2019 Mercedes GLS: Luxurious, High Tech And Big Enough For Seven

Judging by the fact that we don’t see a Panamericana grille, this prototype is most likely a regular version of Mercedes’ upcoming GLS SUV, and not the flagship GLS 63.

Still, this being a Mercedes-Benz SUV and not an Escalade or a Land Cruiser, customers generally expect to be able to have their cake and eat it too, hence the Stuttgart-based carmaker taking it out on the Nurburgring in an attempt to get all the driving dynamics just right.

Besides, BMW is doing the same with their full-size X7, so the GLS can’t afford to fall behind in any way. So assuming the new GLS drives as well as can be expected, focusing on its styling, build-quality and performance should be what follows, quite possibly in that exact order.

What we mean is that future GLS customers will undoubtedly look at the car’s imposing size and appearance, before trying it out to see how comfortable and practical it is. This is where the flexible MHA platform comes in, which will also be used on the new GLE. As you can imagine, making the GLS lighter on its feet is definitely a good idea.

High Class, High Tech

Since the GLS is basically supposed to be the S-Class of SUVs, stepping behind the wheel of the all-new model should reveal exquisite materials throughout the cabin, as well as access to some of today’s most modern and sophisticated systems. Also, features such as a full length instrument panel with two 12.3-inch displays could very well be sure things. It will have seating for seven passengers in three tows of seats (2+3+2).

Powering the new-generation GLS should be a range of six and eight-cylinder units, joined later on by an electrified powertrain and, of course, something twin turbocharged from AMG as well.

As for when we can expect to see it in showrooms, probably not before 2019.