The Mercedes-Benz GLS format has been around since 2006 as an answer to the American Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator and British Land Rover Range Rover. The full-size SUV offers seating for seven and a high level of luxury. It's recently been joined by the likes of the BMW X7 and one can even include the latest Volvo XC90 and Audi Q8 into that mix.
Related: The extravagant BMW X7 launches in SA
2019 saw the launch of the new, third-generation GLS and South Africa can expect to see it in the first half of 2020.
Here are 3 things you need to know about the Mercedes-Benz GLS that's headed to SA.
1. The Mercedes-Benz GLS is made in the USA.
That's right, in the land where everything is bigger and better, it makes sense that one of the largest products on offer by the Stuttgart firm is manufactured in the United States of America. Aside from a handful of the first generation, the GL and the renamed GLS models have been produced at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
2. It's closely related to the GLE.
Aside from the fact that it's from the same manufacturer and is a similar body style, the GLS shares more with the GLE than meets the eye. It shares the same unibody platform as the GLE but is significantly larger. The third generation has a wheelbase that is 60mm longer than its predecessor and measures in at 5207mm long and is 1956mm wide.
3. Several engines to choose from.
While the model selection hasn't been confirmed for South Africa, there are four different engine options proposed for 2020.
- Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 4MATIC
360 kW / 700 Nm petrol V8 with 250Nm and 16 kW EQ boost.
- Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC
270 kW / 500 Nm petrol V8 with 250 Nm and 16 kW EQ boost.
- Mercedes-Benz GLE 350d 4MATIC
210 kW / 600 Nm turbodiesel inline-six
- Mercedes-Benz GLE 400d 4MATIC
243 kW / 700 Nm turbodiesel inline-six
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