GLS – Automobiles Review

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz has updated the GLS, GLS 600 4MATIC and AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+ models after the facelift of the GLE and GLE Coupé. The update includes changes to the design, technology and equipment to enhance the comfort, connectivity and overall ambience of the large SUV models. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC has a combined fuel consumption of 14.1-13.8 l/100 km and combined CO2 emissions of 320-314 g/km, while the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+ has a combined fuel consumption of 13.2-12.8 l/100 km and combined CO2 emissions of 298-289 g/km.

The SUV models have ample exterior dimensions and can accommodate up to seven people across three seat rows. The updated Mercedes-Benz GLS will be available in European dealerships by the end of October 2023, while in the USA, the market launch will commence in mid-September.

Mercedes-Benz GLS

The new Mercedes-Benz GLS models have an even more striking radiator grille with four louvres galvanised in Silver Shadow. The bumper is more prominent and has integrated air inlet grilles with a surround in high-gloss black. The large simulated underguard has also been redesigned. At the rear, the interior of the lights has three horizontal blocks. The range of wheels now includes a new 20-inch multi-spoke light-alloy wheel in Himalayas grey with a high-sheen finish.

Two new leather colors are available for the seven-seater Mercedes-Benz GLS – Catalana beige and Bahia brown. Glossy brown lime wood is now standard for the interior trim finishes, and the MANUFAKTUR glossy black flowing lines piano lacquer, which was previously only available for the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC, can now also be used for the GLS family from Mercedes-Benz.

The air vents of the GLS have louvres in Silver Shadow, which is a feature also found in the Mercedes-Maybach GLS.

Mercedes-Benz has adjusted the Off-Road Engineering package to better suit the typical usage of GLS drivers, who mostly drive on paved roads or simple off-road terrains. The package now includes a 30mm increase in ground clearance and an underride guard.

The updated MBUX infotainment system has new display designs. The driver can choose from three styles and three modes to customize the displays. The classic style has the familiar two-tube design between the displays. The sporty style features a red color and a dynamic central rev counter design. The discreet style only shows essential information. Both displays can be customized with seven different color schemes to match the ambient lighting. The central display is still touch-operated and has all the same content as before.

The current MBUX generation’s “Off-Road Mode” displays special content like gradient, lateral inclination, compass and steering angle visually. The standard Parking Package with 360-degree camera adds the “transparent bonnet” function. When the Offroad mode is on, the central display presents a virtual view under the front of the vehicle, composed of images from the 360°camera. This “transparent bonnet” function improves obstacle recognition for drivers, especially for large stones or deep potholes on the road ahead.

The GLS has all-wheel drive and a gear ratio for powerful towing. It can tow up to 3.5 tonnes with a tongue weight of up to 140 kg. The trailer coupling has two extra bolts on the ball neck to support a suitable bicycle carrier with a load capacity of 100 kg, including e-bikes.

The GLS offers extra features to help with towing, such as the Trailer Manoeuvring Assist, an updated Trailer menu in the central display, and the Trailer route planner, which helps you find the best route when towing a trailer.

Mercedes-Maybach GLS

The top model of the GLS boasts a radiator grille with vertical chrome bars and “Maybach” lettering. Its air inlet grilles have a Maybach pattern and a chrome surround. Additionally, there is a new 23-inch forged wheel option with a Maybach design and forged wheel bolt cover.

The Mercedes-Maybach now comes with standard ambient lighting that projects the Mercedes-Maybach pattern. The seat covers have been redesigned with diamond-pattern quilting and specific perforations for added luxury. The Mercedes-Maybach offers exclusive interior color combinations, including MANUFAKTUR crystal white/silver grey pearl and MANUFAKTUR mahogany brown/macchiato beige.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS and Mercedes-Maybach GLS have the following new features:

New paint options: sodalite blue metallic and MANUFAKTUR alpine grey non-metallic.
Latest steering wheel generation with touch controls on the spokes.
Voice assistant can be activated without saying “Hey Mercedes”.
Optional MBUX Multi-Seat Entertainment system provides rear-seat passengers with the same infotainment features as those in the front.
Rear passengers can use up to three touchscreens and have various control options, including the “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant.
Two USB ports with 100 W output are available in the rear of the centre console (optional equipment).
ENERGIZING AIR CONTROL (optional in Western Europe) with two-stage filter concept protects against fine dust and other pollutants.

