Shortly after the facelift of the GLE and GLE Coupé, Mercedes is also presenting the modernized GLS as well as the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4-Matic+ and the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4-Matic. The first versions can now be ordered. The prices have gone up tremendously.
Numerous changes in design, technology and equipment improve the comfort, connectivity and ambience of the large SUV. As usual, the models offer space for up to seven passengers in three rows of seats. The new Mercedes-Benz GLS will be available in Europe from the end of October 2023, while the US market launch will start in mid-September.
GLS with a new look and transparent bonnet
The Mercedes-Benz GLS has seven seats as standard and has a new design with a more striking radiator grille, a visually more prominent bumper and a large underbody protection. The rear also has a new design with three horizontal blocks in the lights. There is also a new 20-inch multi-spoke light-alloy wheel with a high-sheen finish in "Himalaya Grey". Two new leather colors are available, "Catalana Beige" and "Bahia Brown", as well as the trim part "Manufaktur Piano Lacquer Flowing Lines Glossy Black", which was previously reserved for the Mercedes Maybach GLS 600 4-Matic.
The MBUX infotainment system of the updated generation of the SUV has a new appearance of the displays and can be customized with three styles (classic, sporty, discreet) and three modes (navigation, assistance, service). The central display offers all previous content and can be operated directly and conveniently as a touchscreen. The "off-road mode" shows special content such as incline, body roll, compass and steering angle. With the "transparent bonnet" function, the central display gives a virtual view of the front under the vehicle when the off-road driving program is switched on. The all-wheel drive comes with a gear ratio designed for traction, which enables a high trailer load of up to 3.5 tons and a vertical load of up to 140 kg. There is also an improved off-road technology package with underguard and ground clearance that is 30 millimeters higher.
The trailer hitch has two additional bolts on the ball neck on which a suitable bicycle carrier can be supported. Its load capacity is 100 kg - this means that e-bikes can also be taken along. Helpful additional features for train operation are the trailer maneuvering assistant, the updated trailer menu in the central display and the trailer route planner.
Mercedes-AMG GLS 63: More equipment, AMG-MBUX
Mercedes has also upgraded the AMG version of the GLS and expanded the standard equipment. The exclusive equipment and the further improved on-road driving dynamics make the GLS 63 the head of the AMG SUV family.
The new model can be recognized visually by the newly designed signature of the LED rear lights. Two new colors have been added to the range of paintwork: "Manufaktur Alpinggrau uni" and "Sodalite blue metallic". In addition, the front mask now bears the AMG crest instead of the Mercedes star. There are also the red brake calipers and the AMG-specific light animation when the doors are opened. The range of wheels extends from the standard 21-inch light-alloy wheel in a ten-spoke design to options with a diameter of 22 and 23 inches, including forged wheels.
In the interior, the AMG seats and elements such as the instrument panel are exclusively covered in nappa leather. The color scheme in "bahia brown/black" or "macchiato beige/black" is new. Lime wood in glossy brown is now also available as an option for the decorative elements. In addition, the "piano lacquer high-gloss black" is now available as an option. The new Mercedes-AMG GLS also benefits from the latest MBUX generation, which is reflected in the AMG-specific screen design and the AMG functions.
The standard equipment is even more extensive than the predecessor, which was already lavishly equipped. It includes, among other things, the electric panoramic sunroof, heated and air-conditioned front seats, the adaptive high-beam assistant and smartphone integration. In addition, there is the switchable AMG performance exhaust system, the Burmester sound system, the memory package, the 360-degree park pilot, the keyless go package and the blind spot assistant. The latest generation of the AMG steering wheel is always on board.
The GLS 63 is powered by the 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine with 612 hp including a 48-volt electrical system and the integrated starter generator (ISG) with boost function.
