Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the 2018 GLS Grand Edition — a new trim that equips the full-size SUV with more luxurious features.
Previously announced for the European market, the German automaker has revealed that U.S. customers will also be able to purchase the new luxury trim for both the GLS450 4MATIC and GLS550 4MATIC models.
For the GLS450 4MATIC, the Grand Edition trim adds exclusive exterior components such 20-inch 10-spoke wheels with a two-tone color scheme and the advanced LED Intelligent Light System. The GLS550 4MATIC, on the other hand, receives 21-inch wheels and active LED headlamps.
Both models will come with "Grand Edition" badging on the exterior.
Meanwhile, the Grand Edition trim will introduce premium interior design elements including either Porcelain or Espresso Brown Nappa leather seats with diamond quilting and Budapest-design piping, ambient lighting and Espresso Brown velour floor mats. The dashboard is wrapped in Nappa leather with an open pore brown ash trim and a light stripes design.
Pricing has not yet been announced but the Grand Edition trim will likely bump up the price of the standard 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS. The GLS450 4MATIC, which is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that delivers 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, currently has a starting price of $70,545. The GLS550 4MATIC, on the other hand, has a starting price of $95,945. It is equipped with a 4.7-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 449 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque.
The current iteration of the Mercedes-Benz GLS was first introduced in 2013, followed by a mid-cycle refresh in 2016. The German automaker's next-generation full-size SUV is slated to arrive in 2019 as a 2020 model.
In the meantime, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS Grand Edition will make its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next week. It will then be available to purchase at dealerships in mid-2018.
