2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class: First Look

Competes with: Lexus GX460, Cadillac Escalade, Infiniti QX80

Looks like: The outgoing GL-Class

Drivetrain: GLS350d: 255-horsepower, turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel V-6, nine-speed automatic transmission; GLS450: 362-hp, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6, nine-speed automatic transmission; GLS550: 449-hp, 4.7-liter twin-turbocharged V-8, nine-speed automatic transmission; AMG GLS63: 557-hp, twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-8, seven-speed automatic transmission. All trims have all-wheel drive.

Hits dealerships: Late March 2016

Mercedes’ rollout of its new naming convention hits the outgoing GL-Class for the 2017 model year. The GL’s name changes to GLS, representing the SUV-equivalent of the S-Class sedan and coupe in Mercedes’ hierarchy of SUVs. In ascending order, the Mercedes’ SUV lineup is now GLA, GLC, GLE, GLS and G. For 2017, the SUV also gets a light refresh.

Related: Mercedes-Benz Renames Much of its Lineup

The seven-passenger, three-row GLS gets more than just an extra letter on the tailgate with updates aligning it with  the styling and technology of recently introduced Mercedes cars and SUVs. New touches include an optional 8-inch media screen with touch-pad controller, refreshed front styling and a few extra ponies under the hood of some engines as well as a new nine-speed automatic transmission for non-AMG GLS models.

Exterior

The SUV wears a more rounded look for 2017 with familiar styling cues like the headlights, large grille and sculpted hood that are now staples of the Mercedes’ lineup. Otherwise, the GLS is relatively unchanged from the outgoing SUV with the same side profile and rear augmented only by new LED taillights. A Sport exterior package on the GLS550 gives the top non-AMG model an AMG-like look with more muscular front and rear styling, and 21-inch AMG wheels.

Interior

Inside the GLS is the latest version of Mercedes’ 8-inch Comand media system (optional) and touch-pad; it’s somewhat of a polarizing feature in our long-term 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 test car. The GLS’ dashboard and center console are slightly redesigned to accommodate this big screen, though largely look unchanged. The cabin offers a robust list of available interior materials like leather, optional Nappa leather, wood and other materials in varying configurations and colors.

Under the Hood

Non-AMG engines see an increase of up to 20 horsepower for 2017 as the GLS550’s twin-turbocharged 4.7-liter is boosted from 429 to 449 hp. The 3.0-liter diesel gets a 15-hp increase as well to 255 hp, while the super-powerful AMG GLS63’s twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-8 is increased 27 hp to 577 hp.

A new nine-speed automatic transmission replaces the outgoing seven-speed on the GLS350d, GLS450 and GLS550, while the AMG GLS63 continues on with a seven-speed automatic. Transmission modes abound for 2017 with the GLS featuring Comfort, Slippery, Sport and Individual modes. A GLS with the optional Off-Road Engineering Package featuring a two-speed transfer case, lockable center differential and up to 12.5 inches of ride height with air suspension gains from an extra Off-Road+ mode. The AMG will feature a Sport+ mode instead. All trim levels have standard all-wheel drive, and the AMG’s is tuned for a rear-wheel-drive bias.

Safety

Standard safety features include Collision Prevention Assistant Plus, which provides audible and visual warnings when a forward collision is detected, and will automatically apply the brakes to slow the SUV if the driver doesn’t respond to the alerts. Standard mbrace also offers its trial suite of safety features including automatic emergency call, accident recovery and breakdown assistance, though it’s subscription based after the free trial. Optional features include adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, cross-traffic assist, blind spot assist and lane keeping assist.

Fuel economy and pricing haven’t been announced. The GLS goes on sale in late March 2016.