The Mercedes-Benz GLS, a facelifted version of the GL-Class with a new naming scheme, is a mid-life facelift of the GL-Class, with exterior and interior changes compared to the GL-Class, as well as a new 9-speed automatic transmission. As the name suggests, GLS's status in Mercedes-Benz SUVs is equivalent to the flagship of sedans - the S-Class.
 
In terms of power, the engine of the GLS model launched this time has not changed, and it is still available in three engines: 3.0T diesel, 3.0T gasoline, and 4.0T gasoline. The diesel version of the GLS 350d in the Chinese market is equipped with a 3.0T engine with only 258 horsepower, although it is larger than the horsepower of the same level models in the foreign market, but it is limited by its own weight and does not give full play to the speed advantage, but the comfort can be guaranteed. During acceleration, except for the inevitable jitter at the moment when you press the throttle deeply, the linear feeling of the whole acceleration process is much better than that of the GL class. At low speeds, the diesel engine is much less frustrating than the GL-class, and the effective intervention of the Mercedes "AIRMATIC" adaptive air suspension gives the GLS the smoothness and comfort expected of a flagship.
 
The 2016 GLS 500 4MATIC is equipped with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo engine on the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL 500 to replace the 4.7-liter engine on the 2013 model. This 4.0T is not the latest M177 series developed by Mercedes-Benz AMG, in fact, this 4.0T is the product of the original 4.7T engine to reduce the displacement, in order to cope with the displacement tax.
 
With a light steering wheel and a heavy throttle, the GLS is not easily up to the demanding off-road requirements. But the GLS's hill start assist system is a real highlight, as all you have to do is turn on the system and focus on steering the steering wheel to get the start of the hill in a relaxed way. Overall, everything in the GLS is designed to create a stable atmosphere. According to Consumer Reports, the GLS is the most comfortable ride of all models. Drivers of any size can find a seat position that suits them, and the smooth and quiet cabin is enough for rear passengers to sleep quietly. As for Mercedes's multimedia system, it has not been easy to use, and Mercedes-Benz wants to integrate more technological functions into the GLS display, which makes the interface more complex and difficult to understand.
 
Due to the late launch, Consumer Reports has not been able to conduct a large-scale failure rate survey of the GLS, but the performance of the old GL class is not very good, so the future quality performance of the GLS is likely to be not optimistic.
 
Since there is no crash test record, it is not possible to accurately measure the safety performance of the GLS with data. With ample airbags and a wealth of safety packages, coupled with the GLS's huge body, the well-known British automotive magazine "Auto Express" predicts that the GLS can play a good anti-collision performance.
Mercedes-Benz GLS evaluation report