Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class Facelift Debuts With Refreshed Exterior and New Cabin

Mercedes-Benz has finally unveiled the facelifted GLS-Class lineup, featuring mild exterior update and new cabin equipment. Beyond the standard GLS model, this mid-life refresh treatment applies to all X167-gen GLS models, including the sporty AMG and posh Maybach variants.

For the exterior, the facelifted GLS features a mild styling update that sees the front bumper primed with new air inlets, finished in gloss black. The four louvres in the grille are now finished in Silver Shadow hue instead of chrome.

The side part of the car pretty much looks the same as the pre-facelift model, still featuring the boxy SUV silhouette. Elsewhere, the facelift treatment also takes place at the rear part, where the LED taillights now feature a new signet motif. There’s also two new colourway options available – Twilight Blue Metallic and Manufaktur Alpine Grey (non-metallic).

Apart from that, the new GLS now comes with an option to upgrade the standard wheels to 20-inch multi-spoke ones, finished in Himalayas Grey instead of the standard’s two-tone.

Much of the facelift treatment takes place on board the GLS, where it is now primed with new MBUX infotainment system, featuring dual screen layout at the front dash. The updated version of MBUX software now comes with up to three different graphic styles for users to choose from – Classic, Sporty, and Discreet.

Aside from the graphic options, this new software also comes with three new modes – Navigation, Assistance, and Service. Plus, users can also choose up to seven colour schemes for the infotainment display. When rolling on the Off-Road setting, the MBUX display will show drivers the vehicle’s tilt angles, compass, as well as the camera view from underneath the front bumper.

As for the upholstery, the facelifted GLS is now primed with Catalana Beige and Bahia Brown leather upholstery options, plus two new trim choices – High-Gloss Brown Linden Wood and Manufaktur Piano Lacquer Flowing Lines.

Moving on to the special models, the facelifted Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 adds a new ambient lighting system that includes an animated projection of the marque’s iconic three-point star emblem. The seats are also perforated to allow the ventilation and heating system, wrapped in diamond-quilted upholstery instead of standard leather.

On top of that, the Maybach GLS now rides on an optional set of 23-inch forged wheels, while the rest of its exterior remains relatively the same as before.

As for the sporty AMG variant, the Mercedes-AMG GLS63 4Matic+ gains new puddle lights that project AMG-specific animations on the ground upon entering the vehicle. On top of the new MBUX software, the GLS63 also comes with additional software tweaks that improves the roll stabilisation and air suspension systems.

On board, the GLS63 cabin comes with two new Nappa leather upholstery options – Bahia Brown/Black and Macchiato Beige/Black. Elsewhere, the AMG SUV also gets the panoramic sunroof as standard, as well as new adaptive high beam system and heated and ventilated front seats.

Interestingly, all facelifted GLS-Class models now feature a 48-Volt mild-hybrid (MHEV) system that adds an extra 20 HP. The baseline GLS450 4Matic petrol model still carries the same 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six mill, now rated at 375 HP and 500 NM. Meanwhile, the top-specced GLS580 4Matic’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 mill now delivers 510 HP and 730 NM to boot. Both models’ V-max are electronically-governed to 210 KM/H.

The Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 harnesses the same 4.0-litre V8 engine as the GLS580 model, featuring a slightly higher state-of-tune of 550 HP and 730 NM. This, in turn, grants the GLS600 a higher top speed of 250 KM/H, while its 0-96 KM/H sprint time still matches the GLS580’s 4.7 seconds.

Finally, the top-of-the-line Mercedes-AMG GLS63 4Matic+ sees the same 4.0-litre V8 engine tuned to deliver up to 603 HP and 850 NM to boot, which is good enough to see this full-size SUV propels from nought to 96 KM/H in only 4.1 seconds. The GLS63 is capable of reaching a top speed up to 280 KM/H, which pretty much puts it into the sportscar category.

The facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class models, including the two special models, are poised to go on sale in selected markets like Europe and North America later this year, followed by the rest of the world. As for now, the German automaker has yet to unveil the pricing for these new models.

Pre-facelift Mercedes-Benz GLS (X167)

Locally, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) only offers the pre-facelift GLS450 AMG Line and Maybach GLS600, as the firm omits the AMG variant from our country. With both models fully-imported (CBU), the GLS450 AMG Line is currently priced at RM899,888, while the luxurious Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 4Matic almost doubles the GLS450’s price tag, currently for sale at RM1.789 million.