2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS launched at Rs 99.90 lakh

• New GLS is 77mm longer and 22 mm wider than its predecessor 
• Available in 330hp 400d diesel and 367hp 450 petrol variants
• Gets Mercedes’ latest MBUX multimedia system

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. 

Stretching the tape

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. 

It’s available with diesel and petrol engines

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.

Its big on features

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.  

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.

All prices, ex-showroom, pan-India

Also see:

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS review, test drive