Saturday, March 19, 2016

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Today's problem with today's Mercedes SUVs is that even though they're classified as SUVs, their status as low-life crossovers never meet our driving expectations. Even though they're made to be all-weather multipurpose vehicles, crossovers are not made to go offroad. Not for this one though because the brand new GLS-Class is a full-blooded Mercedes SUV that can go anywhere in style and comfort, no doubt.

2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

As some may remember, this full-sized behemoth used to be called the GL-Class but thanks to Mercedes' new naming policy, it's now been renamed as the GLS-Class, hence calling it the S-Class of SUVs because this is the flagship in Mercedes' SUV range. From every angle, you can really notice that traces from the old GL-Class remained but with some revised looks to distinguish it from the old GL. This SUV shows authority but what else do you want more for the GLS?

2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class interior

The interior, that's what that is, and that's why beneath its tough looks comes with first-class comfort like you expect from the S-Class. Even though the GLS's convenience is well-suited for family outing, its luxury features can cater even the most astute EU bureaucrats after a harsh meeting with the high-ranking officials at the round table. There's also an available rear-seat entertainment system where the big shots in the back can whistle while their chauffeur's busy fiddling with the high-tech stuff implemented on the dashboard. There are so much use for the GLS's rough but noble personality and I can't think of any rich people's lifestyles to come up with but either way, how you use it is up to you.

Under the hood, the new GLS comes with a choice of turbocharged 3.0L V6, turbocharged 4.6L V8, and a 3.0L V6 diesel engine. The V8 version produces 455PS of power and 700Nm of torque while the diesel version has the lowest CO2 emission of the range with 185g/km as well 7.1L/100km fuel consumption combined. All of the models are equipped with a 9G-Tronic gearbox and nine gears sound too much for an automatic gearbox.

Don't worry though because if you're not bothered with any of these, Mercedes-AMG will offer you the GLS63 4MATIC, packed with the classic 5.5L V8 BiTurbo engine producing 585PS of power and 760Nm of torque, rigged with an AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic. Sounds beastly but even though this is AMG-made, don't think about using it for the track because its weight can really give you a challenge but if you're really up for the challenge, why not give it a try. It's a luxo-barge with the interior smells like the locker room of a championship-winning rugby team so it's definitely a rough houser on four wheels.

2017 Mercedes-AMG GLS63

Anyway, whichever GLS you're on, except for the GLS63 anyway because all high-performance SUVs are not made to go offroad, the dynamics for this heavyweight is more S-Class-ish on the road and when driven offroad, you can really feel why this SUV was made, to be as rough and as noble as its direct rival, the Range Rover. It has the nifty load of gadgets that can be well suited for any condition including the DYNAMIC SELECT, AIRMATIC with enhanced ADS and ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM.

The GLS is definitely the right SUV that is not afraid to take on risks unlike its low-life crossover relatives who prefer to do a little lifestyle check more than anything else. This SUV truly deserve some respect for the offroad enthusiasts because it performs what a real SUV should.

2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

In terms of safety, the GLS is always abiding the rules of the road with its high tech safety features such as driver assistant systems, PRE-SAFE, Brake Assist BAS, electronic all-wheel drive traction system 4ETS, ESP, and cruise control.

Should you buy one? The GLS starts at 76,666 Euros, which sounds very expensive but affordable to own than the Range Rover. Despite the high price tag, the GLS is still the Mercedes-Benz SUV that makes sense on and off the road unlike its crossover relatives. With its rough but noble personality, the GLS is truly one of the most respectable SUVs only the rich and famous can afford for and this bulk should not be taken for granted.

Photo: Daimler AG

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