Mercedes Benz is set to kick start its 2024 campaign in India by launching the facelifted GLS. The updated iteration of the flagship SUV made its global debut in April this year, and is not ready to make its debut in India. The German marque will announce prices of the large luxury SUV at its annual press conference which is to be held in New Delhi.
In India, Mercedes will offer the new 2024 GLS in two trims– GLS 450 (petrol) and GLS 400d (diesel). Ahead of its India launch, let us look at what to expect from the facelifted GLS.
2024 Mercedes Benz GLS facelift: Exterior design
The updated GLS gets subtle yet noticeable visual changes over the outgoing model, the most prominent of those is a horizontally slatted grille finished in silver. LED headlamps and taillamps have revised internals whereas the front bumper is also reprofiled housing new air inlet grilles and high-gloss black surrounds. Besides the updated GLS mentioned above, the 2024 GLS remains visually unchanged.
2024 Mercedes Benz GLS facelift: Interiors & features
Cabin interiors of the new flagship Merc SUV are also more or less similar to the previous model, however, it does get new clothing. The updated GLS will offer two new upholstery options– Catalana Brown and Bahia Brown. Also, the India-spec GLS does not receive the six-seater cabin with captain seats in the middle row.
In terms of new features, the 2024 GLS is set to receive an upgraded MBUX infotainment system embedded in the centrally mounted touchscreen infotainment system and the driver’s instrument cluster. The MBUX setup is now available in three variants namely Classic, Sporty, and Discreet.
Other important feature enhancements should include a Parking Package comprising a permanent low-speed 360-degree camera and an off-road mode with multiple camera viewpoints surrounding the vehicle. Safety features on board will include multiple airbags, electronic stability control, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
2024 Mercedes Benz GLS facelift: Engine options
2024 Mercedes Benz GLS will be available in both petrol (GLS 450) and diesel (GLS 450d) powertrain options. The former will be powered by a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that pumps out 360 bhp and 500 NM of peak torque. The latter dishes out 325 bhp and 700 Nm of torque. In both cases, the engines are paired with a new mild-hybrid system that provides an additional boost of 20 horses and 200Nm under heavy load.
Transmission duties are handled by a 9-speed automatic gearbox while power is transferred to all four wheels via the brand’s 4Matic+ all-wheel drive setup. There are three drive modes on offer– Eco, Comfort, and Off-road.
2024 Mercedes Benz GLS facelift: Expected price, rivals
The outgoing GLS was priced at Rs 1.30 and the incoming model is expected to carry a price tag of Rs 1.40-1.50 crore (all ex-showroom). In India, the new Mercedes Benz GLS will continue to rival the likes of BMW X7, Audi Q8, Volvo XC90, and Land Rover Discovery.
