With all of the focus on the fully electric Mercedes-Benz EQC, it's forgivable to forget that the three-pointed star has other SUVs coming out this year, too.
There's the medium sized GLE, which we drove in Texas late last year, and there's also the big boy GLS.
Up to this point the best images online of the GLS were paparazzi pics of it testing in a thick layer of camouflage. But now new images have surfaced online, showing the GLS in its full form.
As you'd expect the slightly grainy images haven't been endorsed by the German marque, but they do appear to be leaked snaps from the new GLS's press kit.
Based off what we've seen, these look to be the real deal.
The GLS's styling looks to follow that of the GLE and the popular little new A-Class. Contours and shapes look refined, with very few thick, deep gauges and origami lines in the bodywork unlike a lot of other vehicles in the segment.
The more upscale AMG-equipped models (pictured below) are a bit more chiseled and serious. They gain meatier running boards, painted arch extenders, a squarer jaw-line, and undoubtedly a few performance goodies that Mercedes will confirm in due course.
Inside, the 2020 GLS takes a lot of inspiration from the GLE's dashboard looks. The twin-screen set-up, coupled with Mercedes' new square and rectangle–loving design language makes for a layout that looks 10 times more modern than that of the current GLS.
Those sharp interior looks are said to be backed by an increased level of space. Mercedes have confirmed that the new GLS will offer a wheelbase that's 60mm longer than its predecessor's, with an overall length of 3137mm.
For those keeping tabs, that's 33mm longer than its arch rival from BMW — the upcoming X7. Not a big difference, but a feather in the cap nonetheless for the number-crunchers at Mercedes.
Engine options are reportedly set to span a wide spectrum, ranging from the 48-volt mild hybrid unit found in the upcoming GLE, to the shouty M178 twin-turbo V8. Yep, the same one found in the AMG GT, C63, and more. It will feature in the GLS's chief AMG variant. All engines are said to be connected to a nine-speed automatic.
Expect more details on the GLS later this week. It's slated to be revealed in full at the New York Auto Show on April 18 New Zealand time.
