Mercedes-Benz India launches 2020 GLS at Rs 99.90 lakh

Mercedes-Benz has launched the all-new GLS in India, with introductory prices starting at Rs 99.90 lakh. The three-row SUV is now in its third generation and is on sale in India in two variants – the 400d diesel and 450 petrol (Rs 99.90 lakh). The new GLS was internationally revealed in April last year. 

The new GLS is based on Mercedes' Modular High Architecture (MHA) platform and is even larger than the model it replaces. The new GLS measures 5,207mm in length, 1,999mm in width, 1,823mm in height and has a 3,135mm wheelbase. The dimensions make the latest GLS 77mm longer and 22 mm wider than the old model. The wheelbase is a substantial 60mm longer too. 

Petrol and diesel power
The GLS 400d diesel will be the mainstay of the range in India and has some impressive numbers. Power comes from Merc’s latest 3.0-litre, inline-six diesel engine that puts out 330hp and 700Nm of torque. Mercedes claims a 0-100kph time of 6.3 seconds for the GLS 400d, which is incredible for 2.4 tonne SUV. 

Also on offer in India is the GLS 450 petrol. Its 3.0-litre engine makes 367hp and 500Nm of torque with an additional 22hp and 250Nm of torque served up from a 48V mild-hybrid system. The GLS 450 does the 0-100kph sprint in a claimed 6.2 secs. 

Both engines are paired to a 9-speed torque converter automatic gearbox with Mercedes' latest 4Matic four-wheel-drive system.

Big on the features list
The new GLS’ standard equipment list includes twin 12.3-inch screens for the infotainment system and instrument cluster, Mercedes’ latest MBUX multimedia system with voice command and gesture control, a panoramic sunroof, 64-colour ambient lighting, five-zone automatic climate control, wireless charging at the front and rear, rear seat entertainment screens, LED headlamps, 21-inch alloys and air suspension. There's a button in the boot that folds the second and third rows to liberate 2,400 litres of space. A total of 11 USB ports are on offer inside the new GLS.

In terms of safety, the GLS is packed with 9 airbags, off-road ABS, blind spot assist, active brake assist, hill-descent control, a 360-degree camera and front and rear parking sensors.  

Lux battle: GLS vs X7
The new Mercedes GLS takes on a whole host of luxury SUVs. However, direct competition comes from the three-row BMW X7. Measuring 5,151mm in length, 2,000mm in width, 1,805mm in height and 3,105mm in wheelbase, the X7 is marginally smaller than the new GLS.

Prices for the BMW X7 start at Rs 92.50 lakh. Like the GLS, the X7 is available with petrol (340hp, 40i) and diesel (265hphp, 30d) engine options. BMW has also just brought in the 400hp and 760Nm, quad turbo-diesel X7 50d M Sport at Rs 1.63 crore. Click to know what the range-topping X7 is like to drive.

In the 10 years since the model was introduced in India, Mercedes sold over 6,700 units of the GLS and its predecessor, the GL SUV.

MBRDI assists with local innovation
Martin Schwenk, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India digitally launched the GLS at the company’s Centre of Excellence in Chakan, Pune. He said, “Combining luxury, comfort, and technology, the Mercedes-Benz GLS is the finest luxury SUV available in the market today. As a full-size seven-seater SUV, the new GLS offers significantly more space and an added legroom for passengers, especially for those in the second row. The GLS is also equipped with the latest generation of the MBUX infotainment system and fully connected via our Mercedes me Connect Services, making it a tech-savvy SUV. The interior of the GLS is a synthesis of modern, luxurious aesthetics, hallmark SUV practicality. In our view, the new GLS is an ideal blend of modern luxury with the characteristics of an off-roader.”

“Mercedes me connect App also gets an all-new user interface and an additional new Service App that offers a seamless online experience. The new Mercedes me App with highly intuitive User Interface is being rolled-out for all Mercedes me connect owners starting July 1, 2020. This new App provides a platform to offer new features that are capable of Over the Air updates. We will be shortly rolling-out Geo-fencing, vehicle finder and remote open-close of windows and sunroof.” commented Schwenk. “Our colleagues at MBRDI have supported with a local innovation, which now enables all MBUX NTG 6 head units to display COVID Testing Centres in the navigation pane. This innovation underlines how fast Mercedes-Benz can react and help customers using technology. This data will be available for all the major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune. This has been achieved in association with Map My India.”

All prices, ex-showroom, pan-India

Also read: 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS review, test drive