Mercedes-Benz GLS
| Mercedes-Benz GLS | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer |
|
| Production | 2006–2015 (GL-Class) 2015–present (GLS) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-sizeluxury crossover SUV[1][2][3] |
| Layout | Front-engine, four-wheel drive(4Matic) |
| Related | Mercedes-Benz ML-Class/GLE |
TheMercedes-Benz GLS,formerlyMercedes-Benz GL-Class,is afull-sizeluxury crossover SUVproduced byMercedes-Benzsince 2006. In each of its generations it is a three-row, seven-passenger vehicle positioned above theGLE(formerly Mercedes-Benz M-Class before 2016).[4]The GLS is considered the flagship of the marque's SUV lineup, although thebody-on-frameG-Class(originally intended formilitary off-roadingbut also offered in luxurious trims) is more expensive and has been in production longer.
The GLS shares the sameunibodyarchitecture 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 toGLSas 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 forgeländewagen(German foroff-road vehicle) and alludes the long-runningG-Class.This is followed by the letter "L" that acts as a linkage with the letter "S", the SUV equivalent to theS-Class,marketing the GLS as the corresponding SUV to the S-Class full-size sedan.[5][6]
First generation (X164; 2006)
[edit]
The X164 GL-Class debuted at the2006 North American International Auto Show.It was released around the same time as the similarly sizedAudi Q7,and was the first full-size, 7-seaterSUVproduced by a German automaker. The range of engines consist of V8 petrol engines, andturbochargedV6 and V8 diesel engines. All models are available only in all-wheel drive (4MATIC) configuration. Its main competitors are theRange Rover,Cadillac Escalade,andLincoln Navigator.
Second generation (X166; 2013)
[edit]
The X166 GL-Class went on sale in September 2012.[4]Models feature efficiency improvements via the addition of anengine start stop system,drive by wiresteering, and newturbochargedpetrol and diesel engines. The second generation model also introduced a high performance GL63 AMG variant, powered by the hand-builtM157 engine.[7]Following a 2016 facelift it was renamed theGLS,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)
[edit]
The third generation model debuted at the2019 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
[edit]| Year | Europe[12] | U.S.[13] |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 3,007 | 18,776 |
| 2007 | 8,027 | 26,396 |
| 2008 | 4,227 | 23,328 |
| 2009 | 2,871 | 15,012 |
| 2010 | 2,249 | 19,943 |
| 2011 | 2,508 | 25,139 |
| 2012 | 1,573 | 26,042 |
| 2013 | 4,829 | 29,912 |
| 2014 | 4,187 | 26,597 |
| 2015 | 3,753 | 27,707 |
| 2016 | 5,361 | 30,442 |
| 2017 | 4,537 | 32,248 |
| 2018 | 3,534 | 21,973 |
| 2019 | 2,386 | 22,223 |
| 2020 | 4,795 | 16,928 |
| 2021 | 4,110 | 24,482 |
References
[edit]- ^"The 2021 Mercedes Benz GLS was held back by a confusing feature".9 January 2021.
- ^"Mercedes-Benz GLS Meaning and History".Mercedes-Benz of Modesto.
- ^"Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class".Consumer Guide. 22 June 2016.
- ^ab"2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Specs, Price, MPG & Reviews".Retrieved9 May2023.
- ^Ewing, Steven (11 November 2014)."Mercedes renames utility vehicles, repositions Maybach as sub-brand".Autoblog.Retrieved12 November2014.
- ^"Mercedes-Benz expands brand world and introduces new nomenclature: Mercedes-Maybach for the ultimate in exclusivity and individuality".Daimler AG.11 November 2014. Archived fromthe originalon 12 November 2014.Retrieved12 November2014.
- ^"2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG instrumented test".Car and Driver. 3 January 2013.Retrieved2016-11-23.
- ^"The new Mercedes-Benz GLS".Mercedes-Benz USA | Online Newsroom.Retrieved2017-07-28.
- ^"The new 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS".Mercedes-Benz USA.
- ^"Der neue GLS".Mercedes-Benz Deutschland.
- ^Vanderwerp, Dave (17 April 2019)."The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS Is Even More of an S-Class SUV".Car and Driver.Retrieved17 April2019.
- ^"Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS European sales figures".carsalesbase.com.Retrieved2018-10-08.
- ^"Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS US car sales figures".carsalesbase.com.Retrieved2018-10-08.
