Hot on the heels of the facelift of the GLE and GLE Coupé, the Mercedes‑Benz GLS, Mercedes‑Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC (combined fuel consumption 14.1-13.8 l/100 km, combined CO₂ emissions 320-314 g/km) and Mercedes‑AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+ (combined fuel consumption 13.2‑12.8 l/100 km, combined CO₂ emissions 298‑289 g/km) are now also appearing in updated form. A number of design, technology and equipment changes take the comfort, connectivity and ambience of the large SUV model series to the next level.

With their generous exterior dimensions, the SUV models offer interior space for up to seven occupants in three seat rows. The upgraded Mercedes‑Benz GLS will arrive in the European dealerships from the end of October 2023; in the USA, the market launch will start in mid‑September.

Mercedes-Benz GLS: visual enhancement and functional off-road features

The latest Mercedes‑Benz GLS models can be recognised by the even more striking radiator grille. The four louvres are galvanised in high-quality Silver Shadow. The bumper is also visually more prominent. It features integrated air inlet grilles, combined with a surround in high-gloss black. The large simulated underguard (standard equipment) has also been redesigned. The eye-catcher at the rear is the interior of the lights with three horizontal blocks. A new 20-inch multi-spoke light-alloy wheel in Himalayas grey with a high-sheen finish has been added to the range of wheels.

As before, the Mercedes‑Benz GLS is a seven-seater as standard. With Catalana beige and Bahia brown, two new leather colours are available. The range of interior trim finishes has also been revised. Glossy brown lime wood is now standard. The trim element MANUFAKTUR glossy black flowing lines piano lacquer, previously reserved for the Mercedes‑Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC, is now also available for the GLS family from Mercedes‑Benz.

The louvres of the centre and side air vents are galvanised in Silver Shadow - another detail that will be familiar from the Mercedes‑Maybach GLS.

Most drivers of a GLS only travel on paved roads or in easy to moderately difficult off-road terrain. Mercedes‑Benz has therefore recompiled the scope of the Off-Road Engineering package. Components include an underride guard and 30 millimetres more ground clearance.

The updated generation of the infotainment system MBUX brings with it a new look for the displays. The displays can be individualised with the help of three different styles (classic, sporty, discreet) and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service). With "classic" the driver is opting for the tried and test two-tube design with all the familiar content between the two round displays. "Sporty" is dominated by the colour red, with a dynamic design for the central rev counter. In "discreet" style, the content is reduced to what is essential. In addition, both displays can be shown in seven colour schemes in conjunction with the ambient lighting. The result is an impressive colour experience in the interior. The central display offers all the same content as hitherto and can be operated directly and conveniently as a touchscreen.

The "Off-Road Mode" in the current MBUX generation turns special content such as gradient, lateral inclination, compass and steering angle into a visual experience. Thanks to the standard Parking Package with 360‑degree camera, it offers the "transparent bonnet" function. When the Offroad mode is active, the central display shows a virtual view under the front of the vehicle. The view is composed of the images from the 360°camera. With the "transparent bonnet", obstacles such as large stones or deep potholes on the route ahead can be better recognised.

All-wheel drive and a gear ratio designed for pulling power allow a high trailer load of up to 3.5 tonnes and a tongue weight of up to 140 kg. The trailer coupling 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 transported.

Helpful additional features for use when towing include Trailer Manoeuvring Assist, the updated Trailer menu in the central display and the Trailer route planner. This can be used to find optimised routes when travelling with a trailer.

Mercedes-Maybach GLS: extraordinary luxury refined even further

Vertical chrome bars and the "Maybach" lettering are the distinguishing features of the top model's high-quality radiator grille. The air inlet grilles feature a Maybach pattern and have a chrome surround. A 23‑inch forged wheel in typical Maybach design with forged wheel bolt cover is new to the options list.

Another new standard feature is ambient lighting with animated projection of the Mercedes‑Maybach pattern. In the interior, a new design for the seat covers emphasises the particularly luxurious character of the Mercedes‑Maybach. The centre sections of the seat surfaces and backrests now feature high-quality diamond-pattern quilting with specific perforations. Exclusively for the Mercedes‑Maybach, the colour combinations MANUFAKTUR crystal white/silver grey pearl and MANUFAKTUR mahogany brown/macchiato beige are offered for the interior.

Further new features of the Mercedes-Benz GLS and Mercedes-Maybach GLS

·         New paint finishes sodalite blue metallic and MANUFAKTUR alpine grey non-metallic

·         Latest steering wheel generation with touch controls on the spokes

·         The voice assistant can also be activated without the keyword "Hey Mercedes"

·         With the optional MBUX Multi-Seat Entertainment system, rear-seat occupants experience the same comprehensive range of infotainment and comfort features as those in the front. They have the use of up to three touchscreens, and a variety of intuitive control options such as the "Hey Mercedes" voice assistant.

