The new Mercedes-Benz GLS - The S-Class of SUVs

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 makes it possible to prepare the car to enter a carwash at a single touch of a button.

As the S-Class of SUVs, the new GLS indulges its passengers, especially those in the rear. The key comfort features at a glance:

• MBUX Rear-Seat Entertainment System: Two 11.6-inch touchscreens for movies, music and internet enjoyment
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• Rear Comfort Package Plus: Separate tablet for controlling all MBUX comfort and entertainment functions from the rear. The tablet is integrated into a luxury centre armrest. Further components of the package: expanded centre console between the front seats and luxury head restraints with adjustable side bolsters
• 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 of all rear seats at the touch of a button
• Three-seat bench in the second row
• Two fully fledged seats in the third row (for people up to 1.94 m tall)
• Heated seats and separate USB charging ports also for the third row
• Five-zone automatic climate control available.

“The new Mercedes-Benz GLS is primed to set the benchmark of what premium SUVs should aspire to be” said Mr. Philipp Hagenburger, President and CEO, Mercedes-Benz Singapore.” A perfect embodiment of luxury, performance, technology and safety, the new GLS adds strength and desireability to our fleet, and will make our overall proposition to car owners here much more alluring.” Mr Hagenburger added.

"The GLS combines modern luxury with the character of an off-roader," said Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer at Daimler AG. "Powerful highlights of the off-road design idiom combine with an elegance reminiscent of a classic luxury saloon. The interior is a synthesis of modern, luxurious aesthetics, hallmark SUV practicality, and digital high-tech. In our view, the new GLS therefore offers the best of all these worlds."

Since 1997, when the M-Class was introduced, Mercedes-Benz has been building premium SUVs in the USA - the main market for these vehicles worldwide. The GL full-size variant offering space for seven people was launched in 2006. In 2015, a facelift emphasised the luxury character of the large SUV's second generation and also heralded the changing of the name to GLS. On top of that, it is the market leader in its segment - just like the S-Class Saloon.

At present, Mercedes-Benz offers seven models in the SUV segment (GLA, GLC, GLC Coupé, GLE, GLE Coupé, GLS, G-Class). The SUVs are a major structural pillar in the Mercedes-Benz product portfolio, and greatly contribute to the growth of the brand. To date, more than six million customers worldwide have purchased a Mercedes-Benz SUV.

The design of the new GLS expresses modern luxury both on and off the road. Its superior presence is based on stately dimensions (length 5207 mm, width 1956 mm), which compared with the predecessor grew particularly in wheelbase (+60 mm) to now 3135 mm. This stretches the vehicle favourably and gives it harmonious proportions, emphasised by the understated, elegant side design. The Mercedes-Benz GLS follows the design strategy of sensual purity, and dispenses with individual edges and beading in favour of generously sculptured surfaces. The nearly vertical windscreen and the generous continuous glass surface at the sides characterise it as a classic large full-size SUV.

The wheels in the AMG Line with a diameter of up to 23 inches are a première for Mercedes-Benz. They blend in harmoniously and signal off-road competence, as does the front with the nearly upright radiator grille in octagonal SUV interpretation, the prominent chromed skid plate and the bonnet with two power domes. The striking appearance and the high technical standard are boosted by MULTIBEAM LED headlamps with a total of 112 LEDs per headlamp. These produce the maximum light intensity permitted by law – the brightness of the main beams does not fall below the reference value of 1 lux for a distance of more than 650 metres. 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, too. This is particularly ensured by the powerful shoulder muscle extending from the rear doors to the tail lights, which enables the GLS to strike an imperious pose on the road. 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. The rear is strikingly rounded off with the chrome-plated underguard.

The new GLS achieves cd figures as low as 0.32 - a clear improvement compared with its predecessor (cd 0.35) and an impressively low figure in the large luxury SUV segment. The excellent aerodynamics help to firstly reduce fuel consumption and secondly limit wind noise, one of the areas on which development work focused specifically.

Special attention was paid to the underbody and the air flowing through the engine compartment. Not least because the hallmark SUV shape, with its upright front end and high ground clearance, makes these areas susceptible to lowfrequency airflow noise. A host of details was optimised with numerous computation loops, CAE simulations (computer-aided engineering) and measurements in the wind tunnel in Sindelfingen.

The interior of the new GLS is all about luxuriously elegant aesthetics and features leather appointments as standard. It combines 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 dashboard support.

The large touchscreen of the MBUX infotainment system allows all the GLS comfort features to be controlled from the driver's seat. The prominently wide raised centre console creates a robust contrast with the free-floating appearance of the dashboard.

The new GLS has a considerably longer wheelbase than its predecessor (3135 mm, an increase of 60 mm). This creates more space, especially in the second seat row, which can furthermore be electrically adjusted fore and aft by 10 cm. Legroom there is increased by 87 mm when the seats are in their rearmost position. 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.

