India-bound Mercedes GLS (GL facelift) to be launched in Europe in December - Report

08/04/2015 - 09:35 | ,   | Aravind Jayachandran

For the German market, deliveries will begin a month later.

Mercedes-Benz is revamping their entire SUV range this year, giving it new names and slight cosmetic changes. It started with the GLE Coupe, the latest entrant to their growing SUV family, followed by the reveal of the GLE range (the facelifted version of the M-Class). They will soon be joined by the all-new GLC and GLS, previously called the GLK and GL respectively.

2016 Mercedes GLS GL facelift spied front three quarter
The facelift comes with an improved front fascia; new LED headlamps, 2-slat grille; and redesigned hood. Image Courtesy: Auto Plus

Talking about the GLS, German media report that it will be available to order from December 2015 in Germany, and that deliveries will begin a month later. It is expected to make its debut at the 2015 IAA (Frankfurt Motor Show) in September.

Other than the name change, the facelift comes with an updated front fascia; new LED headlamps, 2-slat grille; and redesigned hood. The rear-end also gets a slightly revised fascia and a new set of dual exhaust pipes. Inside, the 7-seater could feature the same changes found in the GLE SUV; for instance, a new steering wheel, freestanding COMAND infotainment display, revised center console and a new interior color palette.

Mercedes GLE 63 AMG dashboard official image
Inside, the 7-seater could feature the same changes found in the GLE SUV (pictured here); for instance, a new steering wheel, freestanding COMAND infotainment display

Mercedes has also been hinting at a "Maybach" version of the GLS to take on the likes of the Range Rover. Rumors say that the wheelbase could be stretched and feature individual rear seats for better rear passenger comfort, as well as a wealth of luxury options exclusive to the Maybach line, as seen in the Mercedes-Maybach S600.

Mercedes-Maybach S600 rear seat at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show
Possible Maybach version may come with individual rear seats and extended wheelbase, similar to the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class (pictured)

Also Read: 2016 Mercedes E Class snapped testing by an IAB reader in Stuttgart – Spied

For the Indian market, Mercedes will most likely launch the GLS next year. The current GL is assembled at the Pune plant, and this should continue for the GLS.

[Source: blog.mercedes-benz-passion.com]

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