Mercedes-Benz has launched the updated version of its flagship GLS SUV, featuring revised interiors and updated engines across the range. This update aligns the GLS with the new Mercedes design philosophy on the outside as well as the inside.
Exteriors
On the outside, the GLS retains its massive silhouette with a boxy design. There is a new revised grille with chrome inserts and LED surrounds, along with different bumpers depending on the trim. It gets new redesigned headlamps and taillamps with three-pointed star elements acting as the daytime running lights. You can also get illuminated Mercedes logos in the front and back. There are 2 new alloy wheel designs with 21-inch rims, and you can also option the GLE with 22-inch rims in the AMG trim.
Interiors
On the inside, it gets the Mercedes Superscreen system with three massive 12.3-inch displays: one for the digital driver's display, one for the infotainment screen, and one for the passenger. The infotainment system is equipped with the latest AI-integrated MB.OS software that gets over-the-air upgrades.
The interior now comes in a new Beech Brown colour, and buyers can choose between open-pore birch wood, open-pore walnut, or aluminium for the interior trim, and either Artico leather or Lugano leather for the seat upholstery. You can only get the GLS as a 7-seater, as there is no 6-seater option available.
Other features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Burmester 3D sound system, panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated seats for the front as well as the middle row, boss mode for the front passenger seat, etc.
Drivetrain
The updated GLS gets revised engines across the range. The top-of-the-line GLS 580 4MATIC gets a 4-litre twin-turbo V8, which now gets a flat-plane crank instead of a cross-plane crank that was on the previous model. It produces 530bhp and 750Nm of torque. The GLS 450 4MATIC gets a 3-litre six-cylinder petrol engine with 375bhp and 560Nm of torque, and there are two diesel engine options available. Both the petrol and diesel engines get a 48-volt mild hybrid system as standard.
The GLS also gets a “cloud-based” air suspension system, which scans the road at 1000 samples per second and stores that data in the cloud for future use by adjusting the damping before hitting the bumps.
Pricing and rivals
The pricing of the updated GLS range has not been announced yet, but it is expected to be slightly more expensive than the outgoing model. The main competitors are the BMW X7, Audi Q7, and the Volvo XC90.
