Mercedes-Benz GLS

Last updated
Mercedes-Benz GLS
Mercedes-Benz X167 IMG 5259.jpg
Overview
Manufacturer
Production2006–2015 (GL-Class)
2015–present (GLS)
Body and chassis
Class Full-size luxury crossover SUV [1] [2] [3]
Layout Front-engine, four-wheel drive (4Matic)
Related Mercedes-Benz ML-Class/GLE

The Mercedes-Benz GLS, formerly Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, is a full-size luxury crossover SUV produced by Mercedes-Benz since 2006. In each of its generations it is a three-row, seven-passenger vehicle positioned above the GLE (formerly Mercedes-Benz M-Class before 2016). [4] The GLS is considered the flagship of the marque's SUV lineup, although the body-on-frame G-Class (originally intended for military off-roading but also offered in luxurious trims) is more expensive and has been in production longer.

Contents

The GLS shares the same unibody architecture with the GLE. Most GLS vehicles are assembled at the Mercedes plant in Alabama, except for a small number of early 2007 production vehicles which were manufactured in Germany. The first generation model (X164) was manufactured between 2006 and 2012 and was replaced in 2013 by the new generation GL-Class (X166).

From 2016 with the release of the facelifted second generation model, the GL-Class was renamed to GLS as per the revised nomenclature adopted by Mercedes. Under this scheme, SUVs use the base name "GL", followed by the model's placement in Mercedes-Benz hierarchy. The "G" is for geländewagen (German for off-road vehicle ) and alludes the long-running G-Class. This is followed by the letter "L" that acts as a linkage with the letter "S", the SUV equivalent to the S-Class, marketing the GLS as the corresponding SUV to the S-Class full-size sedan. [5] [6]

First generation (X164; 2006)

X164 GL-Class Mercedes GL 450 CDI 4MATIC (X164) Facelift front 20100926.jpg
X164 GL-Class

The X164 GL-Class debuted at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. It was released around the same time as the similarly sized Audi Q7, and was the first full-size, 7-seater SUV produced by a German automaker. The range of engines consist of V8 petrol engines, and turbocharged V6 and V8 diesel engines. All models are available only in all-wheel drive (4MATIC) configuration. Its main competitors are the Range Rover, Cadillac Escalade, and Lincoln Navigator.

Second generation (X166; 2013)

X166 GL-Class Mercedes-Benz GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC Sport-Paket AMG (X 166) - Frontansicht, 31. Dezember 2012, Dusseldorf.jpg
X166 GL-Class

The X166 GL-Class went on sale in September 2012. [4] Models feature efficiency improvements via the addition of an engine start stop system, drive by wire steering, and new turbocharged petrol and diesel engines. The second generation model also introduced a high performance GL63 AMG variant, powered by the hand-built M157 engine. [7] Following a 2016 facelift it was renamed the GLS, to correspond with the new Mercedes-Benz naming scheme. The model update also featured minor exterior and interior design changes and performance improvements. [8]

Third generation (X167; 2019)

X167 GLS-Class 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450, front 1.20.20.jpg
X167 GLS-Class

The third generation model debuted at the 2019 New York International Auto Show. The engine options at the launch are 3.0-litre turbo inline six (GLS 450 4MATIC) and 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 (GLS 580 4MATIC & AMG GLS 63), both petrol with EQ Boost electric motors, and 2.9-litre twin-turbo diesel inline six in two different outputs (GLS 350 d 4MATIC and GLS 400 d 4MATIC). [9] [10] A first SUV version of Mercedes-Maybach, Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC model was released in late 2019.

