Mercedes-Benz GLS (X167) explained

Mercedes-Benz GLS
Manufacturer:Daimler AG (2019–2022)
Mercedes-Benz Group (2022–present)
Model Code:X167
Production:October 2019 – present
Model Years:2020–present
Class:Full-size luxury crossover SUV[1] [2] [3]
Body Style:5-door SUV
Layout:Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (4matic)
Transmission:9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic
Wheelbase:31351NaN1
Length:52071NaN1
Width:1956-
Height:18501NaN1
Weight:2410-
Predecessor:Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X166)
Sp:uk
Designer:Balázs Filczer

The Mercedes-Benz GLS (X167) is the third generation of the Mercedes-Benz GLS full-sized luxury crossover SUV that began production in October 2019. It replaces the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class/GLS (X166).

Development and launch

The third generation X167 GLS debuted at the 2019 New York International Auto Show. It is launched in October 2019 in the United States and at the end of 2019 for Europe and rest of the world. The X167 is 7.7 cm longer and 2.2 cm wider than X166. The wheelbase is 6 cm longer, which increases interior space for the second row seats. Additionally, X167 GLS is first SUV from Mercedes-Benz to have fully electrically adjustable three rows of seats and to offer the optional six-seat configuration with captain seats for second row. The second and third row seats can be folded electrically flat with a touch of a button.[4]

Models

Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC

A first Maybach version of the GLS, the GLS 600 4MATIC, was unveiled at 2019 Guangzhou International Motor Show on 21 November 2019.[5] The engine is a detuned version of the M177 V8 Biturbo found in the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+, but with a 48-Volt mild hybrid system. Although Mercedes-Benz has registered both GLS 600 4MATIC and GLS 680 4MATIC nomenclatures, the latter was designated exclusively to the Chinese market due to the auspicious nature of number 8, closely associated with luck and wealth, as the manufacturer has done with Mercedes-Maybach S 680 (known as the S 650 in other markets).[6] [7] The GLS 600 4MATIC isn't based on the Mercedes-Maybach Vision Ultimate Luxury concept vehicle shown at 2018 Shanghai Motor Show.[8] This version is the first time that a three-point star stand-up ornament affixed to the hood/bonnet on an SUV, rather than the large "jet-engine" three-point star filling up the grille space as found in every SUV from Mercedes-Benz since 1979.

Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+

The second generation AMG version of the GLS-Class, GLS 63 4MATIC+, was introduced at the same time as Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC. The 4.0-litre M177 V8 Biturbo is rated at 4550NaN0, making the GLS 63 4MATIC+ the most powerful GLS ever. The novel feature is the "reintroduction" of classical AMG monoblock alloy wheels, which were popular option in the 1980s and 1990s.[9]

Due to its large size and negative environmental impact, Environmental Action Germany gave the car their Goldener Geier (Golden Vulture) award in 2020.[10]

Engines (2019–present)

ModelYearsConfigurationDisplacementPowerTorqueNaN0NaN0Top SpeedFuel Consumption/Efficiency
(EU-Norm combined)
Petrol Engines
GLS 450 4MATIC10/2019–presentInline-6 turbo (M 256 E30 DEH LA G R) + 48V Mild Hybrid EQ Boost2999cc2700NaN0 at 5,900-6,100 rpm (Engine) / 16NaN (Electric)5000NaN0 (Engine) / 2500NaN0 (Electric)6.2 seconds240km/hNaNmpgUS (USA)[11]
GLS 580 4MATIC10/2019–presentV8 biturbo (M176) + 48V Mild Hybrid EQ Boost3982cc3600NaN0 at 5,900-6,100 rpm (Engine) / 16NaN (Electric)7000NaN0 (Engine) / 2500NaN0 (Electric)5.3 seconds250km/hNaNL/100 km
Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC2020–presentV8 biturbo (M177) + 48V Mild Hybrid EQ Boost3982cc4100NaN0 at 6,000–6,500 rpm (Engine) / 16NaN (Electric) (comb) 4260NaN0 at 6,000-6,500 rpm 7300NaN0 (Engine) / 2500NaN0 (Electric) (comb) 9800NaN04.9 seconds250km/hNaNL/100 km
AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+2020–presentV8 biturbo (M177) + 48V Mild Hybrid EQ Boost3982cc4500NaN0 at 6,000–6,500 rpm (Engine) / 16NaN (Electric)8500NaN0 (Engine) / 2500NaN0 (Electric)4.2 seconds250km/h / 280km/h with optional Driver's PackageNaNL/100 km
Diesel engines
GLS 350 d 4MATIC10/2019–presentInline-6 turbo (OM 656 D 29 R SCR) + 48V Mild Hybrid EQ Boost2925cc2100NaN0 at 3,400–4,600 rpm600Nm at 1,200–3,200 rpm7.0 seconds227km/hNaNL/100 km
GLS 400 d 4MATIC10/2019–presentInline-6 turbo (OM 656 D 29 R SCR) + 48V Mild Hybrid EQ Boost2925cc243NaN at 3.600-4.200 rpm700Nm at 1.200-3.200 rpm6.3 seconds238km/hNaNL/100 km

Transmission (2019–present)

ModelYearsTypes
GLS 450 4MATIC10/2019–present9-speed automatic 9G-TRONIC
GLS 580 4MATIC10/2019–present9-speed automatic 9G-TRONIC
AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+2020–present9-speed automatic 9G-TRONIC AMG SPEEDSHIFT
Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC2020–present9-speed automatic 9G-TRONIC
GLS 350 d 4MATIC10/2019–present9-speed automatic 9G-TRONIC
GLS 400 d 4MATIC10/2019–present9-speed automatic 9G-TRONIC

Recall

In March 2024, Mercedes-Benz recalled over 116,000 GLE and GLS cars, built from 2019 to 2024, due to a loose 48-volt ground cable that may not have been tightened properly during assembly. The ground cable is located under the front passenger seat that could pose a potential safety risk when the cables become hot.[12]

Facelift

The X167 had a facelift in 2023.

References

  1. Web site: The 2021 Mercedes Benz GLS was held back by a confusing feature.
  2. Web site: Mercedes-Benz GLS Meaning and History. Mercedes-Benz of Modesto.
  3. Web site: Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. Consumer Guide.
  4. Web site: The new GLS. The S-Class of SUVs . Mercedes-Benz.
  5. Web site: The new Mercedes-Maybach GLS: A new form of luxury . Mercedes-Benz USA . 22 November 2019.
  6. Web site: GLS 600, GLS 680, and S 680 Trademarks Hint at Mercedes-Maybach Models . Radu . Mihnea . 6 January 2019 . Auto Revolution . 23 November 2019.
  7. Web site: Mercedes-Maybach S680 And S560 Launched On The Shanghai Auto Show In China . W.E. Ning . 19 April 2017 . Car News China.
  8. Web site: 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 is business class without the jet lag . Autoblog . 21 November 2019 . Glon . Ronan.
  9. Web site: The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 Is A 603 Horsepow—Oh My God, Look At Those Wheels . George . Patrick . 21 November 2019 . Jalopnik.
  10. Web site: Goldener Geier 2020. de. Golden Vukture 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201129170613/https://www.duh.de/goldenergeier/goldener-geier-2020/ . 2020-11-29 . Deutsche Umwelthilfe e.V. .
  11. Web site: 2020 GLS 450 4MATIC SUV . Mercedes-Benz USA . 23 November 2019.
  12. News: Smith . Christopher . 2024-03-20 . Mercedes Recalls 116K GLE, GLS Models for Fire Risk Under Passenger Seat . Motor1.