Mercedes-Benz 2020 GLS – The New Family Truckster
For the model year 2020, the folks from Stuttgart are updating their top of the line SUV, the GLS. Clever exterior design makes the new version appear more svelte and somewhat sportier than the previous gen, but in fact it is slightly larger in all dimensions. Standard three row power seats can now accommodate 16 people!
Would you believe 7..?
Comfort and luxury are at the fore in the new GLS. A five-zone
Thermotronic climate control is optional, to ensure that all passengers maintain
full temperate optimization. A panoramic roof will eliminate claustrophobia
issues. Energizing comfort control utilizes ambient lighting, seat massages and
musical moods for driving wellness. You may also opt for a second-row captain’s
chairs option, or even an executive rear seat package, for the chauffeur in us.
MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) is also present and
accounted for, with a pair of 12.3 inch display screens, not to mention a
supplementary head-up display. Four pre-programmed
display styles are ready for driver selection: Modern Classic, Sport,
Progressive and Discreet. “Hey Mercedes” voice control is lurking about and,
according to MB, chock full of performance improvements.
For powertrains, the GLS 450 will have Mercedes’ new turbo inline
six-cylinder engine with integrated 48-volt hybrid assist. GLS 580 models add two cylinders along with
the same 48-volt assist system for a total of 483 horsepower. A nine-speed
automatic transmission is standard on all models.
4Matic all-wheel drive, E-Active body control suspension,
Multibeam LED headlights, multiple driver assistance do-dads, I could go on for
days about the gonkulators on this thing.
The GLS will be built in Tuscaloosa, Alabama with pricing
set at $76,195 for the 450 and likely a 20K tariff for the 580. Overall, the
exterior changes are subtle, but meet with my approval, and the interior is
miles ahead of the previous generation. Nicely done, Mercedes.
Family Truckster, indeed..!
Marty Feldmann, The Connoisseur, is the
highly sought-after consultant who assists businesses and individual clients
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