The wheelbase is 2.3 inches longer and nearly an inch wider. It uses the same architecture as the latest GLE with MBUX and dual 12.3-inch screens as well as E-Active Body Control and car-to-X communication. The exterior has also been redesigned with sleeker headlamps and taillamps. [11]

Sales

YearEurope [12] U.S. [13]
20063,00718,776
20078,02726,396
20084,22723,328
20092,87115,012
20102,24919,943
20112,50825,139
20121,57326,042
20134,82929,912
20144,18726,597
20153,75327,707
20165,36130,442
20174,53732,248
20183,53421,973
20192,38622,223
20204,79516,928
20214,11024,482

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercedes-Benz CLS</span> Motor vehicle

The Mercedes-Benz CLS is a series of executive cars produced by Mercedes-Benz from October 2004 to August 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercedes-Benz R-Class</span> Mid-size luxury MPV

The Mercedes-Benz R-Class is a mid-size luxury MPV introduced by Mercedes-Benz in 2005 for the 2006 model year. Following the success of the smaller A- and B-Class MPVs, Mercedes in collaboration with coachbuilder Stola presented a concept vehicle, Vision GST, at the 2002 Detroit Auto Show and a second one, Vision R presented at the 2004 Detroit Auto Show, subsequently introducing the production version at 2005 New York International Auto Show. The R-Class was manufactured in Vance, Alabama until 2015 when its production was shifted to Mishawaka, Indiana for a smaller volume production until 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercedes-Benz GLE</span> Midsize luxury SUV

The Mercedes-Benz GLE, formerly Mercedes-Benz M-Class, is a mid-size luxury SUV produced by the German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz since 1997. In terms of size, it is slotted in between the smaller GLC and the larger GLS, the latter with which it shares platforms.

Mercedes-AMG GmbH, commonly known as AMG, is the high-performance subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz AG. AMG independently hires engineers and contracts with manufacturers to customize Mercedes-Benz AMG vehicles. The company has its headquarters in Affalterbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brabus</span> German high-performance automotive aftermarket tuning company

Brabus GmbH is a German high-performance automotive aftermarket tuning company founded in 1977 in Bottrop. Brabus specialises mainly in Mercedes-Benz, Maybach and Smart vehicles. They have also modified other vehicles including Porsche.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercedes-Benz GLA</span> Subcompact luxury crossover SUV

The Mercedes-Benz GLA is a subcompact luxury crossover SUV manufactured and marketed by Mercedes-Benz over two generations. It is essentially the SUV equivalent of the A-Class, and the smallest SUV marketed by the brand. The production version was revealed in August 2013 ahead of the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show in September 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercedes-Benz GLC</span> Compact luxury crossover SUV

The Mercedes-Benz GLC is a compact luxury crossover SUV introduced in 2015 for the 2016 model year that replaced the GLK-Class. According to Mercedes-Benz, it is the SUV equivalent to the C-Class.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercedes-Benz M278 engine</span> Reciprocating internal combustion engine

The Mercedes-Benz M278 is a family of direct injected, Bi-turbocharged, V8 gasoline automotive piston engines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercedes-Benz M276 engine</span> Reciprocating internal combustion engine

The Mercedes-Benz M276 engine is a direct injected, gasoline automotive piston V6 engine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222)</span> Motor vehicle

The Mercedes-Benz W222 is the sixth generation of the Mercedes Benz S-Class produced from 2013 to 2020, serving as the successor to the W221 S-Class and predecessor to the W223 S-Class. The W222 was designed in 2009 by Korean designer Il-hun Yoon, who drew inspiration from the Mercedes-Benz F700 concept car. The exterior design was developed by a team under the direction of the Slovenian car designer Robert Lešnik. The W222 has a similar design theme to the C-Class (W205) and E-Class (W213).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercedes-Benz GLB</span> German small SUV (from 2019)

The Mercedes-Benz GLB is a crossover SUV produced by Mercedes-Benz. It was unveiled by the German manufacturer Daimler AG on 10 June 2019 in Park City, Utah. It was previously unveiled as a concept car to the public at the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W213)</span> German large car (2016–2023)

The W213 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the fifth generation of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, sold from 2016 as a 2017 model. It succeeded the W212/S212 E-Class models. The coupe/convertible models share the same platform as the sedan/wagon, in contrast to the previous generation. The high-performance Mercedes-AMG E 63 and E 63 S versions of the W213 have been available as well from 2016, and these are the only versions with V8 engines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercedes-Benz M176/M177/M178 engine</span> Reciprocating internal combustion engine

The M176/M177/M178 is a petrol V8 engine range designed by Mercedes-AMG, replacing the M278 and M157 engines, and is based on the M133 engine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercedes-Benz OM656 engine</span> Reciprocating internal combustion engine

The OM656 is a turbocharged diesel engine produced by Mercedes-Benz since 2017. It was first introduced in the facelift W222 S-Class.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X164)</span> Motor vehicle

The X164GL-Class is a full-sized luxury crossover SUV produced by Mercedes-Benz, from 2006 to 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X166)</span> Motor vehicle

The X166Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a full-size luxury crossover SUV produced from 2012 to 2019. It is the second generation model in the GL-Class range, and was renamed GLS as of the 2016 facelift.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercedes-Benz GLS (X167)</span> Motor vehicle

The Mercedes-Benz GLS (X167) is the third generation of the Mercedes-Benz GLS full-sized luxury crossover SUV that began production in October 2019. It replaces the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class/GLS (X166).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W223)</span> German luxury full-size car model

The Mercedes-Benz W223 is the seventh generation of the S‑Class full-size luxury sedan, produced by Mercedes-Benz since 2020. It replaces the W222 S‑Class which had been produced since 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercedes-Benz SL (R232)</span> Seventh-generation Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

The Mercedes-AMG SL and Mercedes-Maybach SL are the seventh generation of the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class roadster, succeeding the R231 model. Introduced on October 28, 2021, the R232 serves as a direct replacement for the GT Roadster. It was exclusively marketed under the Mercedes-AMG brand until the introduction of the Mercedes-Maybach SL in August 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV</span> Battery electric mid-size luxury crossover SUV

The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV is a battery electric mid-size luxury crossover SUV produced by German luxury brand Mercedes-Benz Group since December 2022. The vehicle was revealed on October 16, 2022, alongside the Mercedes-AMG performance variant. The automaker displayed the entire EQ range in the gardens of the Musée Rodin in Paris on October 16 and 17, alongside concepts that will preview the company's electric future.

References

  1. "The 2021 Mercedes Benz GLS was held back by a confusing feature". 9 January 2021.
  2. "Mercedes-Benz GLS Meaning and History". Mercedes-Benz of Modesto.
  3. "Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class". Consumer Guide. 22 June 2016.
  4. 1 2 "2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Specs, Price, MPG & Reviews" . Retrieved 9 May 2023.
  5. Ewing, Steven (11 November 2014). "Mercedes renames utility vehicles, repositions Maybach as sub-brand". Autoblog. Retrieved 12 November 2014.
  6. "Mercedes-Benz expands brand world and introduces new nomenclature: Mercedes-Maybach for the ultimate in exclusivity and individuality". Daimler AG. 11 November 2014. Archived from the original on 12 November 2014. Retrieved 12 November 2014.
  7. "2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG instrumented test". Car and Driver. 3 January 2013. Retrieved 2016-11-23.
  8. "The new Mercedes-Benz GLS". Mercedes-Benz USA | Online Newsroom. Retrieved 2017-07-28.
  9. "The new 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS". Mercedes-Benz USA.
  10. "Der neue GLS". Mercedes-Benz Deutschland.
  11. Vanderwerp, Dave (17 April 2019). "The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS Is Even More of an S-Class SUV". Car and Driver . Retrieved 17 April 2019.
  12. "Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS European sales figures". carsalesbase.com. Retrieved 2018-10-08.
  13. "Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS US car sales figures". carsalesbase.com. Retrieved 2018-10-08.