The air suspension chassis with adaptive adjustable damping is also standard on board. Added to this is active roll stabilization with two electromechanical actuators on the front and rear axles to reduce roll movements when cornering and to improve steering and load change behavior. The system also ensures greater driving comfort when driving straight ahead, as it compensates for uneven road surfaces on one side. A fine tuning of the software for ESP, the electronically controlled rear axle locking differential, the fully variable all-wheel drive 4-Matic+ and the chassis control completes the facelift.
Mercedes-Maybach GLS: Refined luxury
The top model of the series, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS, presents itself after the facelift with vertical chrome bars and the "Maybach" lettering on the radiator grille. The Maybach pattern adorns the air intake grilles, which are surrounded by chrome trim. A new addition to the list of options is a 23-inch forged wheel in a typical Maybach design with forged wheel bolt covers.
The new standard equipment includes ambient lighting with animated projection of the Maybach signet.In the interior, the new design of the seat covers underscores the particularly luxurious character of the luxury model. The central parts of the seat and backrest have high-quality diamond quilting with well-placed perforations. In addition, the color combinations "crystal white/silver gray pearl" and "mahogany brown/macchiato beige" are exclusively available for the interior of the Mercedes-Maybach.
The latest generation steering wheel has touch elements on the spokes and the voice assistant can also be triggered without the activation phrase "Hey Mercedes".
With the "MBUX Multi Seat Entertainment" option, rear passengers experience the same infotainment and comfort options as the front passengers. They have up to three touchscreen screens and a wide range of intuitive operating options such as the language assistant. Also new are two USB ports (optional equipment) with 100 W power at the rear of the center console. A two-stage filter concept works against fine dust and other pollutants - but is only available as an option.
First check of the Mercedes GLS
To get to know the facelifted GLS for the first time, Mercedes invites you to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, where the footballers of the Atlanta Falcons and the footballers of Atlanta United FC usually play their home games. After all, this is also a home game for Mercedes, since the production site in Alabama is almost 300 km to the west.
Accompanied by cheerleaders, three GLS roll onto the artificial turf, a GLS 580, a Mercedes-AMG GLS 600. The wide, empty stadium flatters the true dimensions of the largest of all Mercedes SUVs, here it looks impressively stately, but by no means oversized. Of course, Dimitris Psillakis, CEO of Mercedes North America, also sees it this way: "We sell most of the GLS in the USA and China, the size is just right there".
Then he asks for a seat test in the three models that have driven up. There are no big surprises, the larger MBUX screens blend harmoniously into the GLS interior. Equally recognizable is the effort to achieve the best possible impression of quality. This can be seen above all in the Maybach, which has become even more opulent. The diamond-quilted center seat panels, which are now available in the Maybach-GLS, look particularly fine. Incidentally, the Maybach versions are made on the same treadmill as the other GLS versions. For the interior only, the Maybachs are sent to a separate production line, where the particularly complex work is carried out.
Prices are rising
The first variants of the new Mercedes GLS can be ordered from mid-April 2023. As with various other series, Mercedes is also turning the price screw with the GLS. However, the new models are also better equipped. It starts with the GLS 350 d 4Matic, for which at least 107,760 euros are required. So far, it was in the pre-facelift price list at 96,432 euros. The serve is over 11.000 euros. The GLS 450 4Matic can be ordered from 111,206 euros (the surcharge here is around 12,000 euros). The newly introduced GLS 450 d 4Matic is available from 112,866 euros. The other engines of the GLS facelift version can probably be ordered from July 2023.
Conclusion
Mercedes has modernized its large SUV models, the GLS, the Maybach GLS 600 4-Matic and the AMG GLS 63 4-Matic+. The vehicles have been updated in terms of design, technology and equipment to improve comfort, connectivity and ambience. The SUVs can accommodate up to seven passengers in three rows of seats and will be available in Europe from the end of October 2023. The update includes a visual upgrade, an improvement to the infotainment system, higher ground clearance and an improved off-road engineering package. In addition, obstacles can be better recognized with the "transparent hood". With the facelift, however, the prices also rise – and significantly so.
