Mercedes-Benz owners truly have it all. Want a premium compact car? You have the A-Class. Need it to be taller, and you have yourself the GLA. This recipe is replicated with the C-class and GLC as well as the E-class and GLE.
In Malaysia, the S-class is the only saloon without a taller twin, but that is all set to change as Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has just launched their flagship SUV, the Mercedes-Benz GLS 400 4MATIC. This ultimately completes their Premium SUV range.
QUICK FACTS
Name | Mercedes-Benz GLS 400 4MATIC |
Engine | 2,996cc; twinturbo V6 |
Transmission | 9G-TRONIC, 9-speed automatic |
Max Power | 333 hp @ 5,250 – 6,000 rpm |
Max Torque | 480 Nm @ 1,600 – 4,000 rpm |
0-100 km/h; Top Speed | 6.6 seconds; 240 km/h |
Price (OTR without insurance) | RM888,888 |
EXTERIOR
Standing at 5,130mm in length, 1,934mm in width and 1,850mm in height, the seven-people carrier is brimming with road presence to say the least. As standard, the GLS 400 wears the AMG Line exterior which gives a sportier front and rear bumper, side step plates, side body painted flaps and a 21-inch AMG light-alloy wheels.
At the front, the GLS comes with an aggressive front end, courtesy of the AMG twin-louvre grille finished with a central three-pointed star emblem. The sophisticated LED Intelligent Light System adds a touch of luxury to the large SUV. Not forgetting the pair of air inlets on the hood that give away the car’s powerhouse under the hood.
At the rear, the GLS is finished with a generous amount of chrome, from the bar across the tailgate, loading bay as well as the dual exhaust tips.
INTERIOR
Inside, the GLS is deserving of being dubbed as the S-class of SUVs, as the car is filled with premium materials. As standard, the GLS features a three-spoke Nappa leather wrapped multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, coloured instrument panel, 8-inch COMAND Online infotainment system with touchpad, among others.
Optional equipment for the GLS is as extensive as a full-sized SUV can be. For example, if you’re concerned about air quality of your cabin, there is an optional ionisation system. If the Nappa leather on the steering wheel is not to your taste, you can swap them out for a wood and leather combination steering wheel.
There is an optional EXCLUSIVE design and equipment line that provides five distinctive interior colour combination (all finished in genuine leather) to choose from– black, ginger beige with espresso brown, saddle brown with black, crystal grey with black and ginger beige with black.
For added refinement and luxury, customers can also opt for the designo Exclusive package that wraps the seats in designo Nappa leather with a diamond quilting design. For a sportier impression, there is an AMG Line interior that specs the GLS with Nappa leather sports seats, black Nappa leather three-spoke steering wheel, chequered flag design on the instrument dials and brushed stainless steel sports pedals.
PERFORMANCE
Powering this humongous beast is a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 that dishes out 333 hp and 480 Nm of torque. Power is permanently sent to all four-wheels via a nine-speed G-TRONIC automatic. This is enough to propel the GLS from nought to 100km/h in 6.6 seconds before hitting a top speed of 240 km/h. Despite the large displacement and performance figures, Mercedes claims that the GLS boasts a fuel economy figure of 9.4L/100km.
For uncompromising comfort and off-road capabilities, MBM has decided to equip the GLS 400 with AIRMATIC air suspension to provide the best of both worlds. The SUV’s dynamics can be tweaked via the DYNAMIC SELECT system where drivers can select between five driving modes – comfort, slippery, sport, individual and off-road.
The DYNAMIC SELECT system adapts the transmission and AIRMATIC settings to suit the driver’s needs. Additionally, customers can opt for an optional active roll stabilisation ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM that adds on active anti-roll bars at the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during corners.
WHAT ELSE?
Should the 333 hp GLS 400 fall short of your expectations, MBM also has the 449 hp GLS 500 and the 577 hp GLS 63 on offer. These variants however, require special arrangements. As with all Mercedes-Benz cars, the GLS 400 comes packaged with a 4-Year unlimited mileage warranty.
IMAGE GALLERY
Official Photos (by Aaron Lee)