The styling now incorporates the latest Mercedes-Benz look. The new front end includes distinctive power domes on the bonnet, while among changes at the rear are more prominent tailpipes. Interior highlights include a newly-designed instrument panel, a new three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, and a modified centre console with touchpad.

The AMG Line includes distinctive front and rear bumpers, illuminated side running boards, and 21-inch AMG light-alloy wheels. The optional Night package makes for an even more exclusive look, with high-gloss black details including the louvres in the radiator grille, door mirrors and roof rails.

The revised interior offers a spacious environment for up to seven passengers, with boot volume of 295 (all seats in place), 680 (third-row seats folded) or 2300 litres (all rear seats folded), in a load compartment that is up to 2124 mm long and with a payload capacity of up to 815 kg.

Driver assistance systems fitted as standard include Collision Prevention Assist Plus; Crosswind Assist; Attention Assist; Pre-Safe system; Brake Assist BAS; electronic all-wheel drive traction system 4ETS; ESP with Curve Dynamic Assist; cruise control with variable Speedtronic speed limiter and the Steer Controil steering assist function.

The optional Driving Assistance package Plus brings systems including Distronic Plus with Stop&Go Pilot; Pre-Safe Brake with pedestrian detection; BAS Plus with Cross-Traffic Assist; Active Blind Spot Assist; Active Lane Keeping Assist and PRE-SAFE PLUS.

Optimum protection potential is provided by the passive occupant protection systems together with the ‘electronic crumple zones’ of the assistance systems and the intelligent body design. Adaptive, two-stage airbags for driver and front passenger, kneebag for the driver (combined thorax/pelvisbags) and windowbags above all three seat rows are also part of the standard specification, among other features.

With Dynamic Select, the new GLS provides up to six transmission modes. In addition to Comfort, Slippery and Sport modes, the driver can choose Individual or Off-Road modes (the optional Off-Road package adds Off-Road+ mode).