evinnotech.com – April 1, 2026

Featured image suggestion: Search Unsplash for “white luxury SUV side profile studio executive”

Mercedes‑Benz has unveiled the facelifted GLS — the brand’s flagship full‑size SUV — with a comprehensive upgrade covering exterior, interior, intelligence, chassis, and powertrain. The headline changes: a new flat‑plane‑crank V8 engine and standard predictive‑scanning air suspension. The updated GLS is expected to launch overseas in late 2026 and arrive in China in 2027. The Maybach GLS will receive the same updates.

Table of Contents

Exterior: Larger Grille, Star‑Pattern LED Headlights

The facelifted GLS retains the current model’s imposing full‑size SUV proportions but refines the front and lighting. A larger radiator grille is flanked by new “Star Curtain” LED headlights that incorporate Mercedes’ three‑pointed‑star emblem into their internal lighting signature — a distinctive visual signature when illuminated.

Mercedes‑Benz GLS side profile white full‑size SUV

The side profile remains classic GLS: long, straight lines, a commanding greenhouse, and standard 21‑inch wheels with optional 22‑ and 23‑inch designs. At the rear, a new full‑width LED taillight shared with the latest E‑Class, plus subtle revisions to the rear bumper and license‑plate surround.

Interior: MBUX Superscreen — 12.3″ + 14″ + 14″

The cabin is dominated by the new MBUX Superscreen — a single‑piece glass panel housing a 12.3‑inch digital instrument cluster, 14‑inch central touchscreen, and 14‑inch passenger entertainment screen. Despite the massive digital real estate, Mercedes has retained physical buttons for frequently used functions, balancing touch‑screen convenience with tactile safety.

Mercedes‑Benz GLS dashboard full view MBUX Superscreen
Mercedes‑Benz GLS center console detail controls
Mercedes‑Benz GLS dashboard driver side view

Other interior updates include a new steering wheel, circular air‑vent surrounds, 3D‑textured seat upholstery, and multiple interior color options. High‑spec models add seat‑vibration massage and a rear‑seat independent entertainment system.

Mercedes‑Benz GLS front seat door open view
Mercedes‑Benz GLS rear seat door open view

The MBUX system now includes an AI virtual assistant, over‑the‑air updates, vehicle‑to‑everything connectivity, and multi‑screen interaction. Driver‑assistance systems are also updated with improved highway pilot and active‑braking functions.

Suspension: E‑ACTIVE BODY CONTROL — 1,000 Scans/Second

The most significant chassis upgrade is the standard‑fit E‑ACTIVE BODY CONTROL predictive air suspension. The system scans the road surface 1,000 times per second, combines that data with cloud‑based road‑condition information, and proactively adjusts suspension damping and ride height before the wheels encounter irregularities. The result is dramatically improved ride comfort and high‑speed stability.

Powertrain: Flat‑Plane Crank V8 (530hp) or 3.0T I6 (375hp)

GLS 450 4MATIC:

  • 3.0‑liter turbocharged inline‑six + 48‑volt mild‑hybrid
  • 375 horsepower, 560N·m torque

GLS 580 4MATIC:

  • New 4.0‑liter twin‑turbo flat‑plane‑crank V8
  • 530 horsepower, 750N·m torque
  • 9‑speed automatic transmission + full‑time 4WD

The flat‑plane‑crank V8 is a notable departure from Mercedes’ traditional cross‑plane V8 architecture, offering higher rev‑ability and a sharper exhaust note.

Why It Matters: The Benchmark for Full‑Size Luxury SUVs

The Mercedes‑Benz GLS has long been the benchmark against which all other full‑size luxury SUVs are measured — the BMW X7, Audi Q8, and Range Rover all compete in this segment. With the 2027 facelift adding a flat‑plane‑crank V8, predictive air suspension that scans the road 1,000 times per second, and the MBUX Superscreen, Mercedes is not merely updating the GLS — it is re‑establishing its technological leadership. For Chinese buyers who will receive the car in 2027, this represents the pinnacle of what a three‑row luxury SUV can offer.

Sources

Avatar photo

By EV InnoTech

Your trusted source for Electric Vehicle news, reviews, and accessories.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *