Precisely how much of the GLS range is intended to demonstrate that Merc is back on top and in charge of its own destiny will be open to discussion. While hard to ignore the (pre-discount) price tag, which starts at £73,995 for the first available model, the GLS 400d, and is sure to escalate into £100k territory as the full line is rolled out, this is an example of Stuttgart’s finest example of automotive imperialism.
To be fair to it, the GLS 400d features a latest generation 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, which produces 330bhp and a whopping 516lbs ft of torque. It can blitz the 0-60mph dash in a modest 6.3s and can continue to a top speed of 148mph, which ensures that it is no slouch. It can achieve up to 35.8mpg (verified by NEDC2 regulations) on the official combined fuel cycle and emits 208g/km of CO2, which means a first-year road tax bill of £1,280 and £465 annually thereafter for five years (because the GLS costs more than £40,000). It will help to have deep pockets.
Its features list is impressive though: GLS AMG Line Premium models come as standard with MBUX Interior Assistant; Airmatic Air Suspension with Active Damping; heated front and rear seats; Driving Assistance package; Burmester surround sound entertainment system; 22.0-inch diameter multi-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels (with gigantic 23.0-inch options); parking package with 360o camera; head-up display; Energising package; Magic Vision Control; Keyless-Go Comfort package; aluminium-look running boards; and automatic sliding panoramic electric roof.
AMG Line Premium Plus trim also adds MBUX augmented reality for navigation; Driving Assistance Plus package; Energising Package Plus; climatised, multi-contour front seats with massage functions; MBUX rear seat entertainment system; temperature-controlled cup holder in the front; and heated front and rear armrests. The AMG Line Premium Plus Executive models feature all of the above equipment and add heated Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel; climatised, multi-contour rear seats with massage functions; electric sunblinds in rear doors; 23.0-inch diameter five-twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels; MBUX rear tablet; and heated seats for the third row.
As if that little lot is insufficient, the Off Road package can be added for £1,495 and includes fully-variable all-wheel drive and low-range transmission; torque-on-demand (double speed) for traction and dynamic control; inter-axle locking, via a torque-on-demand clutch; low-range off-road gearing; downhill speed regulation; off-road ABS with specific optimisation for rough surfaces; and Dynamic Select driving modes including Offroad, Offroad+, Comfort and Sport.
However, as mentioned earlier, only the 400d version is available from the outset. It is abundantly clear that Merc wants to make full use of its AMG division, or its initials at least, to hammer home its market intentions. Deliveries commence this autumn for an all-surface vehicle offering massive space among its top-of-the-shop features.
