Drive Review: Mercedes GLS 350d

Mercedes is touting the latest GLS as the “S-Class among SUVs”. We’re not so convinced and Audi’s Q7 might also have something to say about their tagline as being the only premium 7-seater in the premium sector. So has the latest 2016 Mercedes GLS bitten off more than it can chew or does it offer a unique USP compared to the smaller GLE we road tested a few months ago?

The last of Merc’s SUV range to adopt the new nomenclature, the Mercedes GLS is the replacement for the GL range but principally their purpose to combine off-road ability with luxury accommodation continues to define it.

Our Mercedes GLS 350d was fitted with the highly-recommended AMG Line kit comprising sculpted bumpers, running boards and arch-filling 21-inch tyres on a tarmac-suited profile. The GLS shares identical proportions with the GL but is longer wider and taller than the GLE. From behind the wheel you’re aware of its formidable gravitas; solid and completely impenetrable while eager to conquer whatever terrain lies ahead.

Hoist yourself into the cabin and any promise that the cabin is related to S-Class DNA quickly fades. The majority of switchgear is carried directly out of a A, B or C-Class so it has none of those sexy circular airvents, dual TFT screens or wraparound architecture. It’s all very blunt, upright and cluttered with off-road driving modes and various settings for the air suspension. Active Curve control is optional and reduces body lean by continually optimising the stiffness of front and rear anti-roll bars.

What the interior does do well is offer occupants a myriad seating configurations. Rear seats can recline or tumble to improve access to the third row and you won’t hear many complaints from those seated towards the rear. When not in use the third row folds flat into the floor, expanding the boot space from 680 litres to 2300 litres.

Overall the cabin might lack the diamond-quilted leather or the exotic veneers that are so abundant in the S-Class but consider the off-road credentials and the cabin layout begins to geltogether with multi-purpose functionality and commanding view of obstacles.

Behind the off-road buttons is veritable lifestyle performance that will do far more than a jaunt along the beach. Raising the air suspension protects the bumpers and sills while Mercedes GLS demonstrates impressive approach and departure angles. The optional off-road engineering package includes a centre lock differential and low range to the existing plethora of electronics governing wheel speed and slip at millisecond intervals.

Our Mercedes GLS 350d on test is the base model in the range and also the only diesel. Outputs for this engine haven’t changed from its 190kW and 620Nm spread but the stout engine remains an impressive unit with minimal noise and vibration – some of that is down to the GLS’s lush insulation. Due to the car’s 2455kg unladen weight, acceleration does suffer and despite a steady speed regulated by active cruise control, fuel consumption averaged out at 10l/100km, good for a 1000km range.

Long distances are made easier by the car’s autonomous systems which utilise the same array of sensors and radars developed for models like S-Class, GLE and E-Class. Active cruise control and lane keeping assist provide an almost end-to-end autonomous solution, save for the friendly reminder to hold the wheel as some reassurance of your alertness. This affords one just enough time to divert attention to that (insert common distraction).

Launched around the same time as the Mercedes E-Class, we’re not convinced the Mercedes GLS epitomises the brand’s most cutting-edge craftsmanship and it’s disappointing that systems like Remote Parking Pilot, customisable displays or compatibility with smartphone integration such as Apple CarPlay and wireless charging are not given the same emphasis. The 2016 Mercedes GLS once again trades on its 7-seater layout, enormous boot and competent adventure status.