Mercedes-Benz is supplying its largest SUV yet, GLSa subtle update to keep it fresh compared to something similar to an upgrade BMW X7.
Photographers captured this upgrade Mercedes-Benz GLS prototype testing before a potential launch in 2023.
There is only camouflage on small front and rear sections of this GLS prototype, suggesting that the upgrade is rather minor. These changes are expected to come to uber-luxury Maybach GLS also.
It is not clear if Mercedes-Benz will update the engine lineup or outputs for this facelift.
The GLS is offered here with a choice of 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder powertrain, the GLS450 uses the 270kW/500Nm petrol and the GLS400d uses the 243kW/700Nm diesel.
Sitting at the top is the Mercedes-AMG GLS63 4Matic+, which uses a 450kW/850Nm twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine.
All current GLS models come with a 48V mild-hybrid system, a nine-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive.
At this stage, it remains unclear whether Mercedes-Benz would like to introduce a plug-in hybrid powertrain (PHEV) to the GLS as part of a mid-life update.
The German automaker currently offers a pair of PHEV powertrains in the related GLE: the 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol, the GLE350e, and the 2.0-liter turbodiesel, the GLE350de.
At the front, this spy GLS prototype has its camouflage camouflage.
The grille insert is roughly the same design as the temporary grille, although this is most likely a form of camouflage.
The overall shape of the grille looks similar to the current GLS, as do the headlights.
Going back, the spy GLS prototype only has camouflage in the tail light position, which suggests they will receive a new design.
It is unclear whether this new taillight design will have a full-width light bar, a popular design feature recently, or if it will come with separate tail lights.
It’s also unclear if the GLS will receive a new set of alloy wheel designs as part of the update. It is available now with a choice of 21, 22 or 23-inch alloy wheels.
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Current AMG GLS63 -
EQS SUV with optional MBUX Hyperscreen
We have yet to see the interior in the updated GLS, so it remains to be seen if there will be any changes to the infotainment system.
Currently, the GLS has a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system running MBUX operating system.
The all-electric replacement for the Mercedes-Benz GLS, EQS SUVcan be selected with the 141cm-wide MBUX Hyperscreen, which includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 17.7-inch central touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch passenger touchscreen.
The GLS could get a new steering wheel, possibly a steering wheel from the EQS SUV.
The steering wheel of this electric SUV has some touch buttons and doesn’t have any switches or switches.
The third generation Mercedes-Benz GLS SUV has been on sale in Australia since 2019.
A more luxurious Mercedes-Maybach version called GLS600 arrived last year.
It is powered by the same 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8 as the engine AMG GLS63but removed to produce 410kW and 730Nm.
As of May 2022, Mercedes-Benz has sold a total of 272 GLS models. It was outsold during this period by the BMW X7 (406 sales), but outsold the likes of Land Rover Discovery (78 sales).
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