Is Mercedes making a full-size SUV or a Roman war chariot? We ask that because the latest test prototype spotter around Stuttgart sports pointy rims that look like they've been designed to cut off the pedestrians' legs.
Technology moves at a fast pace, but the place for innovation is really small if you think about it. Sure, Range Rovers have pop-out door handles, but it's not like the door are transparent, as seen on some concepts.
It looks like Mercedes-Benz wants to change the way we see alloy design on premium cars. Most vehicles have flat or slightly concave faces. But the spokes on the GLS stick out with sharp edges near the hub. Do we like it? Well, it's going to take some getting used to, but most of the body design is still hidden, so it might just be a good idea.
Why do they look familiar? Probably because those holes in the spokes remind you of the GLS's current grille design. Who knows, maybe this style will catch on.
Fierce competition is starting to form around the big SUV market due to the demands of American buyers. There's the Range Rover, the new Lincoln Navigator and obviously the Spartanburg newcomer, BMW's X7.
Codenamed X167, the second-generation of the GLS is being developed in parallel with the GLE. We expect them to share many styling features, such as the size of the grille and the placement of the headlights.
Looking at the profile of the prototype, we notice that the side sills are missing, while the character lines are less pronounced. The GLS seems more upright, resembling a Range Rover.
The engine lineup is still a mystery, especially as Mercedes is looking to decrease its reliance on the V8. However, there should be one non-AMG 4.0-liter, fitted to the GLS 560. Rumor has it that a Maybach version of this massive SUV is under development, and the S-Class has already shown you can provide that with a 6-cylinder powertrain as well.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News