New Delhi: Mercedes-Benz, the German luxury carmaker, is all set to start the new year with a bang. The company has announced that it will launch its GLS facelift SUV on January 8, 2024, in India. The GLS facelift SUV is the updated version of the flagship SUV from Mercedes-Benz, which was first launched in 2019. The new model will feature some cosmetic changes in the exterior, as well as new features and options in the interior. The GLS facelift SUV is expected to be priced around Rs 1.5 crore and will compete with the likes of BMW X7, Audi Q7, and Range Rover Sport.
What’s new in the exterior?
The GLS facelift SUV will sport some minor changes in the styling, to give it a more refined and elegant look. The most noticeable change will be in the front grille, which will have four horizontal louvers with a silver shadow finish, instead of the chrome finish in the previous model. The front bumper will also have a new design, with air inlet grilles that have a high-gloss black surround. The headlamps will have a new LED pattern, with two LED strips on each side.
The rear of the GLS facelift SUV will also have some tweaks, such as the taillamps, which will have three horizontal block patterns, instead of the two in the previous model. The rear bumper will also have a new diffuser, with chrome exhaust tips. The new GLS will also come with new 20-inch alloy wheels, in a Himalaya Grey color, which will add to the SUV’s sporty appeal.
What’s new in the interior?
The interior of the GLS facelift SUV will have more changes than the exterior, as the company will offer new features and options to enhance the comfort and convenience of the passengers. The GLS facelift SUV will be a seven-seater SUV, with three rows of seats, which can be electrically adjusted and folded. The company will also offer two new upholstery options, in Catalana Brown and Bahia Brown themes, which will give the cabin a more premium and luxurious feel. The trim options will include high-gloss brown linden wood and Manufaktur Piano lacquer flowing lines, which will add to the elegance of the dashboard and the door panels.
The GLS facelift SUV will also have an updated infotainment system, which will run on the latest version of MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), which is the company’s proprietary software that integrates navigation, entertainment, and communication functions. The infotainment system will have a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, which will have three different display modes – Classic, Sporty, and Discreet, which will change the color and layout of the screen according to the user’s preference. The infotainment system will also have a voice assistant, which can be activated by saying “Hey Mercedes”, and can perform various tasks, such as adjusting the temperature, changing the music, or finding a nearby restaurant.
The GLS facelift SUV will also have a new ‘Off-Road’ mode, which will enhance the SUV’s performance and capability in rough terrains. The ‘Off-Road’ mode will use a 360-degree camera, which will capture the front scene and display it on the screen, to help the driver navigate the obstacles and the road conditions. The GLS facelift SUV will also have the company’s signature transparent bonnet, which will project the image of the road beneath the bonnet, to give the driver a better view of the ground clearance and the wheel position.
What’s under the hood?
The GLS facelift SUV will be powered by the same 3.0-litre, six-cylinder, diesel engine, which was used in the previous model. The engine will produce 286 hp of power and 600 Nm of torque and will be mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The engine will also have a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which will provide an additional boost of 22 hp and 250 Nm of torque, when needed. The GLS facelift SUV will have a four-wheel-drive system, with an electronic differential lock, which will distribute the power and torque to the wheels according to the road conditions and the driving mode. The GLS facelift SUV will also have an air suspension system, which will adjust the ride height and the damping of the SUV, to provide a smooth and comfortable ride.
