Mercedes-Benz has
introduced the new GLS in Australia, in two different guises, the 450 4Matic
and the 400 d 4Matic. Pricing
starts at AUD 144,600 (US$ 98,951) for the petrol-powered version and AUD 151,300
(US$ 103,536) for the diesel, with deliveries to commence next month. That’s
around 30 percent more than the MSRP of the gasoline model in the States where
it starts from US$ 75,200.
The new GLS 450
features a 3.0-liter inline-six with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, a
nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. It makes 362 HP and 500 Nm of torque, with up to 22 PS and 250 Nm of torque provided for short periods by the EQ Boost system. Fuel
economy is rated at 9.2 l/100 km (25.6 mpg US).
Standard equipment
includes an electric tailgate, power-closing doors, panoramic sunroof and
21-inch alloy wheels. The SUV also gets active cruise control, 360-degree
camera system active parking assist, lane keeping and lane changing assist,
blind spot assist and rear cross-traffic alert.
For AUD 3,500
(US$ 2,395), it can be specified with the Off-Road Engineering package, with
variable AWD, a low-range gearbox with variable torque distribution, downhill
speed regulation, Off-Road driving mode and underbody protection. The Towbar
Package will set you back AU$ 1,900 (US$ 1,300) and adds trailer stabilization
and, obviously, a towbar.
Powering the GLS 400 d
is the 3.0-liter, inline-six turbodiesel that puts out 326 HP and 700
Nm of torque. This version of the brand’s range-topping SUV also
comes with the nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. It packs
the same levels of equipment as its petrol-powered sibling and has an average
fuel consumption of 7.7 l/100 km (30.5 mpg US).