·         Two USB ports (optional equipment) with 100 W output in the rear of the centre console

·         ENERGIZING AIR CONTROL (optional in Western Europe) with two-stage filter concept against fine dust and other pollutants

Models and data at a glance:

Mercedes-AMG GLS: refreshed design features and software updates

Mercedes-AMG is upgrading the GLS 63 4MATIC+ and adding to the standard equipment. The exclusive equipment and further improved on-road driving dynamics make the GLS 63 the head of the AMG SUV family.

The new model is visually distinguishable by the newly designed LED rear light signature. Two new colours have been added to the range of paint finishes: MANUFAKTUR alpine grey non-metallic and sodalite blue metallic. In addition, the front section now also bears the AMG emblem instead of the Mercedes star - indicating the close brand affinity. Added to this are the red brake callipers, which emphasise sportiness. When the front doors are opened, the vehicle plays an AMG-specific light animation with the help of a new logo projector. Wheels range from the standard 21‑inch ten-spoke light-alloy wheel to options in diameters of 22 and 23 inches, including forged wheels.

New highlights in the interior

In the interior, the AMG seats and features such as the instrument panel are upholstered in Exclusive nappa leather. There is also a new colour scheme in Bahia brown/black or macchiato beige/black. For the interior trim, glossy brown lime wood is now also available as an option. In addition, new MANUFAKTUR glossy black piano lacquer with flowing decorative lines is also available on request. The new Mercedes-AMG GLS also benefits from the latest generation of MBUX: the AMG-specific screen design and functions make the brand experience even more tangible.

Significantly more extensive standard equipment

The standard equipment is even more extensive than in the already lavishly equipped predecessor. It includes, among other things, the electric panoramic sliding sunroof, heated and climatised front seats, Adaptive High Beam Assist and Smartphone Integration. Also included are the engageable AMG Performance exhaust system, the Burmester® sound system, the Memory package, the 360-degree Parking Pilot, the KEYLESS-GO package and Blind Spot Assist.

The latest generation of the AMG Performance steering wheel is also always on board. The round AMG steering wheel buttons impress with their brilliant displays and intuitive operating logic. They allow important driving functions and all drive programs to be controlled without the driver's hands leaving the steering wheel. The steering wheel rim can be heated as an option, and is also available in a carbon-fibre look.

Customers can also look forward to special equipment features such as the MBUX Augmented Reality function, MULTIBEAM LED headlamps and the AMG Driver's package. The list continues with the AIR BALANCE package, the multicontour front seats and the head-up display. The MBUX Interior Assistant and temperature-controlled cup holders are also provided as standard.

In the GLS 63, the proven AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine with an output of 450 kW (612 hp) ensures powerful propulsion. The 4.0-litre V8 engine from Mercedes-AMG has been systematically electrified with a 48-volt auxiliary on-board electrical system and the integrated starter alternator (ISG) including Boost function. Explosive power delivery with finely controlled power output truly sets it apart. For this purpose, the twin-scroll turbochargers are located between the cylinder heads for better response. On the other hand, the cylinder shutoff system noticeably reduces consumption when less power is required.

The V8 engine is electrified with an integrated starter alternator (ISG) and a 48-volt on-board electrical system. The ISG combines a starter and alternator in one powerful electric motor. It is installed between the engine and transmission. The ISG also performs hybrid functions. These include boosting, recuperation, load point shifting, gliding and almost imperceptible engine restarting with the start/stop function.

Active roll stabilisation with new configuration

The AMG RIDE CONTROL+ suspension with adaptive adjustable damping is also standard equipment. The active roll stabilisation system AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL works with two electro-mechanical actuators at the front and rear axle. The system reduces body roll when cornering, and allows more precise tuning of load change behaviour and precision when entering bends. It also increases driving comfort when driving straight ahead, as it compensates for one-sided unevenness in the road surface.

As part of the facelift, the roll stabilisation and air suspension also benefit from a software update and a new setup. These measures increase the spread between dynamic handling and comfort. Fine-tuning of the software for the configuration of ESP®, the electronically controlled rear-axle locking differential, the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive and the suspension control system delivers a dynamic and superior driving experience.

Technical data at a glance

Success story: the Tuscaloosa plant
When the Mercedes‑Benz plant in Tuscaloosa was founded in 1995, the site was the first major Mercedes‑Benz plant outside Germany. About two thirds of annual production is exported - making Mercedes‑Benz U.S. International (MBUSI) one of the largest automobile exporters in the USA, from its base there. Since 1997, about four million vehicles have rolled off the assembly line at the plant in Tuscaloosa. In 2021 alone, some 260,000 SUVs were produced there.

The Tuscaloosa plant uses state-of-the-art digital, sustainable, efficient and flexible production methods. The location thus follows the blueprint of "Factory 56" in Sindelfingen, which represents the future of automotive manufacturing at Mercedes‑Benz. Mercedes‑Benz invested in flexible production at an early stage, using the state-of-the-art digital production ecosystem MO360. This enables Mercedes‑Benz in Tuscaloosa to produce models with combustion engines, plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles in large quantities in parallel.