2018 GLS 550 Auto Brief
MODEL CHANGES
The Mercedes-Benz GLS was a brand-new addition to the company's lineup last year. It's based on the old GL, which it replaces as the only true 7-passenger luxury SUV sold by Mercedes. This year the GLS carries over virtually unchanged aside from additional wheel designs available on the GLS 450.

MODEL CHANGES
Luxurious interior, sophisticated exterior styling, Mercedes-Benz cachet, seating for up to seven people, quiet ride, all-wheel drive

MODEL VALUE
The Mercedes-Benz GLS is a full-sized luxury SUV, with an emphasis on style and comfort. As such it starts at just over $67,000, putting it in competition with other full-sized SUVs such as the Cadillac Escalade and the Lexus LX. The Mercedes-Benz offers a large degree of customization and engine options in that class, with the only true performance SUV offered amongst its 7-passenger competition. While prices in this category are relatively high, the GLS offers a fair amount of value relative to its peers, for once buyers won't necessarily be paying a premium just to have a 3-pointed star at the front of their vehicle.

MODEL OVERVIEW
The Mercedes Benz GLS is offered in four basic flavors. The base model utilizes a 3.0L V6 turbo that runs on diesel. Capable of 255 hp and a monstrous 455 lb-ft of torque, the GLS350d should use significantly less fuel than any other trim level. The GLS450 also uses a 3.0L V6, though this one runs on gasoline and uses twin turbochargers to make 362 hp. The GLS550 has a 4.7L twin-turbo V8 and produces 449 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. At the top of the GLS hierarchy is the performance-oriented AMG GLS63. It's 5.5L V8 makes 577 hp. All GLS models use an advanced 9-speed automatic transmission which sends power to all four wheels.

Being a full sized luxury SUV means that GLS comes very well-equipped even with no options added. Standard interior features on the GLS350d include MB-Tex seating surfaces, a power driver's seat with a memory function, heated front seats, shift paddles, an 8-inch high resolution touchscreen monitor, eucalyptus wood interior trim, Bluetooth connectivity, a 5- year subscription to Mercedes-Benz' mbrace Connect system, power folding rear seats, power folding side mirrors, a power tilt and telescoping steering column, a power liftgate and a power sunroof. Other standard features on the GLS include AIRMATIC suspension, 19-inch wheels, an active brake assist system, crosswind assist, a rearview camera and 11 airbags.

Of course, it wouldn't be a Mercedes-Benz if the option list wasn't long enough to get the vehicle exactly as the buyer wants it. A parking assist package adds a 360 degree camera system as well as a system to park the vehicle with minimal input from the driver. A Premium 1 package adds multicolor interior lighting, a blind spot detection system, keyless entry and start, a memory system for the front passenger, SiriusXM satellite radio and better smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay. Stand-alone options include a heated steering wheel, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, an air purification system, a rear seat entertainment system as well as a trailer hitch. All GLS models are capable of towing up to 7500 lbs with the trailer hitch.

Features
4.7L V-8 Engine
9-spd auto w/OD Transmission
449 @ 5,250 rpm Horsepower
516 @ 1,800 rpm Torque
4MATIC all wheel Drive type
ABS and driveline Traction control
1st row regular express open/close sliding and tilting glass Sunroof
21" machined w/painted accents AMG aluminum Wheels
Front air conditioning, dual zone automatic
Rear air conditioning, with separate controls
Driver and front passenger heated-cushion, heated-seatback Heated front seats
SiriusXM AM/FM/HD/Satellite, seek-scan Radio
1st row LCD monitor
Keyfob (all doors) Remote keyless entry
Rear Fog/driving lights
Heated mirrors
Windshield wipers - rain sensing
Leather Seat trim
Driver and passenger Lumbar support
50-50 split-bench Third row seats
COMAND with voice activation Navigation system