Mercedes-Benz has given the GLS a mid-life facelift update which features subtle design enhancements both on the exterior and interior, improved equipment offerings, as well as software upgrades.
Mercedes GLS facelift – What you need to know!
Mercedes has updated the GLS SUV with a new grille that has four horizontal louvres in silver shadow finish. The front bumper has an integrated air inlets grilles with high gloss black surround. The underguard of the GLS has been redesigned as well. At the rear, the taillamps now get three horizontal blocks pattern with a new 20-inch alloy wheels in Himalayas grey with high sheet finish.
The GLS receives two new upholstery options – Catalina Beige and Bahia Brown leather colors. The GLS also gets the glossy brown lime wood trim and Parking Package that provides 360-degree camera view at lower speeds as standard. The Trim choices include MANUFAKTUR glossy black flowing lines piano lacquer, and high gloss brown linden wood.
Many drivers who own GLS loves to take it off-road for fun and other stuff, but it becomes difficult sometimes to drive in the off-road terrain and therefore, there is the new off-road engineering package which includes an underride guard and 30mm more ground clearance than usual. Mercedes updated it’s MBUX infotainment system as well as it gets new look for the display with three graphic styles – Classic, Sporty, and Discreet and three modes – Navigation, Assistance, and Service.
With Classic graphic style – it gets test two-tube design with all the familiar content between the two round displays. With Sporty graphic style – the red dominates the display with dynamic design and central rev counter. With Discreet graphic style – Only essential content will be shown and nothing else. In addition, both displays have seven different colour schemes combined with the ambient lighting.
There is the off-road mode which tilts the steering angle, compass and the camera view from underneath the front bumper called the transparent bumper which shows obstacles such as large stones or deep potholes.
Mercedes AMG GLS 63 – Something new with this?
The AMG variant of the Mercedes-Benz GLS has got more equipment features such as electric panoramic sunroof, heated and climatized front seats, Adaptive High Beam Assist, Smartphone integration, Burmester Sound System, Memory Package, and heated cupholders as standard now. The AMG-GLS 63 had a V8 turbocharged petrol engine that puts out 603 bhp, but now it has been integrated with a 48-volt battery which will give a boost to cars performance for a short period. Mercedes has added AMG performance exhaust system and adaptive dampers and a new software update which will manage the settings of roll stabilization and air suspension settngs.
Mercedes-Maybach GLS – What’s new?
The Maybach GLS has a new set of alloy wheels that are 23-inch with typical Maybach design. A new air inlet grilles that features Maybach pattern and chrome surround. It has a new standard feature which is ambient lighting with animated-projection of Maybach logo. Maybach GLS has been updated with new colour options as well like the Sodalite Blue Metallic, and Manufaktur Alpine Grey Non-Metallic.
Mercedes-Benz GLS facelift – Engine Options
| Engines | 3.0-litre I6 petrol | 4.0-litre V8 turbo-petrol | 3.0-litre I6 diesel | 4.0-litre V8 turbo-petrol |
| Displacement | 2999cc | 3982cc | 2989cc | 3982cc |
| Power | 375.78 bhp | 509 bhp | 265 bhp / 361 bhp | 549 bhp – on petrol 624 bhp – with mild-hybrid tech. |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 730 Nm | 650 Nm / 750 Nm | 730 Nm |
| Transmission | 9-speed AT | 9-speed AT | 9-speed AT | 9-speed AT |
| 0 – 100 kmph | 6.1 seconds | 4.9 seconds | 6.7 seconds / 6.1 seconds | 4.2 seconds |
| Top Speed | 250 kmph | 250 kmph | 238 kmph / 250 kmph | 250 kmph |
The Mercedes has four engines on offer with three petrol engines and one diesel engine with different stats for different model. The 3.0-litre straight six petrol engine puts out 375.78 bhp and 500 Nm of torque paired to the 9-speed Automatic Transmission and can go from 0 – 100 kmph in just 6.1 second at 250 kmph top speed. The next is 4.0-litre V8 turbocharged-petrol or as Mercedes calls it, Biturbo pumps out 509 bhp and 730 Nm of torque paired to the same transmission except this will go more faster by 4.9 seconds at a top speed 250 kmph.
The third is the 3.0-litre straight six diesel engine that has two different stats for two different models, yet the same engine. The 3.0-litre straight six diesel produces 265 bhp and 361 bhp and 650 Nm and 750 Nm of torque paired to the same transmission but goes from 0 – 100 kmph in 6.7 seconds / 6.1 seconds. The Maybach uses the V8 turbo-charged petrol engine puts out 549 bhp on petrol and with the help of mid-hybrid tech that gives you a temporary boost to the engine and takes it from 549 bhp to 624 bhp with 730 Nm of torque paired to the same Transmission and same top speed of 250 kmph.
There is no word on when will the facelift see that update in the Indian-spec GLS, but it would only be revealed closer to the launch, which might happen next year 2024 or by the end of 2023.
