Mercedes GLS (GL facelift) imported to India for homologation - Report

Will not be unveiled at Auto Expo 2016.

An import document from Zauba has revealed that Mercedes Benz India imported the Mercedes GLS (GL facelift) to India for homologation purposes, which usually sparks rumors of a market launch nearing.

The Mercedes GLS has not been confirmed to debut at Auto Expo 2016 in the first week of February, given that the model imported is the GLS 350d diesel variant, which would be banned for registration in Delhi NCR right away. Merc could introduce the GLS 450 petrol variant which packs a biturbo, 3.0-liter V-6 engine with 362 hp and 500 Nm of torque, paired to a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed gearbox, should the ban on diesel vehicles with engine capacity greater than 2,000 cc continue.

The imported model - GLS 350d - continues to offer the same 3.0-liter V-6 turbodiesel engine from the outgoing GL, which produces 258 hp and 620 Nm of torque. The only significant upgrade is the 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic gearbox that is equipped as standard. Also standard is the 4MATIC AWD system and an upgraded air suspension system.

Exterior changes include new headlights with Multibeam LED lighting and DRLs, revised grille, updated taillight graphics and re-profiled bumpers with a new diffuser. However, the overall design of the flagship SUV will continue unchanged.

Also Read: Mercedes India confirms GLC, S Class Cabriolet for Auto Expo 2016

Inside, updates have been made to the COMAND infotainment system, which comprises of a larger freestanding display navigated via a fingertip-based controller that debuted on the new C Class. Also seen are re-designed buttons, instrument cluster with Media Display and a Nappa leather-wrapped 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel. When launched (expected to launch within the first half of this year), the Mercedes GLS will continue to be assembled at the Pune plant like its predecessor, the GL.

[Source: Zauba]