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By Charl Bosch

Motoring Journalist


Touched-up Mercedes-Benz GLS and Maybach GLS 600 priced

Three-pointed star's flagship SUV gets mild-hybrid assistance as standard, though for now, omits the previously offered AMG GLS 63.


Its world debut having taken place almost exactly a year ago at the New York International Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz South Africa has confirmed pricing details of the facelift GLS, including of the ultra-luxurious Maybach GLS 600.

GLS

The first generation to carry GLS moniker from the start as its predecessor only adopted the nameplate after its mid-life refresh in 2016, the internally named X167 third generation GLS continues to provide seating for seven as standard, but for the moment, without the AMG GLS 63.

ALSO READ: Large and in-charge facelift Mercedes-Benz GLS emerges

Visually, the GLS’s exterior changes comprise an enlarged grille with four instead of two horizonal louvers, a gloss black finish around the restyled air vents, a new front bumper and imitation underguard protection plate, new LED taillight clusters and optional satin sheen Himalaya Grey 20-inch alloy wheels.

Mercedes-Benz confirms pricing of updated GLS for South Africa
New taillight clusters the sole changes made at the rear. Image: Mercedes-Benz

Inside, the design of the cabin continues unchanged, though with the latest MBUX software integrated into the infotainment system that makes-up part of the dual 12.3-inch displays.

A new steering wheel, refined Hey Mercedes voice recognition system and a pair of type-C USB ports at the rear completes the interior, along with an optional rear seat entertainment system made-up of a pair of 11.6-inch MBUX screens and wireless headphones.

Mercedes-Benz confirms pricing of updated GLS for South Africa
MBUX infotainment system now gets the three-pointed star’s latest software. Image: Mercedes-Benz

Underneath, the GLS’ chassis does without any changes, however, selecting the Off-Road Engineering package adds an off-road mode made-up of a transparent view of the bonnet using the 360-degree surround-view camera system, and 30 mm more ground clearance from the Airmatic air suspension.

Up front, the GLS’s powertrain options, with the omittance of the AMG and Maybach, consists of a single turbo-petrol and turbodiesel option, both paired to the 9G Tronic automatic gearbox, and further aided by the 48-volt mild-hybrid EQ Boost system.

Mercedes-Benz confirms pricing of updated GLS for South Africa
Rear seat entertainment system can be had as an option. Image: Mercedes-Benz

Upping power by 16kW/250Nm and 15kW/200Nm respectively for short spells, power and torque figures, without the electrical hardware, amounts to 380kW/730Nm in the 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 engine GLS 580, and 270kW/750Nm in the 3.0-litre straight-six oil-burning powered GLS 450d.

In term of performance, both will hit the electronic top speed limiter at 250 km/h, with the 580 taking 4.9 seconds to reach 100 km/h from standstill and the 450d 6.1 seconds.

Maybach GLS 600

Updated Mercedes-Maybach GLS priced in South Africa
Maybach GLS 600 again tops the GLS range. Image: Mercedes-Benz

Showcased for the first time five years ago as the Maybach division’s first SUV, the GLS 600 receives the same exterior uptakes as the standard GLS, but with a redesigned Maybach specific chrome grille, galvanised silver side vents, a unique Maybach bumper and vents, optional 23-inch forged wheels in mono-block design, and a Maybach animation projected onto the ground with the front doors opened.

Updated Mercedes-Maybach GLS priced in South Africa
Wheel sizes include the mono-block alloys of 23-inches. Image: Mercedes-Benz

With exception of diamond quilted Nappa leather seats in two new colours, the Maybach GLS 600’s interior is otherwise identical to that of the regular GLS.

Updated Mercedes-Maybach GLS priced in South Africa
Two new colour options have been added to the Maybach’s interior. Image: Mercedes-Benz

As for power, the mild-hybrid assisted 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 from the GLS 580 has been carried over, but with retuned to produce 410kW/770Nm.

Updated Mercedes-Maybach GLS priced in South Africa
Unlike the standard GLS, seating in the Maybach is for four only. Image: Mercedes-Benz

Hooked to the same 9G Tronic ‘box, the Maybach GLS 600 will get from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and reach a limited top speed of 250 km/h.

Price

Now available, each of the three GLS derivatives’ sticker price includes a five-year/100 000 km maintenance plan as standard.

  • GLS 450d – R2 304 700
  • GLS 580 – R2 840 600
  • Maybach GLS 600 – R4 500 000

NOW READ: Mercedes-Benz GLS shows size does matter after all

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