Updated Mercedes-Benz GLS for South Africa – Pricing and features

Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-Maybach have finally added the updated GLS units to their line-up in South Africa, bringing several changes to make the flagship SUV even more luxurious.

The updated roster consists of three entries, the 450d, 580, and 600, and prices now start at R2,304,700.

Features

The latest iteration of the Mercedes-Benz GLS can be recognized by a new radiator grille with four louvres galvanized in high-quality Silver Shadow – a quality taken from the Maybach units.

The front bumper has been made more prominent and features integrated air inlets with a high-gloss black surround, and buyers have a new wheel option in the form of 20-inch multi-spoke alloys in Himalayas Grey with a high-sheen finish.

The seven-seater’s interior has been revised with Silver Shadow air vents, and the trim can now be had with the Manufaktur glossy black piano lacquer, which is another element that was previously exclusive to the Maybach.

The latest generation MBUX infotainment suite can be customized in three distinct styles for Classic, Sport, and Discreet, and has three operating modes for Navigation, Assistance, and Service.

Furthermore, the dual display can be synced with seven different colour schemes in conjunction with the cabin’s ambient lighting.

The operating system’s Off-Road Mode can work in tandem with the standard Parking Package’s 360-degree camera to create a transparent bonnet effect on the screen, making it much easier to see incoming obstacles.

In addition, the company has also recompiled the scope of its Off-Road Engineering package to raise the ground clearance by an additional 30mm and add an underride guard component.

Shifting focus to the Mercedes-Maybach, the premium vehicle has retained its signature two-tone exterior and features “Maybach” lettering atop the grille to distinguish it even further.

The air inlets have a different pattern to the standard models with a chrome surround, and there is a new option for 23-inch forged-alloy wheels.

In addition, the ambient lighting projects an animation of the Maybach pattern, and the new leather seat covers feature a high-quality, diamond-pattern quilt with perforations.

Both the Mercedes-Benz and Maybach are fitted with a new multifunction steering wheel and an updated voice assistant, and clients can install two 100W rear USB ports and the MBUX Multi-Seat Entertainment System to get additional screens for the backseats.

Engines

The engine line-up this time around consists of three powertrains with 48V mild-hybrid assistance, starting with the 450d – a 3.0-litre, turbocharged diesel with 270kW and 750Nm.

This drivetrain can rocket the car from 0 to 100km/h in 6.1 seconds before reaching an electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h.

The 580 takes the form of a 4.0-litre, turbo-petrol and puts out an even greater 380kW, but has slightly less torque at 730Nm.

The increased power means it can reach 100km/h in just 4.9 seconds, before capping out at the same 250km/h mark.

Finally, the Maybach 600 also uses a 4.0-litre, turbocharged petrol plant and generates a hefty 410kW while having the same torque of 730Nm.

Despite the higher output, the added heft of the top-spec model means it ends up having the same 0-100km/h time as the 580 at 4.9 seconds as well as an identical top speed.

All three SUVs make use of a nine-speed automatic gearbox, which connects to a 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.