New Mercedes SUV leaked: new images of GLS 2020 appear online – Previews

By putting all the emphasis on the Mercedes-Benz fully electric EQC, it is forgivable to forget that the three-pointed star has other SUVs this year as well.

There is the medium size GLE, which we drove to Texas at the end of last year, and there is also the big boy GLS.

Until then, the best online images of the GLS were paparazzi photos showing camouflage tests. But now, new images have appeared online, showing the GLS in its complete form.

As you might expect, the slightly grainy images have not been endorsed by the German brand, but they seem to be instant leaks from the new GLS press kit.

Based on what we have seen, these seem to be the real deal.

The style of the GLS resembles that of the GLE and the popular little new Class A. The contours and shapes look refined, with very few thick, deep gauges and origami lines in the bodywork, unlike many other segment vehicles.

The more upscale models equipped with AMG (shown below) are a little more chiseled and serious. They win more fleshy running boards, painted arch extensions, a more square jaw line and without a doubt some goodies of performance that Mercedes will confirm later.

Inside, the GLS 2020 is inspired by the look and feel of the GLE dashboard. The two-screen configuration, combined with Mercedes' new square and rectangle design language, makes the presentation look 10 times more modern than the current GLS.

It looks like these refined interiors are enhanced by increased space. Mercedes has confirmed that the new GLS will offer a longer wheelbase of 60 mm compared to its predecessor, with a total length of 3137 mm.

For those who keep an eye, it's 33 mm longer than its rival BMW – the next X7. Not a big difference, but a feather in the cap for the Mercedes mannequins.

The engine options would cover a broad spectrum, ranging from the 48 volt soft hybrid unit of the future GLE to the M178 bi-turbo V8. Yes, the same as in the AMG GT, C63, and more. It will appear in the main AMG variant of GLS. All engines are said to be connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Expect more details on the GLS later this week. It should be unveiled in full at the New York Auto Show on April 18, New Zealand Time.