The S-Class of SUVs has received a generation change. Say hello to the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLS. It has always been the biggest SUV with a three-pointed star from Stuttgart and in its new generation, it has gotten even bigger. That bigness has transformed into a more spacious cabin, not that the previous GLS was pokey. What’s more, the list of features is now even longer. And in the powertrain department, there will be two diesel and two petrol engines on offer depending on the market.

The new GLS measures 5,207mm in length and 1,956mm in width, whereas its wheelbase spans 3,135mm in length. Compared to its predecessor, the new one is 77mm longer in length, 22mm wider and its wheelbase is 60mm longer. All that extra real estate delivers more room inside the cabin. For instance, passengers sitting in the second row of seats will have an extra 87mm of legroom if the seat is in its rearmost position. As standard, the second row gets a 60:40 split-folding bench but in some markets, Mercedes-Benz will offer captain seats at an extra cost. Boot space can be opened up to 2,400 litres. Try filling that in a jiffy!

The interiors have been thoroughly redone. From behind the new multifunction steering, a slap of glass stretches all the way to the centre of the dashboard. In it, there are two 12.3-inch displays, where one acts as a digital instrument cluster and the other is the home-ground for the MBUX infotainment system. All seats are electrically adjustable as standard, and so is the slide and fold function of the second row of seats to make ingress/egress easier for the third-row passengers. Those passengers, as per Mercedes-Benz can be as tall as 1.94 metres and they will still be comfortable.

Other features include wireless charging, a Burmester surround sound system, 64-colour ambient lighting, nine USB ports and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Also, as standard is Mercedes’ Airmatic air suspension. Predictably, there are a bunch of optional extras. For instance, the Comfort Package Plus brings in rear-seat entertainment displays and the Off-Road Package gets low-range gearing. The options list also includes a head-up display, cooled and heated cup holders, “Energising Comfort” massage function and five-zone climate control.

Over to the powertrains. Depending on the market, a total of four engine options (two petrol and diesel each) will be on offer. First – petrol engines. One will bear the 450 tag and the other the 580 tag. While the former will house a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 367PS/500Nm, the latter will get a 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8 with 489PS/700Nm on tap. Both these engines will come coupled with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system which, at certain times, can provide an extra 22PS/250Nm of oomph.

The diesel category will comprise of the 350 d and the 400 d. Both will use the same 2.9-litre, six-cylinder turbocharged mill but while it will produce 286PS/600Nm in the former, it’ll be up-tuned to deliver 330PS/700Nm in the latter. No matter which variant, petrol or diesel, you choose, the new Mercedes-Benz GLS will come with a 9-speed automatic transmission and a 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.

Needless to say, the new GLS will come to India. In all probability, it will be the 350 d and the 450 which will make the cut. That being said, the GLS range will not stop there. AMG-spec variants, namely 53 and 63, will arrive sometime next year. There will also be a plug-in hybrid variant which will share its powertrain with the S560e. And, the real-range topper, will be the one luxurious enough to bear the Maybach badge.