Models and data at a glance:

Mercedes-Benz GLS		GLS 450 4MATIC	GLS 580 4MATIC	GLS 350 d 4MATIC	GLS 450 d 4MATIC
Displacement	cc	2999	3982	2989	2989
Output	kW/hp	280/381	380/517	230/269	270/367
at	rpm	5800-6100	5500	3.600-4.800	4000
Add. output (Boost)	kW/hp	15/20	16/22	15/20	15/20
Peak torque	Nm	500	730	650	750
at	rpm	1800-5000	2500-5000	1.350-3.200	1350-2800
Add. torque (Boost)	Nm	200	250	200	200
Combined fuel consumption, WLTP	l/100 km	11.7-10.2	14.1-13.4	9.1-8.02	9.1-8.02
Combined CO2 emissions, WLTP	g/km	266-2322	321-3053	240-2102	240-2102
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	s	6.1	4.9	6.7	6.1
Top speed	km/h	250	250	238	250

Mercedes-Maybach GLS		GLS 600 4MATIC
Displacement	cc	3982
Output	kW/hp	410/557
at	rpm	6000-6500
Add. output (Boost)	kW/hp	16/22
Peak torque	Nm	730
at	rpm	2500-5000
Add. torque (Boost)	Nm	250
Combined fuel consumption, WLTP	l/100 km	14.1-13.8
Combined CO2 emissions, WLTP	g/km	320-3144
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	s	4.2
Top speed	km/h	250

April 4, 2023

Brabus Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC 800

2022 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC BRABUS 800

The new Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC redefines the essence of a luxurious SUV. And consequently, making this extraordinary all-wheel-drive car even more exclusive, individual and sporty is the perfect challenge for the engineers, technicians and designers of BRABUS.

The four-liter, twin-turbo V8 engine with BRABUS PowerXtra B40S-800 performance upgrade produces superior power in every situation and delivers the driving performance of a sports car. With an output of 588 kW / 800 hp (788 bhp) and a peak torque of 950 Nm (701 lb-ft), the black supercar catapults itself from rest to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 300 km/h (186 mph).

The looks of the BRABUS 800 are just as thrilling as the performance is, with dark Shadow Grey replacing the shiny chrome of the production car as a dominant feature. This includes all bodywork components and the BRABUS Monoblock M “PLATINUM EDITION” hi-tech forged wheels in king-sized 24-inch diameter.

The BRABUS designers developed aerodynamically efficient exposed-carbon bodywork components with sporty and elegant styling specifically for this model. They give the luxury SUV a more athletic appearance.

Choosing the finest leather for the exquisitely finished BRABUS fine leather interior in Leonis Orange creates a brilliant contrast.

The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC is powered by an eight-cylinder, four-valve engine with two turbochargers and a displacement of four liters. As befits the world’s largest provider of engine tuning for Mercedes-Benz automobiles, the engineers of the refinement specialist developed the BRABUS PowerXtra B40S-800 performance upgrade for this power unit.

The top-of-the-line model of the GLS-Class puts out 410 kW / 557 hp (550 bhp) in stock configuration and produces a peak torque of 730 Nm (538 lb-ft). After the BRABUS engine upgrade, peak power jumps by 178.8 kW / 243 hp (239.7 bhp), while peak torque grows by 220 Nm (162 lb-ft). This naturally requires extensive modifications. Two special BRABUS turbochargers with larger compressor unit and modified core assembly fitted with uprated axial bearings replace the two production turbos. They produce a maximum boost pressure of 1.6 bar. To be able to take advantage of this required reprogramming the electronic boost pressure control as well. That is the job of the plug-and-play BRABUS PowerXtra control module, which also introduces specially developed mapping for injection and ignition to the electronic engine control unit.

