continuously scans the road surface, while the suspension responds in advance to any bumps before the vehicle drives over them and largely compensates for them. In this way, the GLS improves the perceived road quality.