Mercedes-Benz GLS Facelift Teased Ahead of Its Debut

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a new teaser image for the facelifted version of the GLS Class SUV. Posted via Mercedes-Benz Press official Twitter page, the teaser image features the new facelift model under a shadowy veil.

In spite of the dark image, we can still see the SUV’s silhouette, as well as the partially-illuminated LED headlights. Notably, there’s also some light shining upon the car’s wheels and the three-star badge on the front hood, possibly indicating new changes taking place on both parts of the car.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS (left) & 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE Facelift (right)

As expected, the facelift treatment will see the marque’s three-row SUV being primed with a fresh look, new software updates, as well as some minor equipment upgrades. Though much can’t be said about the exterior refresh, the facelift model’s cabin should somewhat mirror the changes taken place on its little sibling, the facelifted GLE. 

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE Facelift cabin primed with new tech equipment

This includes equipment like a revised interior trim, more USB charging ports, as well as a larger 12.3-inch infotainment display with second-gen MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) software.

Currently in its third generation , the X167-gen GLS made its global debut back in 2020, coming in two petrol powertrain flavours, both with partial electrification. For the Malaysian market, the GLS was launched officially by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) in September last year, coming in a single GLS450 4Matic AMG Line variant.

The Malaysian-spec GLS450 4Matic is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six mill that delivers 362 HP and 500 NM. This engine is then mated to a 48 Volt mild-hybrid (MHEV) system that adds an additional 22 HP and 250 NM over short periods via an EQ Boost function. As its name suggests, power is sent to all four wheels via a 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox and the marque’s proprietary 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD) system.

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE400e 4Matic PHEV

As for the facelifted GLS, there’s a probability that we’ll be seeing a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant of it, possibly employing the same 2.0-litre PHEV powertrain as the PHEV variants of the GLE and GLC SUVs. Comprising of a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cyl engine, an electric motor, and a 23.3-kWh battery pack, the GLE PHEV model delivers a combined output of 381 HP and 649 NM.

Since the GLS is a bulkier SUV compared to the GLE, we can also expect a slightly higher power output for it, or maybe less performance numbers compared to GLE’s 0-96 KM/H sprint time of 5.8 seconds.

The facelifted third-gen GLS will make its debut soon, with Mercedes-Benz mentioning via the said tweet that the official unveiling is set to take place on April 4, 2023. As for the AMG version of the GLS, the German marque has kept their lips tight on that matter, but we can expect it to come a few months after the standard models have been launched.