All components underwent extensive and complex bench testing and road tests, and all are TÜV-certified. Because BRABUS vouches not only for high performance, but also for maximum durability and daily practicality, this engine tuning is also backed by the exemplary three-year or 100,000-kilometer/62,000-mile BRABUS Tuning Warranty (see BRABUS Warranty Terms and Conditions, updated July 2013). BRABUS recommends high-performance lubricants from MOTUL.

588 kW / 800 hp (788 bhp) at a low 6,000 rpm and the massive torque of 950 Nm (701 lb-ft) at a low 5,000 rpm bestow the road performance of a full-blooded sports car upon the BRABUS 800. The refined luxury supercar accelerates to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds. Due to the vehicle weight, the top speed is electronically limited to 300 km/h (186 mph).

However, even more impressive than the raw data is the superior effortlessness with which the BRABUS engine pushes the SUV weighing some 2.8 metric tons in every rev range, delivering an extraordinary driving experience.

The BRABUS stainless high-performance exhaust system with active sound management and a matt black tailpipe on either side enables the driver to choose at the touch of a button in the cockpit between a tasteful, urban acoustics and a powerful eight-cylinder sound in sport mode.

The looks of the five-door are as thrilling as the driving experience is. To match the black paint finish of the vehicle, all production chrome parts were given Shadow Grey glazing. To emphasize the sporting ambitions of the BRABUS 800 visually as well and to optimize the aerodynamics further, the design studio of the refinement specialist developed tailor-made bodywork components for the Maybach variant of the GLS-Class.

The front is upgraded with a BRABUS front spoiler, which in concert with the carbon front trim for the air intakes in the bumper gives the SUV an even more distinctive face. This aerodynamic-enhancement component is shaped to reduce lift at high speeds.

There is also a sporty upgrade at the rear, where the bumper is fitted with a special BRABUS lower section, which accommodates the center diffuser and integrates two perfectly shaped cutouts on both sides for the tailpipes of the BRABUS sport exhaust system.

The BRABUS Monoblock M “PLATINUM EDITION” high-end alloys are just as extravagant. With a diameter of 24 inches, they perfectly fill out the available space under the wheel arches, which are fitted with exposed-carbon flares. These wheels with large disc design are produced using a hi-tech forging process and consequently offer maximum strength. The front axle runs on rims of size 10Jx24 with Continental high-performance tires of size 295/35 R 24. The rear features twelve-inch-wide rims with 335/30 R 24 street tires.

The mapping of the BRABUS control module for the AIRMATIC air suspension is specifically calibrated to these 24-inch low-profile tires. It lowers the ride height of the supercar by about 25 millimeters (1 in).

BRABUS also offers virtually endless options to tailor the luxurious interior of a Maybach precisely, individually and in the highest quality to the personal taste of the vehicle owner. As a contrast to the black paint finish, the company upholstery shop of the refinement specialist created a classy BRABUS fine leather interior in bright Leonis Orange. This especially soft and breathable leather on the seat center sections, the door panels and the entire cabin floor features perforations and square quilting applied with pinpoint precision. In the rear, the BRABUS interior designers integrated a tailor-made business console with two retractable tables.

To match the exterior design, all switches and trim elements feature Shadow Grey glazing. The BRABUS Signature carbon elements on the instrument panel, center stack and door panels add sporty highlights in the cockpit. They are complemented with aluminum pedals, door pins and paddle shifters on the steering wheel in BRABUS RACE design.

The BRABUS 800 is built to order according to the customer’s wishes. Alternatively, BRABUS can upgrade any GLS 63 to this level all at once or in stages.

Fuel economy, CO₂ emissions and efficiency class:

BRABUS 800 based on the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC: city 16.0 l/100 km, highway 9.7 l/100 km, combined: 13.4 l/100 km. Combined CO₂ emissions: 275 g/km, efficiency class D.

November 11, 2021

Mercedes announces details about the upcoming 2020 GLS 4MATIC machine

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 4MATIC All-new GLS has raised the bar one more time by presenting the latest SUV in the lineup. The so-called S-Class among SUVs, the GLS is surely expanding and improving itself. Let’s check out what this bad boy has for us, shall we?

