evinnotech.com - April 1, 2026
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
- Interior: MBUX Superscreen - 12.3″ + 14″ + 14″
- Suspension: E‑ACTIVE BODY CONTROL - 1,000 Scans/Second
- Powertrain: Flat‑Plane Crank V8 (530hp) or 3.0T I6 (375hp)
- Why It Matters: The Benchmark for Full‑Size Luxury SUVs
- Sources
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.
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.
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.
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
- Autohome China: 2027 Mercedes‑Benz GLS Facelift Official Images
- Mercedes‑Benz Official Press Release, April 1, 2026
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