N70m new Mercedes SUV arrives local dealerships

….flaunts luxurious exterior, larger than life features

Mercedes-Benz GLS, positioned as the brand’s largest and most luxurious all-new sport utility vehicle (SUV) is now in Nigeria.

Since first introduction in 2006 as the GL, the current GLS has dominated markets in the large-sized luxury SUVs all over the world. It offers more of everything in terms of space, comfort and luxury.

With a whopping starting price tag of N70 million from any of the accredited Mercedes-Benz showrooms under Weststar Associates franchise in the country, the new generation GLS pushes the bar even higher, living truly to its title as the S-Class of SUVs.

It stands out with highlights like EQ Boost, an all-new 4-matic that ensures great agility on the road and strong performance off the beaten track, and key comfort features like; the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), electrically adjustable seats throughout as standard and a generous amount of space especially in the second row.

Exterior is luxurious and larger than life; with a more superior presence in comparison to its predecessor, thanks to a larger wheelbase at 3135 mm. Impressive proportions and the long bonnet also underscore the power and presence of the new GLS.

The nearly upright radiator grille, prominent chromed skid plate, and the bonnet with two power domes are key features of the unique exterior design.

Inside, the elegant aesthetics are highlighted with leather appointments as standard with instrument cluster and media display (2 x 12.3-inch as standard) housed behind a shared continuous glass surface to form a large free-standing screen.

There is a touchpad in the center console controlling many vehicle functions, even as its ambient lighting impressively illuminates the dashboard, with optical fibers coursing throughout the cockpit.Four rectangular air vents are prominently embedded in the trim element.

Typical of off-roaders, there are two prominent grab handles on the center console trimmed with ARTICO man-made leather. There is also a new sport steering wheel with a striking, sculptured spoke design.

Its longer wheelbase means there is more space, especially in the second seat row, which can furthermore be electrically adjusted front and back by 10 cm.

More leg room exists in both the second and third seat rows. The easy-entry function makes it easy to get into and out of the two individual seats in the third row.

All versions are for the first time equipped with fully variable all-wheel drive (torque on demand, TonD), which regulates the torque split between the front and rear axle from 0-100 percent depending on the selected drive mode.

With the optional Off-Road Engineering Package, a likewise fully variable all-wheel-drive system with low and high range is available. This makes the GLS more off-road capable than ever.

Mirko Plath, CEO, Weststar Associates Limited says; “The GLS is a superstar in the SUV segment, and we are proud to unveil the 2020 edition to our customers here in Nigeria. With highlights like EQ Boost, the updated 4matic all-wheel drive and Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX). We are certainly in for a treat”.

MIKE OCHONMA