Anyone that is even slightly familiar with the Mercedes-Benz lineup will, without any hesitation, say that the GLS badge is a bit ironic at best. Why? Well mostly because everyone is convinced that this is basically an “S-Class of SUVs” (more to it since the company describes it as such), which is the reason behind its nameplate, but the ironic part here is that this SUV is definitely showing signs of aging, despite the recent facelift it received. Since this is an “S-Class of SUVs” that shouldn’t be the case, but hey, things happen.
To try and remedy this, engineers over at the German automaker decided to restore the old glory to this SUV and thanks to their determination, today, we have spy shots of the next gen GLS three row model that has been tested. Like any vehicle in this segment, Mercedes will also have a lot of competition, but main rivals will be vehicles like Range Rover and the BMW X7 which is still undergoing some tests. Both of these models are big enough to take the entire family and all their necessities for a weekend road trip. But we are getting slightly off topic.
Although there is a lot of cladding and camo on the third gen prototype GLS, do not think that it is, or it will be, anything less than a stylish and futuristic SUV. What lurks under all this camouflage is a new MHA platform, that comes from the brains in Mercedes-Benz, which is full of benefits and improvements such as weight saving, or the intelligent packaging which will offer the passengers using the seats located in the trunk a proper accommodation. But that is not all. The MHA platform also brings some serious hybrid powertrains, plus it will make the new inline-six motors from the three-pointed star a future norm.
There is some good news for you out there who will seek to fully enjoy this marvelous SUV, and it comes in the form of choice between Mercedes-AMG and non-Affalterbach V8 units. The AMG variants will come in two output versions, just like the rest of the automaker’s “63” models. One more good news is that there are some rumors that the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS might receive the Mercedes-Maybach treatment similar to that offered for the S-Class. If this turns out to be true, then the GLS with a Maybach treatment may rival, and even be better than the Range Rover SVAutobiography LWB and the Bentley Bentayga.
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS Price and Release Date
Not much is known about pricing or the release date, but as far as we managed to find out, the third gen Mercedes-Benz GLS will come sometime in 2019. As far the price is considered, we are afraid that you will have to wait a little bit more for that info, it should be unveiled closer to the official release date.