Mercedes-Benz unveils the new GLS

Mercedes-Benz has pulled the covers off its latest flagship SUV - the updated GLS SUV. Thoroughly overhauled with its mid-life refresh, it now carries design cues, technologies and top-end luxuries that have already been seen on the likes of the updated S-Class, and the new-generation GLC and GLB SUVs. 

Arguably one of the headlining updates on the new GLS SUVs (comprising both the GLS and GLS-Coupe) is the fact that they will be powered by Mercedes-Benz's new range of engines. The brand states that this provides better agility, all while preserving NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) comfort. 

The new Mercedes-Benz GLS comes with the brand's new, comprehensively revised engine range

At the top of the range, the GLS 580 4MATIC is still powered by a sumptuous V8, but is now claimed to respond more quickly to accelerator inputs, operate more efficiently, and deliver smoother performance. The engine's output has also increased to 530bhp and 750Nm of torque.

In the GLS 450 4MATIC, the six-cylinder petrol engine is now also said to be more responsive, and offers an even more refined driving experience thanks to its increased torque (now 560Nm).

Merc is also giving life to diesel power still, with the two six-cylinder diesel models - the GLS 350d 4MATIC and GLS 450d 4MATIC - now equipped with an electrically heated catalyst for the first time. The brand claims that this brings the exhaust system up to the optimum temperature range early on and ensures that the temperature remains within the desired range throughout the entire driving cycle.

The new GLS comes with the new gen Digital Light with micro-LED technology and a powerful chip as standard

Unsurprisingly, all of the GLS variants will be mild hybrids, with an integrated starter generator promising to aid refinement and also provide measured boosts off the line and when coasting. Mercedes-Benz says that the start-stop function should be barely noticeable to the driver; ditto for the transition from coasting with the engine off, to powerful acceleration. In idle mode, the intelligent interaction between the ISG and the petrol or diesel engine ensures smoothness.

As for the updated styling of the GLS, the car's exterior now better befits the S-Class denotation in its name, with the now upright star on its bonnet serving as a homage to this. In select markets, the star is even illuminated. In China, for instance, it lights up when the vehicle is stationary, while in the U.S.A, it shines while driving.

Framed by an illuminated chrome surround, three horizontal chrome fins, one vertical fin, and the shimmering Mercedes‑Benz pattern, the larger grille on the GLS is also intended to radiate a sense of status and modern luxury. Meanwhile, a redesigned front bumper is meant to lend the car an even more confident and expressive presence. 

Every GLS also now comes with a large panoramic roof as standard

The new GLS also nicks the sleek black front panel from the E-Class and S-Class, which unites its headlamps and radiator grille. You shouldn't be too surprised to see the head lamps and taillights with the signature star design too, while at the rear, a design trim with an integrated Mercedes star links the tail lamps into one flowing element.

For this facelifted car, Merc is offering customers two new paint finishes from the factory - Dark Petrol flat and Manufaktur patagonia red metallic - which enrich the colour palette. Alongside them, two new high‑gloss, 21‑inch alloy wheel designs - an aerodynamically optimised cross‑spoke wheel and a bold, status‑oriented disc wheel with a black centre - have landed, expanding the possibilities for personal expression.

Unsurprisingly, Merc has invested a significant level of effort into revamping the interior too, with new trim elements and additional comfort features aimed at taking the GLS to even greater heights of luxury. 

New trim elements and additional comfort features significantly enhance the interior of the new GLS

There's the imposing MBUX Superscreen, for starters - consisting of three 12.3-inch displays located under a large glass surface - which is now flanked by new air vents that are round instead of rectangular, and which serve as visual anchors for the dash. 

The GLS now gets MB.OS (Mercedes-Benz Operating System) for the first time too, which integrates and controls every aspect of the vehicle. This supercomputer uses AI and powerful chips and is connected to the Mercedes‑Benz Intelligent Cloud. This allows for over-the-air updates, enabling the GLS to remain up to date and attractive for many years.

Standard comfort seats with new 3D seat graphics and moccasin stitching combine modern aesthetics are also available now, promising newfound levels of comfort. Furthermore, the depth of the seat cushions can be electrically adjusted as standard.

Rear passengers will have even more reason to celebrate, as the GLS automatically adjusts the damping just before encountering a bump, making journeys more comfortable

Merc has introduced a new interior colour dubbed "Beech Brown", which expands the selection of pre-existing classic interior colours such as Black, Macchiato Beige, and Bahia Brown. The new colour combination is available in Artico and Lugano leather. Three new trim elements also expand configuration possibilities, including trim elements in dark brown open-pore birch wood and brown open-pore walnut. As a counterpoint, Mercedes‑Benz also offers trim elements with the new light-coloured aluminium flowing lines.

Thankfully, you'll still be able to enjoy the GLS as a six or seven-seater, with access to the third row now made easier thanks to the electric Easy Entry function. Passengers here even enjoy thoughtful details such as seat heating and their own USB charging ports. You've heard of quad-zone air-conditioning; the new GLS gets optional five‑zone air-conditioning, which bestows last-row passengers with a dedicated climate zone by way of those roof‑mounted air vents. 

The third row seats in the GLS are able to be lowered at the touch of a button for more luggage space, and if that's not enough, the second row also folds flat, increasing the space to up to 2,400 litres

On the flip side, when more room for luggage or equipment is needed, the third‑row seats lower seamlessly into the floor at the touch of a button. For extra storage, the second row can fold flat to unlock up to 2,400 litres of load space. 

This latest unveiling is just one of many from a renewed product offensive from Mercedes-Benz, which has also seen the likes of the updated S-Class, and new generations of the GLB and GLC making their debuts.