Mercedes Benz is all set to launch its S-Class SUV, GLS tomorrow in the Indian market. The German automaker had already decided last year to launch the SUV in the first quarter of 2020. But due to the Coronavirus lockdown, the launch got delayed. Last month, the company had virtually introduced the new AMG C 63 Coupe and the AMG GT R supercar in the country. The new GLS SUV will arrive in the country via the CKD route. After that, it will be taken to the automaker’s manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune for assembly. It is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 90 lakhs (ex-showroom).
Compared to its predecessor, the new Mercedes Benz GLS will be longer and wider. It will come packed with a plethora of features. These include heated seats, five-zone automatic climate control, MBUX infotainment system, two 11.6-inch touchscreens in the rear rows among many others. The dashboard will come equipped with a large single unit touchscreen display with split screens for the infotainment system and the driver instrument cluster. As for safety, the new GLS SUV gets nine airbags, active brake assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
Under the skin, the upcoming SUV in India is likely to be offered with two engine options: GLS 350d 4Matic diesel and the 450 4Matic turbo petrol. The GLS 350d 4Matic is powered by a BS6 2.9-litre, inline diesel engine that will churn out 281 bhp power and 600 Nm of peak torque. While the GLS 450 is powered by a BS6 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine that will deliver 362 bhp of maximum power output with 500 Nm of torque. Both the petrol and diesel variants will be coupled to a 9-speed automatic transmission with an all-wheel-drive system. In the International market, the SUV is available with an electrified V8 petrol engine that comes with a 48-volt on-board electrical system and integrated starter-generator. Here the engine delivers 482 bhp power and 700 Nm torque along with an additional 22 bhp power and 250 Nm torque via the EQ boost.
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