On April 1, Mercedes-Benz released official images of the new-generation GLS SUV. The new GLS retains the original body proportions, with the main adjustments concentrated in the front fascia and lighting units. The intake grille has increased in size, and star emblem elements have been added inside the headlights.
In the interior, the new GLS is equipped with a superscreen consisting of three 12.3-inch displays, covered beneath a single glass panel. Some physical buttons have been retained in the cabin. The new vehicle has a wheelbase of 3,135 mm and comes standard with a three-row, seven-seat layout, with all seats supporting power adjustment. The rear-seat entertainment system consists of two 11.6-inch displays with integrated cameras that can adjust the cabin environment based on passenger status, and a remote control is provided for operation.
In terms of powertrain, the GLS 450 4MATIC model is equipped with a 3.0T inline-six engine paired with a 48V mild hybrid system, producing a maximum torque of 560 N·m. The GLS 580 4MATIC model is equipped with a 4.0T twin-turbocharged V8 engine with a peak torque of 750 N·m.
Commentary: This new GLS is the second mid-cycle facelift, introducing the MB.OS system at the vehicle architecture level, which means its electrical/electronic structure and software interaction logic have been substantially updated compared with previous versions. In terms of powertrain, the V8 model has switched to a flat-plane crankshaft engine, which more reflects optimization of high-revolution power response characteristics; the chassis is equipped with the AIRMATIC air suspension system and the intelligent magic body control system, combined with road surface pre-scan functionality, further improving body control precision during driving. In the interior, the rear-seat entertainment system was developed under the leadership of the Chinese team and adds a vision-recognition-based interaction method, with targeted adjustments made for localization. Overall, this facelift concentrates investment on intelligent and comfort features, continuing the GLS's positioning strategy in the luxury SUV market of balancing technology and ride experience.
