GL-Class (X166) [Official] Mercedes-Benz GLS Class (X166)

[Centurion]

The GLS isn't even close to the size of the Cadillac so I don't see how that could have been the focus of MB's engineers/designers.

Even if the GLS isn't as massive, its purpose was to silence Americans complaining that the GLE is too small. The GLS was certainly not designed for the European market in mind as it's substantially larger than most SUVs here, sells in low volumes and has not driven other manufacturers to create rivals.

 

[Merc1]

Even if the GLS isn't as massive, its purpose was to silence Americans complaining that the GLE is too small. The GLS was certainly not designed for the European market in mind as it's substantially larger than most SUVs here, sells in low volumes and has not driven other manufacturers to create rivals.

True, but it has some growing to do before it gets close to that thing. BMW is doing an X7 so that latter part isn't true anymore.


M

 

[Serpens]

The GLS isn't even close to the size of the Cadillac so I don't see how that could have been the focus of MB's engineers/designers.

What? The short wheelbase Escalade is practically the exact same size, albeit a bit wider. You should look up the dimensions. The Escalade ESV? Sure, it's huge compared to the GLS. But that's not the model that garners the majority of the Escalade sales.

Previous-Generation Escalade dimensions from C&D:
L: 202.5in
W: 79in.
H: 74.3in

Mercedes-Benz GL dimensions from C&D:
L: 201.6in
W: 76.1in.
H: 72.8in

 

[Merc1]

What? The short wheelbase Escalade is practically the exact same size, albeit a bit wider. You should look up the dimensions. The Escalade ESV? Sure, it's huge compared to the GLS. But that's not the model that garners the majority of the Escalade sales.

Previous-Generation Escalade dimensions from C&D:
L: 202.5in
W: 79in.
H: 74.3in

Mercedes-Benz GL dimensions from C&D:
L: 201.6in
W: 76.1in.
H: 72.8in

Actually the current Escalade is L: 204in, W: 81in, and H: 74in. A noticeable difference between it and the GLS. It's 5 inches wider and 3 inches longer. That is a big difference on the road and when you stand next to them.

M

 

[Serpens]

Actually the current Escalade is L: 204in, W: 81in, and H: 74in. A noticeable difference between it and the GLS. It's 5 inches wider and 3 inches longer. That is a big difference on the road and when you stand next to them.

M

Well, seeing as how I was talking about Mercedes benchmarking the Escalade in the past, the current generation Escalade is of no relevance.

The whole point of my post was to show that the GLS will have a shift in focus for the next generation.

 

[Merc1]

Well, seeing as how I was talking about Mercedes benchmarking the Escalade in the past, the current generation Escalade is of no relevance.

The whole point of my post was to show that the GLS will have a shift in focus for the next generation.

If you say so. I don't see where they were benchmarking it at all. We already concluded that the next generation would have to change.

M

 

[Serpens]

If you say so. I don't see where they were benchmarking it at all. We already concluded that the next generation would have to change.

M

In regards to the latter, I was simply reiterating that point with some added context. At least one person found it useful, so I was justified in doing so.

I think it's fairly ignorant to assume that a three row luxury SUV made primarily for the U.S. wasn't paying any attention at all to the segment leader. Way back in 2006 Mercedes even dropped off this quote in AutoNews:

"We are aiming at the mainstream full-sized SUV buyers, those people who still relate to full-sized SUVs, still need full-sized SUVs and still desire full-sized SUVs," says Ron Mueller, manager of sport utility and touring, for Mercedes-Benz USA LLC.

"When we first started looking at the market" several years ago, "we saw that 36 percent of our M-B sedan owners had a full-sized SUV in their stable," he said. The Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator were the popular choices.

http://www.autonews.com/article/200...ers-full-sized-gl-to-combat-cadillac-escalade

So yeah...I do say so.

 

[Merc1]

In regards to the latter, I was simply reiterating that point with some added context. At least one person found it useful, so I was justified in doing so.

