Mercedes has facelifted its giant GLS and fitted a flat-plane crank V8

Not content with updating all of the different GLEs in one day, Mercedes has also announced a mid-life crisis… sorry, update… for its ginormous GLS.

The current GLS is getting on a bit having initially launched way back in 2019, but much like its smaller sibling it was updated in 2023 with new lights, bumpers and a fresh grille. That update also brought tweaks to the infotainment system, new paint colours and redesigned alloy wheel options. This latest facelift does erm… exactly the same thing.

So yes, the “S-Class of SUVs” (Merc’s own words) now apparently gets the option of an illuminated three-pointed star on the bonnet, although that won’t be allowed in the UK and isn’t in the initial reveal images above. D’oh! What every GLS will get though is stars in its head and taillights, and there’s new ‘Digital Light’ tech that apparently produces a 40 per cent larger field of vision while using 50 per cent less energy. The lights at the rear are now joined by a piece of black trim, with Merc suggesting that this “highlights the vehicle’s impressive width”.

Two new paint colours (Dark Petrol Flat and Manufaktur Patagonia Red Metallic) are now an option, and there are new 21 and 22in wheel designs. A monster panoramic roof is standard fit, and there are ten exterior cameras, five radar and twelve ultrasonic sensors to look after the driver assistance tech. Fancy new AI-powered MB.OS too. Like the recently updated S-Class saloon, the GLS will be able to drive itself (with supervision) from market launch in China.

But wait, we must talk about that infotainment setup, because the GLS now gets Merc’s MBUX Superscreen as standard, which actually consists of three separate 12.3in displays behind the same piece of glass. And if that weren’t enough, it also gets two 11.6in screens in the rear.

Seven electronically controlled seats are standard, and back up-front Merc has redesigned the steering wheel with a “much-loved control concept”. It’s referring to the little physical switches on the wheel, but were they much-loved, or just better than the useless touch-sensitive scrollers of the previous wheel? Anyway, we’re also told that ‘Beech Brown’ is a new interior colour, and there are plenty of wood or aluminium trims to individualise your giant SUV.

The engines have also been given a refresh this time, with the 350d and 450d straight-six diesels now getting an electrically heated catalyst for more efficient running. They’re both mild hybrids with 48-volt tech, as is the GLS 450 petrol. Oh, and like in the GLE, the GLS 580 now gets a flat-plane crank V8 that makes 530bhp. Don’t expect that one to come to the UK. Boo.

All variants now get extra sound insulation, and all come on air suspension with the option of upgrading to Merc’s cloud-based ‘E-Active Body Control’. That’s the suspension that remembers where potholes are and even lets other Mercs know for when they’re passing through. The dampers will then be primed and ready for impact before you’ve even seen the crater.

Expect prices to creep up slightly from the £110,800 base of the pre-facelift car in the UK. No mention of ultra-posh Maybach or raucous AMG versions just yet, but they’re sure to be along soon for those who want to part with even more cash.