The Mercedes-Benz GLS has had a bit of checked upbringing since its reveal as the biggest SUV with a three-pointed star 18 years ago.
Mercedes-Benz hierarchyOnce tipped to replace the G-Class, only for Benz to change their minds following a backlash from G-Wagen enthusiast, a name change mid-way through the second generations lifecycle saw the original GL moniker being dropped in favour of GLS.
Straightforward choiceOfficially known as GLS since the current X167 generations debuted in 2019, the emergence of a mid-life facelift in April last year had Mercedes-Benz take its time as the South African market launch happened almost exactly 12 months later.
While availed in ultra-luxurious Maybach GLS 600 guise, the surprise absentee was the AMG GLS 63 .
As such, the local market, with the exception of the Maybach, offers a straightforward choice between petrol or diesel, both with new names; the GLS 450d that replaces the 400d, and the GLS 580 that usurps the 450.
