Mercedes-Benz India, the Numero Uno luxury car maker in India launched the new GLS 350d for its esteemed customers in India. The GLS is the new benchmark in performance, luxury and technology. Its extra large cabin and plush interiors are inspired by the flagship S Class luxury sedan. With the launch of the GLS, Mercedes-Benz yet again reiterates its ‘top of pyramid’ product strategy by introducing the best products from its global portfolio.
At the launch, Mr.Roland Folger, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said, “Popularly known as the S-Class of SUVs, the introduction of the GLS underscores Mercedes-Benz’s dominance in the luxury SUV segment in India. The GLS is the epitome of exemplary engineering that cleverly combines unmatched space, with delightful driving pleasure on any terrain. With the launch of the GLS, we are glad to provide the most comprehensive luxury SUV portfolio in the country to our discerning customers. India has a growing penchant for the SUVs and at 100% growth achieved in 2015; it was the highest growing segment for us.”
Mr. Folger further added, “The GLS is a distinguished and versatile SUV, as it performs effortlessly as a dynamic sports car, a luxurious cruiser or even a fullyfledged off-roader. The GLS indulges its occupants in an opulent ambience, and promises unsurpassed luxury experience that no other seven seater SUV can offer. The GLS has contributed to the success of our SUV portfolio in a significant way. India has also emerged as one of the top 10 markets for the GLS, globally. The GLS will be locally manufactured in our world-class production facility in Pune from its India launch. We are confident that the local production will make the GLS 350d attractive for the eminent buyers with additional value propositions and increased availability. This is yet another illustration of our vision of ‘Make in India’, and gives us the opportunity to provide the newest products for our elite customers here.”
Exteriors
The striking exterior of the GLS with the new radiator grille has the brand’s Three Pointed Star transition smoothly into the two horizontal louvres thereby emphasizing the value appeal and the lines of the entire front. The modern headlamp design has been borrowed from the GLE and GLE Coupé. It also gets full-LED tail lights in a new layout. The bonnet features two power domes and highlights the powerful appearance of the GLS. The new GLS reflects harmony and modern luxury expressed in a large-size SUV format. The GLS sports massive 20-inch, 10-spoke light-alloy wheels that further enhance the sporty appeal of this mammoth SUV.
Interiors
Cabin comfort and spaciousness is comparable to the S Class luxury sedan. With excellent ergonomics, generous space, refined materials and great attention to detail, the interior of the GLS conveys the hallmark feel-good atmosphere of the Mercedes-Benz brand. In terms of storage space, the GLS provides a storage volume of 680 to 2300 litres which surpasses the amount of space offered by any of its European competitors. A unique and first ever feature that enhances the environment inside the GLS is the Apple CarPlay™ which provides options to make calls, listen to music, send and receive text messages and also provides access to select third-party apps that are approved by Apple CarPlay™.
Potent power and performance:
Under the hood is a powerful 3-litre, V6 diesel engine that produces 258 hp and a raucous 620 Nm of peak torque. The engine is motorized by the revolutionary 9G-TRONIC transmission from Mercedes-Benz. The 9GTRONIC in the GLS 350 d has a more dynamic response and ensures reduced fuel consumption. The 9G-TRONIC auto transmission enhances driving pleasure due to dynamic gearshifts and response characteristics with smooth gear changes.
Key product features:
- 9-G TRONIC: 9-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Acceleration 0 –100 km/h in 7.8 seconds
- DYNAMIC SELECT controller with 5 modes
- Comfortable seating for 7 occupants
- Panoramic sunroof
- Full LED Headlamps with Intelligent Light System
- Adaptive highbeam Assist Plus
- 4MATIC permanent all-wheel-drive System
- AIRMATIC suspension with Adaptive Dampening System Plus
- New Generation Telematics (NTG 5*1)
- Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay™
- COMAND Online with 8-inch high resolution media display & touchpad
- Mirror package with brand logo projection
- Memory package for driver and front passenger
- Parking package with Active Parking Assist and 360° camera
- ARTICO man-made leather upholstery
- Available in a choice of 6 Exterior Colour shades.
Top class safety for all seven occupants
As standard on the GLS are the PRE-SAFE®system, BAS Brake Assist, the electronic all-wheel drive traction system 4ETS, ESP® with Curve Dynamic Assist and cruise control. Optimal protection potential is provided by the passive occupant protection systems together with the “electronic crumple zones” of the assistance systems and the intelligent body design. Adaptive, two-stage airbags for driver and front passenger, side bags for driver, front passenger and the middle row seats (combined thorax/pelvisbags) and windowbags across all three seat rows are also part of the standard specification. In addition, the GLS is fitted with three-point safety belts on all seven seats.
Price: The GLS 350 d is priced at Rs. 80.40 lakhs ex-showroom Pune
