GLS: The star of Mercedes-Benz Fascination 2016

email Print This Post

The Mercedes-Benz Fascination 2016 with the theme SUVenture witness the rise of an all-new star in the Vietnam market: the GLS-Class 2017.

GLS-Class 2017 is actually the latest version of the hugely popular GL-Class (after the large-scale rename strategy of Mercedes-Benz in 2015) and not a new, built-from-the-ground vehicle. The additional “S” letter to the GL tag illustrates Mercedes-Benz’s intention to make it “the S-Class of luxurious SUV”.

4 different versions of GLS-Class are introduced at SUVenture (3 petrol, 1 diesel), namely the GLS 400 4MATIC, GLS 500 4MATIC, GLS 350d and the high performance GLS 63 AMG 4MATIC.

GLS 400 4MATIC makes use of a V6 3.0L Biturbo engine with max power capped at 362 hp while max torque is at 500Nm. Meanwhile, the GLS 500 4MATIC is equipped with a fairly bigger engine (V8 4.7L Biturbo) capable of generating 449 hp and 700 Nm. The diesel version GLS 350d 4MATIC employs a V6 3.0L turbocharged engine with power and torque respectively at 255 hp and 617 Nm. Last but no least, the GLS 63 AMG 4MATIC can compete with any vehicle in the segment with its impressive V8 5.5L Biturbo engine with max power and torque at 557 hp and 760 Nm. It is also the only version that features the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC while the other 3 make use of standard automatic 9G-TRONIC transmission with centre differential lock and the AWD system 4MATIC.

Being an update version, GLS-Class 2017 actually has quite few changes compared to its predecessor. The front end features refreshed grille and bumper, bigger logo and all-new headlights (which are actually quite similar to S-Class I might add). The rear end, however, only receives slight alteration in taillights. Generally if you do not put too much effort in, you can not see the difference between GLS-Class 2017 and its predecessor from behind.

Meanwhile, interior also receives some new upgrade, mainly on the features. Center console interface is inherited from GLE-Class 2016 with the infotainment screen now lying as an independent table instead of being integrated into the dashboard as before.

New multifunction 3-spoken steering, new touchpad and some additional decorative details are fairly visible on GLS-Class. As the leading fullsize SUV from Mercedes-Benz, GLS-Class 2017 offers extremely wide space in all 3 rows of seats. The middle row can be configured to optimize either sitting or luggage space.

As expected from the “S-Class of the SUV”, GLS-Class 2017 of course will be equipped with top-notch technologies from Mercedes-Benz such as the AIRMATIC adaptive suspenstion system, CPA Plus, traction control, cruise control, pedestrian alarm, active blind spot monitoring, speed control, lane keeping assist, automatic wiper/windscreen heating, adaptive LED headlight, 5 or 6 DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes…

GLS-Class 2017 will be in the same segment with Lexus LX570, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Audi Q7 and the soon-to-arrive Volvo XC90. With variable configurations and many technologies, GLS-Class 2017 will be a reasonable choice in the luxurious fullsize SUV segment. GLS-Class is CBU imported with 2 year and unlimited mileage warranty.

Pricing for GLS in Vietnam is as follows: GLS 350d 4MATIC: 3.899 billion VND), GLS 400 4MATIC: 4.279 billion VND, GLS 500 4MATIC: 6.029 billion VND and GLS 63 AMG 4MATIC: 8.429 billion VND. However, pricing will soon be changed in July as it will be the time when new special tax policies go into full effect. The 2 “lower” models GLS 350d 4MATIC and GLS 400 4MATIC will only be affected slightly (around 3%) while the GLS 500 4MATIC and GLS 63 AMG 4MATIC may see a huge spike in price (40%!).