Mercedes Updates The GLS With Fresh Looks And More Tech
The entire engine portfolio has also been electrified.
A few weeks ago, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the refreshed GLE lineup. Now, we have the updated GLS range. The midlife makeover has been given to all the Mercedes-Benz versions, the Maybach iteration and the AMG 63. All have received tweaked looks inside-out, more tech, the latest MBUX software and electrified engines.
Kicking off with the Mercedes-Benz GLS, it packs a refreshed front end courtesy of a more in-your-face grille along with a revised bumper and front under guard. New 20-inch wheels have also been added to the portfolio. Indoors, the standard seven-seater recipe continues. But with the beige and brown themes, two new leather colours are available. The GLS also dons glossy brown lime wood trim by default. However, the black piano lacquer theme from Maybach GLS 600 4Matic is now on offer. In addition, the galvanised air vents in Silver Shadow, a design cue also taken from the top-tier GLS.
The Off-Road Engineering Package has been recompiled, which sees the introduction of an underride guard and 30mm more ground clearance. Also new to the party is the latest MBUX software. That ropes in new graphics for the screens. And those who want to haul a trailer can use additional features such as Trailer Manoeuvring Assist and Trailer route planner.
Moving to the refreshed Mercedes-Maybach GLS. Besides a revised grille, which is even more imposing now, a 23-inch forged wheel option with a typical Maybach design is now available. Another newly added feature is ambient lighting with animated projection of the Mercedes-Maybach pattern.
Inside the cabin, the lavishly comfortable seats sport a new design. And for the ambience, the combinations of white/silver grey pearl and mahogany brown/macchiato beige are now available. Other new stuff, shared with the standard GLS range, includes new paint options, Merc’s latest steering wheel with touch controls, an improved MBUX rear-seat entertainment system, two USB ports (optional) with 100W charging and Energising Air Control.
Engines? The Mercedes-Benz GLS range has two petrol and diesel engine options, all with a mild-hybrid system and a 4Matic all-wheel-drive. The strongest of the lot is the 580 petrol, which uses a 4.0-litre powerplant. With 517hp/730Nm and an additional 22hp/250Nm available from the mild-hybrid system, it can hit 100kmph from nothing in 4.9 seconds and reach 250kmph before running into the electronic speed governors.
The Maybach GLS, on the other hand, sports the ‘600’ tag. That has the same engine and mild-hybrid system as the GLS 580 but outputs 557hp/730Nm from the internal combustion engine alone. That additional oomph helps reduce the 0-100kmph sprint time to 4.2 seconds.
If that isn’t enough, one should check out the refreshed Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4Matic+. In addition to the same internal starter generator, the turbocharged 4.0-litre engine offers 612hp/850Nm. Although that doesn’t help reduce the standard sprint time, the top speed is 280kmph.
The revised AMG GLS 63 also boasts a redesigned LED rear light signature. Apart from that, there’s an AMG emblem instead of the Mercedes start at the front, red brake callipers, AMG-specific light animation via a new logo projector and alloy wheel options ranging from 21 to 23 inches in diameter. And yes, more paint options are available.
New colour schemes are available for the interior – black mated with Bahia brown or macchiato beige. In addition, glossy brown lime wood and black piano lacquer trims are available in the options list. Also, the standard equipment list now includes an electric panoramic sunroof, heated and climatised front seats, adaptive high beam assist, AMG Performance exhaust system, a Burmester sound system, AMG Ride Control+ suspension with adaptive adjustable damping and the 360-degree Parking Pilot. In addition, the latest AMG-spec steering wheel makes the cut, which can be upgraded to feature a heating function and a carbon-fibre look.
The refreshed GLS will arrive in Europe by the end of October 2023. That’s about six weeks after its USA market launch.
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