As standard for Singapore, the second row has a 60:40-split folding rear bench seat with adjustable 40:20:40-split backrests. All rear seats can be folded separately or at the same time at a single touch of a button to create a level loading area in the boot of the GLS with a capacity of up to 2400 litres. The automatic lowering of the rear end by about 50 mm (thanks to the standard-fit air suspension) allows loading and unloading the boot comfortably.

Luxury in the new GLS is shared generously among all passengers, particularly if the optional 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.

As an additional option for the second row, luxury seats with lumbar massage function and climate control can be added to the Rear Comfort Package Plus.

The MBUX Rear Seat Entertainment System is available for all seating variants. 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. And, of course, a host of USB ports numbering up to eleven depending on the equipment level and the WLAN of the vehicle also allows integration of passengers’ mobile devices. It equally goes without saying that the driver can take control of all options and features from his or her seat at any time.

The GLS is equipped with the latest generation of the infotainment system MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). Upgrades compared with the A-Class, in which the revolutionary system made its debut, 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 enables the driver and front passenger to operate various comfort and MBUX functions intuitively by movement recognition. A camera in the overhead console registers movements of the driver's and front passenger's hands and arms. When a hand approaches the touchscreen or the touchpad on the centre console, the presentation of information on the media display alters. 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: the reading lamp can be switched on and off by extending a hand towards the interior mirror, for example. Furthermore, the driver and front passenger can each store personal favourite functions, e.g. "navigate home" or "call office".

A unique feature of MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) is its learning capability thanks to artificial intelligence. With its predictive functions, MBUX 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.

The high standards of the new Mercedes-Benz GLS are likewise clearly apparent in its engine line-up. Powerful six-cylinder engine deliver the harmonious motoring comfort and the effortless power that suit the characteristics of this luxurious car.

The straight-six petrol engine with EQ Boost of the GLS 450 4MATIC is electrified with 48-volt on-board electrical system and integrated starter-generator. The integrated starter-generator (ISG) is responsible for hybrid functions such as boosting, sailing or energy recovery and makes fuel savings possible that were previously reserved for high-voltage hybrid technology. This engine has a displacement of about three litres and produces an output of 270 kW (367 hp) and 500 Nm of torque, with another 250 Nm of torque and 16 kW/22 hp available via EQ Boost over short periods.

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.

Available as an opti on is a transfer case specially designed 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. In concert with the capabilities of the E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension optimised for off-road use, the new GLS reaches a superior level of off-road capability.

The new GLS is equipped with the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz driving assistance systems giving cooperative support to drivers. These systems further enhance the level of active safety.

As part of the optional Driving Assistance Package, the is not only able to support the driver to automatically maintain the correct distance from the vehicle ahead, but also to give the driver noticeable steering assistance, even on bends. It can also assist the driver in route-based speed adjustment ahead of bends, roundabouts and junctions as well as before making a turn/exiting.

New feature of Driving Assistance package Plus: When actually driving in a tailback on the motorway, is largely able to perform the tasks of keeping in lane and maintaining the safety distance with a high level of availability at speeds up to around 60 km/h. Once the tailback clears, the GLS accelerates back up to the speed preset for Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with route-based speed adaptation.

The also is new: If there is a danger of a collision with oncoming traffic when making a turn across a carriageway, the GLS can be braked at the speeds typical of such manoeuvres.

The GLS is equipped with the further advanced AIRMATIC air suspension system with ADS PLUS adaptive damping system as standard. This set-up 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.

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.

E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL operates with a voltage of 48 V, and is available as an optional extra. On poor road surfaces the system is even able to recuperate energy, roughly halving the energy requirement compared with the preceding system in the S-Class. The hydropneumatics generate dynamic forces that overlay the air suspension forces and actively support and dampen the vehicle body, e.g. during linear and lateral acceleration or when driving on uneven roads.

The off-road functions include recovery mode: if the GLS has become bogged down in a sand dune, for example, this can help to free the vehicle more easily in many such situations. 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 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 one wheel is stuck in a ditch or a wheel spring is fully contracted, for instance. 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 undulations before the vehicle drives over them and largely compensates for them. In this way, the GLS improves the perceived road quality.

One new, standard feature is the carwash function - which comes in very handy, especially for a large vehicle like the GLS. When this function is selected, the suspension moves to the highest position, which reduces the track widths due to the axle geometry and ensures that possible dirt in the wheel wells from the last off-road use are removed more thoroughly. If the vehicle is equipped with a 360degree camera, its image is automatically displayed on the screen after a few seconds. This makes it easier to drive into a carwash.

Furthermore, all features of the vehicle that may cause a mishap in the carwash, from the automatic windscreen wipers to the panoramic sliding sunroof, are switched off or closed, and the air conditioning system set to air-recirculation mode.These settings are automatically deactivated when the driver drives out of the carwash and accelerates to a speed above 20 km/h.

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