Mercedes: 2020 GLS-Class is ‘the S-Class of Premium SUVs’
Debuting at the 2019 New York Auto Show, Mercedes GLS offers more of things its fans love, plus a hybrid V8 under the hood.
For over two decades, Mercedes-Benz has been building a few SUVs to go with its famed G-Wagen, such as the M-Class, G-Class, and the current GLS-Class. All have been built in the United States, and more than a few models have been home runs for the luxury automaker.
At the 2019 New York International Auto Show, Mercedes stepped up its game with the introduction of the 2020 GLS-Class. And while this new SUV has more luxury, space, and comfort than ever before, it also has a few new tricks up its sleeve.
“The GLS combines modern luxury with the character of an off-roader,” said Daimler AG design boss Gorden Wagener. “Powerful highlights of the off-road design idiom combined with an elegance reminiscent of a classic luxury sedan. The interior is a synthesis of modern, luxurious aesthetics, hallmark SUV practicality and digital high-tech. In our view, the new GLS therefore offers the best of all these worlds.”
The biggest news about the new Mercedes SUV is under the hood. The GLS 450 4MATIC and GLS 580 4MATIC will both receive the 48-volt EQ Boost electric system to go with their respective engines, a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six and a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. The former makes 362 horses and 369 lb-ft of torque, plus an additional 184 lb-ft of torque and 21 ponies with the mild hybrid unit. The latter receives the same amount from the system to go with the V8’s 483 horses and 516 lb-ft of torque. And of course, all of that power goes to the corners via the 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic.
Inside the 2020 GLS-Class, the driver and passenger are greeted by a wide touchscreen array on the dash, which uses Mercedes’ ever-adapting MBUX infotainment system. Rear passengers can also enjoy MBUX if the owner opts for the Executive Rear Seat Package, via the addition of seven-inch Android tablets in the second-row armrest.
“The new GLS is the S-Class of premium SUVs,” said Daimler AG board member Ola Källenius. “It embodies luxury, confidence and intelligence like almost no other vehicle.”
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