The replacement to the outgoing GL, the GLS brings minor updates to the styling that bring in it line with the latest Mercedes-Benz design.

Three models are available in the UK: the GLS 350d 4MATIC AMG Line, the GLS 350d 4MATIC designo Line and the new Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4MATIC.

Standard equipment includes the COMAND Online with 8-inch screen and touchpad; AIRMATIC air suspension with adaptive damping; LED Intelligent Light System with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus; leather upholstery; memory front seats; Harmon Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system; panoramic electric sunroof; parking package with 360° camera; lane tracking package including Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist; Keyless-GO comfort package; THERMOTRONIC climate control with three zones, and heated seats in the front two rows.

The designo Line adds quilted nappa leather upholstery; heated and cooled front seats; a heated steering wheel; four-zone climate control including the third row of seats; temperature-controlled cup holders; and interior air ionisation with filter. It also features the Active Curve System, which uses active suspension stabilisers to help reduce the rolling motion of the vehicle in mid and high-speed bends.

The AMG Line includes bespoke front and rear bumpers, illuminated side running boards, and 21-inch AMG light-alloy wheels.

The GLS 350d uses a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, which produces 254bhp and 457lb.ft of torque, and emits 199g/km of CO2 (down from 209g/km). This model comes with the 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic gearbox as standard and is also offered with an optional off-road package.

The GLS 63 brings a 5.5-litre bi-turbo V8 with 577bhp – up 28bhp – and peak torque of 561lb.ft from 1,750rpm. Standard features include a revised AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission with AMG DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes which provide optimum flexibility, and rear-biased AMG Performance all-wheel drive.

The GLS is available to order now, with deliveries starting from March 2016. Prices start at £69,100 for the GLS 350d AMG Line, rising to £78,095 for the GLS 350d designo and £102,330 for the GLS 63 AMG.