Offered with a 6-seat option configuration and larger dimensions, the latest addition to the lineup also features a revised 3.0-liter Inline-6 Turbo engine with EQ Boost and tons of additional engineering changes and upgrades.

The new GLS benefits from sexy interior design, which includes a new-gen steering wheel with Touch Control Buttons, two grab handles and a widescreen dual display with 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster. Optionally, customers can specify their own machine with a Premium Package, which includes Blind Spot Assist, Smartphone Integration, Navigation, SIRIUS XM Satellite Radio keyless-go function. The second upgrade pack comes with Active LED Headlamps and Adaptive High Beam Assist, while the Parking Assist Package grants buyers with Active Parking Assist and Surround View Camera.

All along with the handy goodies, Mercedes team has included the so-called Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) function, which, as it seems, plays the role of a game changer. It introduces intelligent Voice Control and Natural Language Understanding and Interior Assistant.

And as it comes to drivetrain system, new GLE comes with a groundbraking intelligent chassis and a revised version of the E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension technology. Additional goodies include 4MATIC system and Integrated Starter Generator. The engine provides a total of 362hp and 369lb-ft of torque, with a massive 184lb-ft of torque and 21hp boost.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 4MATIC

Neat!

Source: Mercedes-Benz

June 11, 2019

Here’s LARTE Design’s new Black Crystal: this is definitely a must see!

2016 LARTE Design Black Crystal Mercedes-Benz GLS LARTE Design team presents its latest achievement: the Black Crystal. This sweetie is based on Mercedes-Benz GLS and completely resembles tuner’s concept about beauty and style. Also, there is a neat photo shooting that further enhances the feeling of luxury.

2016 LARTE Design Black Crystal Mercedes-Benz GLS

We presume that you have already seen the gallery. And we presume that you have already asked yourself: why BLACK Crystal? Well, because of the two Swarovski Crystals that are gently placed at the front bumper. In fact, despite the name, this project showcases a sort of a concept of color contrasting. Apparently we see white body with numerous black components, but there is also a slight pinch of red, or more precisely, red lines that enhance the feeling of sportiness and aggressiveness. And the additional carbon-fiber elements conclude the final style idea: both confident and elegant.

So, what are the additions? There are new front and rear bumpers with numerous carbon-fiber elements. What catches the eye, though, is the incredible rear: it is both massive and aggressive. Featuring fresh air diffuser, four exclusively created carbon-fiber exhaust pipes and neat F1 LED braking backlights. At the same time the front-end features new bumper, radiator grille styling and of course, this notable and well-known LARTE Design logo.

2016 LARTE Design Black Crystal Mercedes-Benz GLS

Long story short, LARTE Design has managed to impress us one more time!

Source: LARTE Design

September 30, 2016

Meet Simbad the horse and LARTE Design’s latest masterpiece!

We have all seen it: the horseshoe logo. And we all know what it represent: style, quality and fine taste. And one more time, LARTE Design team strikes back! The latest creation is based on a Mercedes GLS vehicle and the usual question that people would ask, when seeing the vehicle is “How many horses are in there?” The answer: one. And its name is Simbad. You can even see it at gallery below. Yep, this is right: for this project LARTE Design team has focused entirely on styling and exterior detail tweaking.

The vehicle is geared with a special tuning kit that features new front and rear bumpers, numerous carbon-fiber components and of course, this impeccable Mercedes-Benz style. In fact, the most eye-catching component is the back: it looks incredibly massive, sporty and stylish and showcases new diffuser, four neat exhaust pipes and of course, some more carbon-fiber components.

But what about the front? It is also as stylish as the rear-end: there is a new bumper and special radiator grille with this well-known LARTE logo. Also, there are carbon-fiber air intakers and fenders.

Of course, we do like this one. It looks like LARTE Design team has gained some inspiration for interior and exterior styling projects. Hopefully, we will be seeing even more of brand’s masterfully-executed ideas and projects.

