Mercedes-Benz GLS returns from second surgical office visit

On the back of unveiling the facelift GLE on Wednesday (1 April), Mercedes-Benz has now removed the wraps from its reworked flagship SUV, the GLS.

It’s the second mid-life update, and first since 2023, the various changes to the now seven-year-old internally named X167 GLS not only involve cosmetics, but also underneath its skin and bonnet.

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GLE-inspired looks

Although designated as the SUV equivalent of the S-Class, the refreshed exterior follows the GLE’s example by being derived from the E-Class.

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This means the same wider, restyled grille, a new front bumper, a black outer grille panel, new headlight clusters and the option to have the three-pointed star badge illuminated.

As standard, all variants are now equipped with the Digital LED headlights that provide a range of 600 m on full beam.

Changes to the rear are identical to the GLE. Picture: Mercedes-Benz

At the rear, the GLE influence continues in the new light clusters and graphics, a centre full-width black panel and a redesigned bumper and skidplate.

New alloy wheels, up to 22-inches, round the exterior off, along with two colour options: Dark Petrol and Patagonia Red Metallic.

New inside

Inside, the same trend continues as the new dashboard houses Benz’s Superscreen, consisting of three 12.3-inch displays.

New for the pair of infotainment systems is the latest MBUX software and Mercedes-Benz virtual assistant.

As in the GLE, the Superscreen display now comes standard. Picture: Mercedes-Benz

Elsewhere, the air vents have been redesigned and electric adjustment added to the seat cushions. The seats themselves are again ventilated and heated, while also gaining a new massaging function.

The latter can also be extended to the second row as part of the optional Rear Comfort Package Plus. As before, seating for seven is provided.

Again, optional are the pair of 11.6-inch displays and reclining, ventilated, heated and massaging seats. Picture: Mercedes-Benz

Completing the interior is a selection of new materials and colours, an augmented reality Head-Up Display, standard panoramic roof and ambient lighting.

Further part of the Rear Comfort Package Plus is reclining seats, a removable MBUX control module and a pair of 11.6-inch MBUX displays.

Comfier ride

Underneath, the GLS receives the new Airmatic adaptive air suspension and dampers, as well as the E-Active Body Control system.

As per its name, the latter uses a 48-volt electric system and 20 sensors to adjust the GLS’s body depending on the scanned road surface.

At the same time, it recuperates otherwise lost energy, which is then stored within the battery.

New V8 petrol

Up front, all engine options are again supplemented by the 48-volt mild hybrid EQ Boost system, which adds an additional 17kW/205Nm for short spells.

Besides the still-to-arrive AMG and Maybach models, three engine options are provided.

In the 450, power still comes from the 3.0-litre straight-six turbo-petrol, but with revisions to now produce 560 Nm instead of 500 Nm. Power is unchanged at 280 kW.

As in the GLE, the GLS 580 now uses the brand-new AMG-developed flat-plane crank 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8. The result is 395kW/750Nm versus the previous 380kW/730Nm.

On the diesel side, both the GLS 350d and GLS 450d jettison the previous 2.9-litre straight-six unit for the uprated 3.0-litre.

Outputs are, however, unchanged at 230kW/650Nm and 270kW/750Nm respectively.

As before, all GLS’ are equipped with the 4Matic all-wheel drive and the 9G Tronic automatic gearbox.

Not yet for South Africa

Going on-sale later this year, the facelift GLS is still to be confirmed for South Africa. Should an announcement be made, expect it to possibly arrive before year-end.

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