What's all this about?

The Mercedes-Benz GL is no more. Say hello to the Mercedes GLS.

Erm... it looks like the old GL; don't you think?

Of course it does! Essentially, this is the GL facelift, but the recent restructuring of Stuttgart's SUV naming policy means it becomes the GLS. The three-pointed 4x4 range now runs thus: GLA, GLC, GLE (and GLE Coupé), GLS and G-Class (aka the G-Wagen).

So has a lot of the GLS changed?

Not really. It gets new bumpers, light clusters, a front grille, some chrome trim, extra alloy wheel designs and fresh metallic colours on the outside, while inside is a new steering wheel, a better-integrated eight-inch touchscreen in the dash and more fresh finishes. Equipment levels, already sky-high on the GL, are ramped up even further for the GLS - as is only befitting of what Mercedes calls the 'S-Class among SUVs'.

Any particular spec highlights?

There are added driver assist systems and a few electronic gewgaws in the form of Magic Vision Control (heated wipers) and the latest software for Comand. However, it's under the skin that the best goodies are added. All models bar one get the nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission, retuned Airmatic air suspension, the Active Curve System roll stabilisation programme as seen on the S-Class Coupé and some more power.

Now we're getting onto the good stuff. What are the engine choices?

One diesel and two petrol engines make up the Mercedes-Benz GLS range, while another mental petrol engine is found in the Mercedes-AMG range-topper. Starting with the GLS 350 d, there's 258hp and 620Nm. The base petrol option is a biturbo V6 rated at 333hp/480Nm and given the name GLS 400, while above it is another twin-turbo unit, this time a V8 - the GLS 500 delivering 455hp and 700Nm. You might think those sort of beefy figures would be enough for any sane SUV owner-to-be, but of course there's an Affalterbach-related hole in the above list. So the new flagship is the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4Matic, now rated at 585hp (+28hp on the old GL AMG) and 760Nm (available from as little as 1,750rpm). No official performance or economy figures are yet forthcoming from Mercedes, although the company says all models are quicker than before and also 'greener'.

How much will all this cost?

No final official word as yet but you can order from this month, with deliveries across Europe commencing in March 2016. Expect prices to either remain the same or rise slightly above the £61,655 starting ticket required to get in a GL at the moment.