2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS finally gets serious in the segment

As the heat mounts in the full-size luxury SUV segment with the ugly new BMW X7 and invisibly-updated Range Rover, it was quite obvious that Mercedes had to work on revamping their big SUV, the completely-forgotten GLS (formerly known as GL-Class). So here it is, the all-new 2020 Mercedes Benz GLS-Class, with two new engines, completely overhauled looks and an awful lot of space inside.

The 2020 GLS is offered in two trims, as the base GLS 450 gets a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine which churns out 362 hp and 500 Nm and the GLS 580 comes with a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 with EQ Boost hybrid tech which helps the driver with 483 hp and 699 Nm. Both these engines come mated to a 9-Speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel-drive.

All this firepower can propel the big SUV from 0-100 kph in just over 5.3 seconds in the case of GLS 580 and 5.9 seconds in the case of GLS 450. Both are electronically limited to a top speed of 209 kph.

An optional E-Active Body Control system scans the roads and pre-adjusts the hydropneumatic suspension’s damping to offer the most comfortable ride on-road and better capability off it.

The design of the 2020 GLS is similar to that of the smaller GLE, which is to say, kind of frumpy and conservative, especially without the optional AMG-Line and Night packages. The base model, GLS 450, gets standard 19-inch wheels and the GLS 580 comes with larger 21-inch wheels.

The 2020 Mercedes Benz GLS does not skimp on safety in any way. It gets automatic emergency braking, car-to-car communication, and active parking assist. As an option, the Driver Assistance package can be added. This will add radar cruise control with stop and go technology, steering assist, speed limit assist, and evasive steering to the mix.

Expect the new model to be offered in UAE, KSA and other GCC showrooms by the end of the year, at an estimated base price north of Dhs 350,000.