What's all this about?

Mercedes-Benz has announced prices and specifications for the new GLS range, with three models offered in the UK. The order book is now open and you'll need at least £69,100; expect the first cars to hit the road in March 2016.

What is in the range?

Customers get a choice of the GLS 350d 4Matic AMG Line, GLS 350d 4Matic designo Line and Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4Matic. The GLS 350d uses a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine with 285hp and CO₂ emissions of 199g/km. An optional off-road pack is available for the 350d, which includes a locking centre differential, additional settings for the suspension to give up to 306mm of ground clearance and underbody protection panels.

A 585hp, 5.5-litre bi-turbo petrol V8 engine is fitted to the GLS 63 with drive going through a seven-speed automatic (the 350d uses a nine-speed transmission) to a rear-biased AMG Performance all-wheel drive system.

Standard equipment includes Airmatic air suspension, LED adaptive headlamps, Blind Spot assist and Lane Keeping Assist. Inside there is leather upholstery, three-zone climate control and heated seats for the front two rows. The GLS also comes with the latest Command Online system with an eight-inch screen, plus a Harmon Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system.

For a more luxurious interior there is the designo Line, which features diamond-pattern nappa leather, heated and cooled front seats plus four-zone climate control. Mercedes' Active Curve System suspension is also fitted; this is designed to reduce body roll in mid- and high-speed bends while allowing increased axle articulation in off-road driving.

Are there any options?

There is a choice of five leather upholstery colours for the AMG Line, which can be specified at no extra cost, while the designo Line gets a choice of two nappa leathers. Four wood veneers or aluminium trim are no-cost options with piano black lacquer or AMG carbon fibre with piano black trim available for those who want to pay a bit more.

For the exterior there is a 'Night package' incorporating high-gloss black detailing for the radiator grille louvres, door mirrors and roof rails.