Low-resolution pictures of what appears to be a sales brochure have given us the best look yet at the upcoming 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. Essentially a Botoxed GL, the GLS is scheduled to greet the public for the first time next month at the Los Angeles Motor Show.
Published on a French online forum named Worldscoop, the images reveal the GLS gains a redesigned front end that predictably falls in line with Mercedes’ latest design language. It features a twin-slat hexagonal grille with a bigger three-pointed star emblem, bullet-shaped headlights, a sculpted hood and a deep bumper with three mesh air dams. It’s worth noting that the model depicted in the leaked images is likely a high-spec version; less expensive versions are expected to look less aggressive.
Out back, the GLS is fitted with sleeker-looking LED tail lamps, a new lower bumper, and a roof-mounted spoiler that’s slightly smaller than the current model’s. New alloy wheel designs like the ones shown in the leaked images and additional paint colors are expected to round out the exterior updates, while the cabin will get the latest generation of Mercedes’ infotainment system.
Whether the new nameplate will be accompanied by mechanical modifications is anyone’s guess at this point. Currently, the GL is offered with a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 engine that’s rated at 240 horsepower, a 362-hp twin-turbocharged gasoline-burning V6 unit, and a 4.7-liter V8 mill that delivers 429 ponies. A range-topping, AMG-tuned GL63 model fitted with a potent, twin-turbocharged V8 is also offered. Mercedes’ 4Matic four-wheel drive system comes standard regardless of how many cylinders are under the hood.
Stay tuned, as now that the cat is out of the bag we imagine Mercedes will quickly publish official information about the first-ever GLS-Class. The Stuttgart-based company’s biggest and boldest SUV will go on sale as a 2016 model shortly after it greets the show-going public in the City of Angels.
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