The S-Class of its SUV lineup is how Mercedes-Benz would like you to think of the GL and that’s why this mid-life update gets an S after the GL. There’s a 350 d after that and it stands for the only engine (apart from the AMG of course) that the GLS will come with – a V6 diesel – same as the GL.
That means you get 258bhp and 620Nm of torque now mated to a new 9-speed automatic gearbox (The GL had a 7-speed box). Mercedes claims the new gearbox makes the GLS more fuel efficient by 5 per cent and that it runs cleaner as well. It also gets five driving modes – Comfort, Sport, Slippery, Off-Road and Individual – that adjust steering weight, suspension firmness and drive train responses depending on what mode you choose.
On the outside, the GLS now gets a bigger grille which is more rounded than earlier. The bonnet swoops down to meet the redesigned bumper and full LED headlamps. At the rear, the most noticeable change is the new set of full-LED tail lamps.
On the inside, there’s an all new steering wheel and a standalone screen for Merc’s latest COMAND system. In terms of equipment you get 360 degree cameras, Park Assist and Apple CarPlay along with the GL’s electric fold third row and the butterfly windows.
The GLS 350 d costs Rs 80.40 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) and is available in showrooms now.