View all Mercedes-Benz GLS Reviews
► New Mercedes GLS revealed
► New tech inside
► New styling
First came the updated S-Class, and now this: the new Mercedes-Benz GLS. As you’d expect from what’s essentially always been the S-Class on stilts, the updated GLS benefits from the same styling and technology updates as Stuttgart’s most luxurious saloon – but adds some extra bulk and height.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about Mercedes’ most fully-loaded SUV – this side of a Maybach, anyway.
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What’s new?
A fair amount, because there was a fair amount new in the latest S-Class the GLS aligns itself with. Mercedes says its top SUV has therefore undergone a comprehensive update that improves everything from tech and handling to NVH.
The most obvious changes come at the front and rear of the new GLS, which gets upgrade to match the rest of Stuttgart’s most recent models. With that in mind the grille has grown and is now lit up, of course. The SUV also gets an upright Mercedes star on the bonnet – just like its S-Class counterpart. It’s illuminated while driving if you’re in the US, and if you’re at a standstill in China.
The new, revised grille is flanked by new headlight units that go bigger, brighter and bolder than the previous model. Like the GLE, they now feature start-shaped elements though here they’re arranged in 2+2 formation, stacked on top of each other on either side. On the GLE they’re horizontal.
The technology inside them has improved too, so they put out 40% more light than the previous units, whilst using half the power. The rear lights also feature three stars compared to the GLE’s two, and Mercedes says that’s to signify the more premium feel of the GLS.
What about the interior?
Inside you get an MBUX Superscreen as standard, like the GLE, which means three 12.3-inch screens in formation: one for the driver, one as infotainment and one as a passenger. It impressive, though we’d expect the S-model – Mercedes top SUV – to get quite a bit more than the GLE.
The GLS does at least get two 11.6-inch displays for rear passengers, reinforcing the premium, limousine feel. Like the front screens, they’re powered by the latest version of MB.OS, with over-the-air updated expected to add further features along the way.
Mercedes hasn’t only updated the software though; there’s a strong physical improvement too: the haptic, wheel-mounted system Stuttgart has persisted with is gone in the new GLS, replaced by physical switchgear. Even from my brief time with the car, it’s a huge improvement.
The GLS also gets seven seats as standard.
What about the engines?
The GLS 580 4Matic gets the same new flat plane crank V8 good for 530bhp and with 553ft lbs of torque. In addition to a better soundtrack, it’ll also spread-out torque across a wider range (now from 2500 to 4500rpm).
As with the GLE, there’s a 450 4Matic under that with a straight-six petrol engine and 413 ft lbs of torque (that’s 12% more than before). The range is completed two diesels: a 350d and 450d.
Anything else?
Like the GLE, the GLS gets E-Active body control. Essentially, an intelligent active suspension, it uses over 20 sensors and five processors to adjust the suspension 1000 times a second.
There’s also a good amount of autonomous tech here, too: the GLE has ten exterior cameras, five radars and 12 ultrasonic sensors. However, what those can do depends on where you are in the world.
Mercedes adaptive cruise (called Distronic) is available in the UK, but MB.Drive Assist and Assist Pro are all in China at launch and the USA later. Their appearance in the EU remains the subject of expensive litigation.
