奔驰已经为开发下一代GLS迈出了第一步，最近谍照记者在德国拍到了正在测试的旗舰级SUV。这也是2019款GLS首次被谍照记者拍到，当时该车进行了重度伪装，同时采用螺栓固定的假车身面板以掩盖真实的车身造型。现在谈论设计还为时过早，但至少可以通过照片确认，GLS的车身尺寸将增加。这辆原型车看起来比2017款车型更宽，更长。由于该车与下一代GLE共享灵活的MHA平台，因此尽管车身比现行版更大，但重量将大幅降低。新的结构也将使奔驰能为新车集成取自E级和S级车型的半自动驾驶系统。至于动力系统，预计将搭载一系列四缸、六缸和八缸汽油和柴油引擎，其中最受欢迎的预计将是直列六缸引擎。新一代GLS将销往欧洲和美国并将配备九速双离合器变速器和4Matic全驱系统。新车最大变化是据传将推出混动版本，该车将搭载一台3.0升汽油引擎和一台电机，总计输出功率超过298千瓦/400马力，当然，AMG版本也是必不可少的，该车将搭载4.0升V8双涡轮引擎。作为宝马X7和路虎揽胜的竞争车型，全新GLS将于2019年上市。
2019 Mercedes GLS Makes Spy Photo Debut
Mercedes-Benz is taking the first steps in the development process of the next-generation GLS, as a prototype of the flagship SUV has been spied testing in Germany. We are looking at the very first spy shots of the 2019 GLS, which is still wearing tons of camouflage and fake bolt-on body panels, trying to hide the actual shape of the vehicle.
It’s too early to talk about design, but at least we can confirm the GLS will grow in size, judging by the photos. This prototype looks slightly wider and a bit longer than the 2017 GLS we tested back in December 2015.
Based on the company’s flexible MHA platform that’s going to be used by the next generation GLE as well, the new GLS will shave off a serious amount of weight despite the fact it is going to be slightly bigger than the current model. The architecture will also allow Mercedes to integrate some semi-autonomous systems and functions derived from the E-Class and S-Class. As far as the powertrains are concerned, expect to see a wide range of four-, six-, and eight-cylinder diesel and gasoline engines, with the most popular of them expected to be the inline-six units. They will be offered in both Europe and the United States, and will be mated exclusively to a nine-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and a 4Matic all-wheel drive.
The biggest news here is the rumored hybrid version, which will combine a 3.0-liter gas engine and an electric motor for a total output of well over 400 horsepower (298 kilowatts). Of course, there’s also going to be at least one proper AMG variant getting its power from the brand’s 4.0-liter biturbo V8.
Going against the upcoming BMW X7 and the Land Rover Range Rover, the all-new second generation GLS will arrive sometime in 2019.