Mercedes’ biggest SUV just got a much-needed and comprehensive refresh. Meet the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS, now with a flat-plane crankshaft V8, three screens on the dash, and “cloud-based” suspension. And, as usual for Benz, it looks even more preposterously over-the-top than before.
Starting with the exterior, it is still clearly an evolution of the old GLS but with the latest Mercedes design accouterments. The front fascia now follows the current design language seen on the E-Class, with much larger headlights featuring the three-pointed star lighting motif. The rear is the same, with taillights that echo the E-Class. Subjectively, the front looks a little odd with such huge headlights, but I digress.
Inside, a much-needed MBUX update has been applied. Now with the MBUX Superscreen, which includes three discreet display panels, the GLS finally has current-generation Mercedes infotainment. Even better, the row of physical switches below the center display remains, as do most of the physical controls from the outgoing GLS. There’s no portrait-oriented tablet here–Mercedes is listening to the market here.
But it gets really interesting when it comes to driving tech. The GLS 450 features an updated 3.0-liter inline-six, which is a lovely engine. But the GLS 580’s V8 now has a flat-plane crankshaft, just like the S-Class. For the GLS, Mercedes says the flat-plane is “preparation for future emissions standards,” which sheds a little more light on that flat-plane mystery.
Also, the GLS has air suspension as standard, with cloud-based ride-quality tech. Basically, the suspension samples the road 1000 times per second and stores the data in the cloud. With that stored data, which Mercedes crowdsources from any car equipped with it, it can soften or stiffen the suspension before it ever encounters a bump. I suppose connecting the improved ride quality with the word “cloud” is a cool side-effect too.
Motor1's Take: It’s no revolution, but it’s a much-needed evolution for the GLS. It all looks great, but I’m still not too sure about those colossal headlights.
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