Mercedes Benz GLS production begins at US plant Tuscaloosa

Mercedes Benz GLS showcased at Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2015 enters production at company plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA.

The new Mercedes Benz GLS SUV has entered production and is open to order across the US. The production facility where the new GLS is being produced is also from where the GLE and GLE Coupe are being built and the plant celebrates its 20th year of production activities this year. It is from this plant that a total of 303,000 vehicles have been assembled over the years.

Mercedes Benz GLS is a large 7 seater SUV that is set to take the place of the outgoing GL. An updated design, added technology and well-designed interiors are highlights of the new GLS which also promises best in class safety and is ideally suited for adventure across varied terrain.

In the US markets, Mercedes Benz GLS will be offered in four variants each of which will be powered by Mercedes Benz 4Matic all-wheel drive system. The GLS450 will receive a 362 hp, 3 liter biturbo V6 engine while the GLS550 will be seen powered by a 449hp 4.7 liter biturbo V8 engine. GLS350d gets a 3 liter turbocharged V6 engine offering 255 hp peak power and 457 lb/ft torque while range topping GLS63 AMG is powered by a 5.5 liter biturbo V8 engine capable of 577 hp power and 561 lb/ft torque. Each of these engines is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission while the AMG variant gets a 7-speed gearbox.

Prices start at US$70,000 (INR 47,84,671) for the base variant going all the way up to US$125,000 (INR 85,44,056) for the AMG GLS63. India launch of the new Mercedes Benz GLS is set to take place later this year.

This article first appeared in rushlane.com