Designed to replace the Mercedes-Benz GL, the newly named GLS has been dubbed the S-Class of SUVs and is on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show 2015. While it’s design isn’t radically different from the outgoing GL, we still had to see it live from the automaker’s booth.
Different variations of the GLS will be available throughout the world. They include the Mercedes-Benz GLS500 powered by a twin-turbocharged V8 outputting 449 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. In the United States, this model is badged the GLS550. Elsewhere in the range is the entry-level GLS450 complete with a 3.0-litre turbo V6 outputting 362 hp and 369 lb-ft, the same as other ‘450’ badged models in the Mercedes-AMG Sport line-up.
Elsewhere is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLS350d 4MATIC with a V6 diesel and 255 hp and 455 lb-ft. Unsurprisingly, the range-topping Mercedes-AMG GLS63 will be available worldwide and thanks to the tweaked twin-turbo V8, now produces 577 hp rather than 550 hp. Mated to the V8 of the GLS63 is the company’s Speedshift 7G-Tronic transmission, albeit in a tweaked state of tune. Meanwhile, all other variations come standard with a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox.
For more about the Mercedes-Benz GLS, see our previous post. For more from the Los Angeles Auto Show 2015, check out our news channel.