It seems Mercedes-Benz India was eagerly waiting for the lockdown to ease. Proof? Towards the end of last month, it introduced not one but two AMG models. A week later, two new GLE variants received their price tags. And today, the brand-new GLS has arrived. Unveiled globally in April last year, the SUV comes to India in two derivatives – 450 and 400 d. Both cost Rs 99.9 lakh, before taxes.

Those who want the big mile-muncher with a petrol mill will have to settle for the 450 variant. That comes with a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder turbocharged engine that puts out 362bhp/500Nm. The 400 d, on the other hand, houses a 2.9-litre, six-cylinder turbocharged motor with 326bhp/700Nm on tap. Both powerplants come coupled to a 9-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. The petrol engine also benefits from a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which enhances acceleration and fuel savings. With the petrol engine, the GLS can hit 100kmph from nothing in about six seconds, whereas the diesel engine takes nearly 1.5 seconds longer.

It is on the features front that the GLS really flexes its muscles. As standard, it packs stuff like two 12.3-inch displays (one each for infotainment purposes and the instrument cluster), powered seats, 64-colour ambient lighting, support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, five-zone climate control and a Burmester Surround Sound system. If all that isn’t enough for you, the SUV also features multiple drive modes, Airmatic suspension, panoramic sunroof, keyless go, powered tailgate and eleven USB ports. As you’d expect, safety is top-notch as well. Some of the gizmos which fall under that category include adaptive high beam assist, surround view system, Attention Assist, Mercedes-Benz Pre-Safe and Active Brake Assist.

The new Mercedes-Benz GLS rivals the likes of the Lexus LX and the BMW X7. At Rs 2.33 crore, the Lexus is by far the most expensive of the three. The X7, on the other hand, received a new variant – the M50d – earlier this month. That costs Rs 1.63 crore. If you had to buy one, which would it be?