Introducing the new 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS
Much like the rebranding of Mercedes’ famous M-Class as the GLE, the current Mercedes-Benz GL-Class will undergo a name change for the upcoming 2017 model year: the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS. The S indicates that this model is the “S-Class among SUVs,” as a Mercedes press release puts it.
The GLS is the new name for the GL-Class SUV
Engine options vary by trim for the GLS, ranging from a powerful AMG engine to an efficient diesel offering
The GL/soon-to-be GLS is in the middle of its generation, so 2017 will just bring a facelift along with the name change. So what can we expect from the updated Mercedes GLS? Quite a bit, actually.
Drivers will have their choice of engines by trim:
- The economy option is the GLS350d, which is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine good for 255 ponies and 455 lb-ft of torque.
- Moving up the trim ladder takes you to the GLS450, motivated by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 gas engine, which carries over from the GL model line. This engine generates 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.
- The GLS550 swaps out the V6 for a 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8 with direct injection; the V8 delivers 449 horsepower, up 20 hp over the outgoing model. Torque maxes out at 516 lb-ft.
- Finally, the Mercedes-AMG GLS63 takes on a 5.5-liter V8 that throws down 577 horsepower. This is the only engine in the lineup to be mated to a seven-speed automatic; the rest use a nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission for gear shifting.
Overall, efficiency and handling are supposed to have been improved.
4MATIC All-Wheel Drive remains the name of the game across the lineup. No shockers there. We do see some updates to the exterior and interior styling, however, including chrome details for the roof rails and luggage compartment handle on the exterior. A Sport exterior is available for the GLS550, bulking up the GLS and sitting it on 21-inch AMG light-alloy wheels.
A look at the outside of the Mercedes-Benz GLS
The interior seats seven more than comfortably. While the dash layout hasn’t changed, drivers will notice a new instrument panel with color Media Display, as well as an all-new 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather.
A look at the inside of the new Mercedes-Benz GLS
And of course, because it’s a Mercedes, it’s guaranteed with the latest in safety technology: Active Lane Keeping Assist, Attention Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Brake Assist, Cross-Traffic Assist, DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist, PRE-SAFE Brake with pedestrian detection, and Speed Limit Assist, to name a few.
Interested in taking delivery of the new 2017 Mercedes GLS for yourself? Ordering will be available starting December 2015. Deliveries are expected to begin in late March of next year.
Gallery: More 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS Photos
Timothy Moore takes his leadership inspiration from Michael Scott, his writing inspiration from Mark Twain, and his dancing inspiration from every drunk white guy at a wedding. When Tim is not writing about cars and money, he’s working on his novel or reading someone else’s, geeking out over strategy board games, hiking with his pooch, or channeling his inner Linda Belcher over beers with his friends. See more articles by Timothy.