New Mercedes-Benz GLS UK Prices and Specs Announced

The new Mercedes-Benz GLS goes on sale in the UK with a single model – the GLS 400 d – but with a choice of three trim levels. Costs from £73,995.

It’s only a few weeks since the new Mercedes GLS arrived (below) to mount a new challenge to the supremacy of the Range Rover, and it’s already on sale in the UK.

There’s the promise of more engine options and models to come, but for now you have Hobson’s choice with the GLS 400 d, although Mercedes has thoughtfully given you three trim options.

All the 400 d models come with the same 3.0 litre six-cylinder diesel with 325bhp and a healthy 516lb/ft of torque, enough to get the not exactly lightweight GLS to 62mph in 6.3 seconds. Official economy is 35.8mpg.

The entry-level trim is the AMG Line Premium (even entry-level GLS are ‘Premium’), with MBUX Interior Assist, Airmatic Suspension with Active Damping, heated seats (front and back), Driver ASsistance Pack, Burmester Sound, 22″ AMG alloys, Parking Pack with 360 camera, HUD, Magic Vision, Keyless and Panoramic roof.

The AMG Premium Line Plus models add MBUX augmented reality, Driver Assistance Plus, Energizing Plus, Climate front seats with massage, MBUX rear entertainment, a temperature-controlled cup holder and heated armrests.

If all that’s not enough you can splash out for the AMG Line Premium Plus Executive GLS which adds Nappa leather steering wheel, climate and massage seats in the back, electric sunblinds for the rear doors, 23″ AMG alloys, MBUX rear tablet and even heating for the cheap seats at the back.

Price for the new Mercedes GLS start at £73,995 for the GLS 400 d AMG Line Premium.

New Mercedes GLS SUV arrives to take on the BMW X7 and Range Rover

The new Mercedes GLS – Mercedes’ largest SUV – arrives in new York to take aim at the BMW X7 and Range Rover.

If you thought the old Mercedes GLS – which was really just a facelift for the GL – was too big to be usable anywhere other than on big wide roads in the US, then you’re not going to have much time for the properly new Mercedes GLS, revealed toady at the New York Motor Show.

Not only is the new GLS longer than the old one – it measure 5200mm from tip to tail – it’s also just about two metres wide – try taking that up a tight multi storey in the UK – but at least it gets an extra 60mm in the wheelbase so there’s more room to play inside.

The GLS comes as standard with three rows and seven seats, but if you prefer you can have it with just two chairs in the middle row instead so you look a bit more posh. All the seats are electric and each row has its own climate controls and USB ports.

Thankfully, you can lower the huge lump of an SUV by 50mm if you’re trying to pile stuff in the boot, a boot that can take up to 2,400 litres and makes the X7’s boot look like a cubby hole.

Inside it’s a bigger version of the GLE, with a pair of thumping great 12.3″ screens delivering instruments and infotainment, with Mercedes’ latest MBUX which can learn what driver and passengers like and cosset and support their needs.

Engine options at launch will probably be just the GLS 350d 4MATIC in the UK with 285bhp and 37mpg and the GLS 400d 4MATIC with 325bhp and the same economy, although other markets will see V8 and other petrol versions from the start.

Oily goodies include a new suspension set-up – E-Active Body Control – promising a smoother ride, and off-road technology like torque control and low-range gears if you want them. But, just like a Range Rover, almost no GLS will venture in to properly rough terrain.

The new Mercedes GLS is expected to arrive at Mercedes UK dealers this summer, with prices likely to start from £70k or so.