Stewart’s introduces Mercedes-Benz GLS

On Tuesday morning the Stewart's Automotive Group presented the Mercedes-Benz GLS at its South Camp Road, Kingston, offices. The latest addition to the Silver Star Motors showroom, the GLS is also the roomiest vehicle with the famed Mercedes-Benz logo in stock, as it seats seven adults.

And it does so in style and extreme comfort.

"It is a really big deal for us because it is our only seven seater. It has a lot of options in terms of features you can have on this car. As well as it has quite a few engine options," Sloane Jackson, general manager of Silver Star Motors Limited, said.

N'Gina Thompson of Stewart's told Automotives that the Mercedes-Benz GLS is a complete full size luxury SUV. She added that few SUVs manage to provide the same level of roominess and versatility or the ability to carry up to seven adults in such comfort, emphasising the roominess of the third row of seats.

The GLS' comfort - backrest angle adjustment, electric folding and heating throughout (including the back seat) were emphasised, as well as the customer options. This ranges from the upholstery colour (ginger beige and espresso brown are among the "countless" options) to the exterior colour and engines.

While there may be variations in the turnaround time for personalised options on the GLS, Thompson said four months is standard.

Stewart's emphasised the GLS' entertainment and communication system, featuring a seven-inch high-resolution colour media display, along with speakers for the USB ready unit. The COMAND Online feature has integrated hotspot functionality, providing high-speed data communication (depending on network availability). Through syncing of a smartphone with the built-in device, there is access to Whatsapp messages, Facebook, Instagram and Google Maps manually or by voice command.

Jackson said "this is the first car in Jamaica that we've ever brought in that has smartphone integration which allows you to actually bring up the apps up on your phone in the car and actually use the apps in the car."

Suspension system

The air suspension system AIRMATIC with enhanced damping system ADS allows passengers to breathe easy with the windows rolled up. Safety includes a fitted three-point safety belt on all seven seats.

For the new vehicle Thompson said there are "subtle exterior styling changes, most prominent among them being a new grille featuring an oversized three-pointed star and twin-blade adornment. There is also a new front bumper, altered headlight graphics, new taillight lenses, a revised rear bumper and new wheels."

Muscle will be put behind the GLS, as Thompson said "with targeted marketing, we will indeed stimulate purchases but we will be pushing the GLS with our already successful SUV campaign which boasts 'Make the Best of Every Terrain'."

The starting price is $18 million and, Thompson said "we've sold two so far and more to come." The GLS' warranty is five years - the Mercedes-Benz standard.