Diesel: six-cylinder engine for Europe, Russia and other markets

The two diesel-engined GLS models are powered by the OM 656, the six-cylinder in-line engine from the current engine family. It is available with two ratings, depending on the particular market launch: as the GLS 350 d 4MATIC with 210 kW (286 hp) and 600 Nm and as the GLS 400 d 4MATIC with 243 kW (330 hp) and 700 Nm torque. In both versions, the powerful engine already complies with the Euro 6d- standard (RDE/Real Driving Emissions Step 2), which does not come into force until 1 January 2020 for new models and one year later for all vehicles, even in demanding driving conditions.

This is achieved with, among other things, an additional selective catalytic reduction (SCR) converter with an ammonia slip catalyst (ASC) in the exhaust tract of the GLS. This allows dosing of the AdBlue reducing agent that is even more closely aligned with the individual driving characteristics because any excessive ammonia surplus in the second SCR converter is broken down further. The AdBlue tank has a capacity of 31.6 litres. As before, refilling is convenient via a separate pipe behind the fuel filler flap.

4MATIC all-wheel drive: agile on the road, superior when off-road

In all variants of the new GLS, power is transmitted by the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. The broad ratio spread of gears one to nine allows a clearly perceptible reduction in engine speed and is a decisive factor behind the high level of energy efficiency and ride comfort. A transfer case with electronically controlled multi-plate clutch is likewise fitted as standard. This allows a variable transfer of drive torque from 0-100 percent (torque on demand) between the axles.

Also new, and available as an option, is a transfer case specially configured for superior off-road driving characteristics. In addition to the controlled multi-plate clutch with torque-on-demand function, it also features a reduction gear for off-road driving.

Also when driving on the road, and particularly when cornering, the two fully networked transfer cases with torque-on-demand function allow a further improvement in handling safety and agility by specifically influencing the degree of yaw to induce oversteer or understeer.

Driving assistance systems: even better support

The new GLS is equipped with the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz driving assistance systems giving cooperative support to drivers. These systems further enhance the level of active safety.

When Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with route-based speed adaptation is activated, the new GLS is able to recognise and respond to tailbacks or slow-moving traffic with the help of information from Live Traffic before the driver becomes aware of the hazard. When a traffic jam is detected on the motorway (and if the driver does not choose a different response), for example, DISTRONIC reduces the speed to around 100 km/h as a precaution.

A new feature of Driving Assistance package Plus: When actually driving in a tailback on the motorway, Active Stop-and-Go Assist is substantially able to perform the tasks of keeping in lane and maintaining the safety distance with a high level of availability at speeds up to around 60 km/h. Moving off can be automatic up to one minute after coming to a stop. Once the tailback clears, the GLS accelerates back up to the speed preset for Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with route-based speed adaptation. If traffic signs differ from this, the signposted speed limit is automatically given priority.

Trailer Manoeuvring Assist is available as an option for the GLS in Europe. This makes reverse manoeuvring easier for drivers who are not so familiar with towing trailers. And it is also of benefit to more experienced drivers when towing longer trailers.