I think it's fairly ignorant to assume that a three row luxury SUV made primarily for the U.S. wasn't paying any attention at all to the segment leader. Way back in 2006 Mercedes even dropped off this quote in AutoNews:

"We are aiming at the mainstream full-sized SUV buyers, those people who still relate to full-sized SUVs, still need full-sized SUVs and still desire full-sized SUVs," says Ron Mueller, manager of sport utility and touring, for Mercedes-Benz USA LLC.

"When we first started looking at the market" several years ago, "we saw that 36 percent of our M-B sedan owners had a full-sized SUV in their stable," he said. The Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator were the popular choices.

http://www.autonews.com/article/200...ers-full-sized-gl-to-combat-cadillac-escalade

So yeah...I do say so.

Paying attention to and bench marking are two different things. I see no evidence of them benchmarking the Cadillac. Say whatever you like doesn't make it so.


M

 

[Wolfgang]

Mercedes-Benz GLS Grand Edition, GLS 500 4MATIC, citrine brown

The highlights in the interior include the fine colour combination porcelain/espresso brown, which is only available in this edition. The seats in designo nappa leather boast exclusive diamond quilting, seams in mid brown and special Budapest-design piping. The dashboard and upper section are in nappa leather. The open-pore trim element Linde Radiant with bright stripes is an exclusive feature. The standard specification also includes an ambiance light and velour floor mats in espresso brown. The Interior package costs 5950 euros.

The Grand Edition models at a glance:

Blick auf das GLS Sondermodell "Grand Edition" - Mercedes-Benz Passion Blog / Mercedes Benz, smart, Maybach, AMG

 

[Wolfgang]

More Grand Edition pics.

 

[sako97]

 

[hovabongZA]

 

[tennmb]

More Grand Edition pics.

Ahhh, the desperation edition!!

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

I do like the wheels.

 

[Merc1]

The old girl still looks good, but there is no escaping the fact that she is old. The new one is going to be a stunner.

M

 

[Rolf]

The GLS 63 AMG looks hot in these pics.

 

[GTA45E]

Agree with you guys, not bad at all.
That dashboard looks like it`s 10 years old compared to the newer Mercs.

 

[Rainer271]

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[softcozy ross]

That' enough Russian Troll negativity above (LOL). They're both amazing - I have a 2014 GL 350. The new ones even more so...it's hard to compare them with any other segments like Escalade or Suburban. I note that they are an extremely low volume seller, so some commenters may not have had much experience with driving them. A similar experience was with the R class and low volumes with many not understanding the vehicle or its purpose (I owned one for 10 years and miss its good looks). We needed a compromise vehicle that ticked several boxes (so I didn't get my S class and am making do with an old W140). Something with a diesel, with 7 seats to pick up relatives at the airport, towing capacity for a camping trailer we have yet to buy, and leather climate comfort or drive dynamic seats at a higher level than your standard non-AMG E or C might have. Also room for two large dogs in the back. (We ended up with the arguably harder wearing but non ventilated and more industrial grade leather, still an expensive option). I don't think i've ever seen a more amazing set of 22"? wheels as the above white GLS has and I'd love to bolt on a set (we have the 21" AMG wheels). I can drive this 5500 lb. behemoth quickly through town if I'm in the mood because it handles really well with its air suspension in sport mode (like the silver one in the NYC commercial) or I can loaf along the other 95% of the time and not burn much diesel. So far the only drawback is the $3000+ price for a set of new Pirellis. Oh well.

 

[WAND]

Lazy Mercedes, when they will put new inline diesel in GLS, and aslo spread complete gamma with new 200-220, 300 and 400d.
If BMW and Audi haven't more powerfull diesel's, they wouldn't even get new engines, sad.
It's good that Audi and BMW with their offer forced Merc to work their lazy ass.
Poor diesel offer from Merc, till now...