Source: LARTE Design

September 19, 2016

LARTE Design launching the outstanding Mercedes GLS Black Crystal

Visitors of Moscow International Auto Show see for the first time the unique project

LARTE Design made a blast at the Moscow International Automobile Salon (MIAS) with the reveal of the long-awaited Mercedes GLS Black Crystal project. The vehicle looks imposing with its masculine stance, which has been enhance via more than 50 additional parts, made from exclusive materials like the lightweight carbon fiber and basalt. In addition, the tuning studio did some special painting works, further adding to the strong image of the modified Mercedes GLS.

After waiting a significant amount of time to see the first photographs of the SUV, we now get to see them and we feel kind of impressed. A lot of craftsmanship is involved here and more importantly, the result is of a stand-out vehicle.

To go further into details, the new front bumper has features like the carbon fiber inserts and splitter. On its right and left sides we see harmoniously blended elements – the Black Crystal Swarovski, symbolizing the name of the pack. In addition, the radiator grille is adorned by carbon fiber and the logo of the company in the form of a horseshoe.

2016 LARTE Design Mercedes-Benz GLS Black Crystal front view

The sides have been widened and also feature carbon inserts. The lightweight material is to be all over the car, for instance: the rear bumper which features carbon inserts or the all-carbon dual exhaust tips.

What is more, as mentioned there is another very strong and extremely light in weight material used in this project. It is namely the basalt, which has been made by vacuum infusion technology. By the sides of the Mercedes GLS Black Crystal stood the V-class Black Crystal vehicle, which features a tuning that shows how one can beautifully transform a minivan like this.

Source: LARTE Design

August 29, 2016

LARTE Design reveals more details about the new mystical Black Crystal project

LARTE Design Mercedes-Benz GLS Black Crystal rear view second teaser

This image shows the blackout variant of what we have previewed as the latest Black Crystal in LARTE Design’s family. Although we have been left with the impression that the new vehicle will be white, it seems that there is a variant in the opposite color. Whether LARTE will keep both color versions stay unclear.

What we know so far is that the project, which will be exhibited at the MIAS event in Moscow, is based on the new Mercedes GLS. The Russian studio says that its new project is a marvelous new tuning car, which features a brand new tuning kit.

Precisely, the latter comprises of a front and rear bumpers with carbon fibre inserts. Since we have only received the image of the rear, what we can spot is that it looks very massive, sporty and aggressive due to the addition of the huge air diffuser, four extraordinary exhaust pipes and a lot of carbon fiber elements.

Keeping it a secret, the front is said to have a brand new bumper with masculine lines and a new radiator grill sporting the LARTE horseshow logo. At the sides, there will be new side pads which are reminiscent of tuner’s variant of the amazing Mercedes GL Black Crystal. Carbon shielded air intakes will adorn the fenders.

Besides the GLS Crystal, LARTE Design will basically exhibit its entire portfolio, including the business road-jet Mercedes V-Class Black Crystal and the “electrifying” Tesla Model S Elizabeta. There are rumors that the V-Class will appear with a brand-new front and rear bumpers made of composite materials and decorated with carbon fiber elements, so we are excited to see the change, too.

Moscow International Automobile Salon (MIAS) opens gates on 24th of August and closes on 4th of September. LARTE Design’s booth is located in hall 3 (pav.13, booth B106).

Source: LARTE Design

August 9, 2016

Another Crystal added to the range of LARTE Design’s exclusive Mercedes-Benz projects

Mercedes GLS Crystal is the next creation in LARTE’s portfolio

LARTE Design is going to reveal a brand new Crystal model at the Moscow International Automobile Salon (MIAS) in August. If we have to compare the GLS with a “standard” Mercedes car, then it most certainly will be the S-Class. Both are inarguably very impressive.

However, the aforementioned duo is still “mass-production” and offers no or little individuality. LARTE Design has answered the prayers of the uniqueness-seekers with the release of a brand new tuning kit for the GLS. Exactly this package will be premiered at the event, and we can’t wait to see more real life pictures of it, because it promises to be really cool.

So basically, the set consists of a new front and rear bumpers, which feature the bonus of carbon fibre inserts. As you can see on the images, the rear of the car has been designed to look very massive, but at the same time sporty and aggressive. It also sports new air diffuser, four unusual exhaust pipes and a lot of carbon fiber in the form of various parts.

The front, of which we don’t have any pictures, includes brand new bumper with masculine lines and a new radiator grill with big LARTE horseshow logo. By the way, the new side pads are evocative of LARTE Design’s amazing Mercedes GL Black Crystal, and this is why it is the successor of the Crystal family. What is more, the tuner is saying that there will be carbon shielded air intakes at the fenders.

This is the preliminary information we have about this new tuning, but we hope to receive some more details at a later time. Besides the GLS Crystal, LARTE Design will basically exhibit its entire portfolio, including the business road-jet Mercedes V-Class Black Crystal and the “electrifying” Tesla Model S Elizabeta.

Moscow International Automobile Salon opens gates on 24^th of August and closes on 4^th of September. LARTE Design’s booth is located in hall 3 (pav.13, booth B106).

Source: Larte Design

July 14, 2016

2013 Hyundai Sonata Tackles Other from its Segment

Don’t you hate it when car manufacturers bash one another over which one is the leader in a segment? That’s exactly what Hyundai are now doing with their 2013 Sonata. We had to go trough bulks of comparisons between their car (the 2013 MY) and 2012 MY Altimas and Accords, Malibus and Fusions to actually get to some relevant information. Whichever table we looked at, the Sonata was one step ahead… but is that really the case?

It is cheap, we’ll give them that. At $21,720 you get a Sonata GLS complete with the “Popular Equipment Package”. That roughly means front heated seats and fog lights among other luxuries. Power comes from a Theta II GDI 2.4-liter unit which, judging by the acronym, one might think it’s a diesel. The thing is GDI stands for Gasoline Direct-Injection and that’s what the Sonata uses to spray fuel into the cylinders at pressure of 2,175 psi. Thus the compression ration stands at a high 11.3:1 and the pistons inside are dished so that they can handle the combustion process more efficiently. With all that in mind, we are being told that the Sonata achieves 24 mpg in an urban environment and 35 mpg on the highway. The transmission that comes as standard is a six-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC and has to deal with 198 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. The SE trim also boasts a standard dual exhaust system which adds 2 more hp and 2 more lb.-ft. of torque.

While the 2.4 Theta II GDI is naturally aspirated, the 2.0-liter one is turbocharged. That means even more power and almost no compromises in terms of efficiency – 274 hp at 6000 rpm and 269 lb-ft of torque within the 1,750 – 4,500 rpm range.

On the Hyundai Sonata 2.0T SE trim you get a fully automatic temperature control unit which is convenient. What isn’t convenient, but rather exciting, is the sporty suspension – stiffer springs and larger stabilizer bars, resulting in a 20 percent increase in roll resistance. Add to that 18-inch, low profile tires and a constantly adapting electric power steering and you’ve got yourself a car that does not shy away from a corner.

Driver aids include the usual ABS and ESP systems but also Electronic Brake-force Distribution – depending on the place of load, braking power gets redirected. Six airbags and active front-seat head restrains keep you safe and sound.

It goes without saying, that inside, the connectivity is topnotch – XM Satellite Radio for three months, Bluetooth, a place to plug in your iPod or USB drive and a touch-screen navigation system that comes with the SE and Limited trim levels.

Overall, the Hyundai Sonata sounds like a decent car. The only thing the company needs to do is to stop jabbing the others and gain and focus on their product. The automotive industry should not tolerate dirty play.

Source: Hyundai

May 9, 2012

The new Proton GEN-2 – even more car for your money

Proton Cars are pleased to announce the arrival of the new version of their popular GEN-2 hatchback, which is now available in dealerships across the UK.

The GEN-2 hatchback also benefits from a new sporty interior with red trim on the seats, doors and steering wheel as well as a re-designed dashboard and handbrake. There’s also a redesigned glove box for added comfort and convenience. (more…)

July 10, 2008

Tag: GLS

Visitors of Moscow International Auto Show see for the first time the unique project

Mercedes GLS Crystal is the next creation in LARTE’s portfolio