Mercedes Benz gives the GLS a more formal and more prestigious character by introducing visual details that connect it more closely to the S Class. The most noticeable change is the upright star on the hood, which adds a traditional luxury touch and instantly gives the SUV a stronger flagship identity. In selected markets, that star can even illuminate, making the GLS look even more exclusive at a standstill or on the move. The larger radiator grille also plays a major role in this updated appearance, with its chrome frame, contour lighting, and chrome details helping the front end look more confident and more status focused.

The design changes continue with a revised front bumper and new light signatures that make the GLS easier to recognize. The headlamps and taillights now feature star inspired graphics, giving the SUV a more modern Mercedes Benz identity day and night. A black panel visually links the headlamps and grille, while the rear gains a trim element that ties the taillights together and emphasizes the width of the body. New paint finishes such as Dark Petrol and Patagonia Red expand the personalization options, while new wheel designs help the GLS look even more substantial on the road.

These updates matter because the GLS is not trying to be a sporty SUV first. It is meant to feel dignified, luxurious, and imposing. Mercedes Benz understands that buyers in this segment often want a vehicle that communicates success without looking flashy in a forced way. The new GLS achieves that balance by leaning into elegance, size, and fine details rather than aggressive styling alone. The result is an SUV that looks more mature, more polished, and more aligned with the brand’s flagship identity.

Mercedes Benz improves the driving character of the GLS by updating the entire engine range to feel more responsive, more agile, and more refined. The GLS 580 4MATIC remains the headline model with its V8 power, but now delivers 395 kW and 750 Nm of torque. That gives it stronger response in everyday driving, especially in the important partial load range where a large luxury SUV needs effortless power rather than constant drama. Mercedes Benz has also reworked key engine components to improve efficiency and smoothness, helping the V8 feel more polished than before.

The GLS 450 4MATIC also gets meaningful improvements. Its six cylinder petrol engine now produces 560 Nm of torque, which gives it a more relaxed and more refined feel on the road. For diesel buyers, the GLS 350d 4MATIC and GLS 450d 4MATIC bring technical upgrades such as an electrically heated catalyst, lighter aluminum construction, and advanced internal engine technologies that improve efficiency and reduce friction. Across the lineup, Mercedes Benz supports the engines with an integrated starter generator and a 48 volt electrical system, allowing features such as coasting, boost, and energy recuperation to work smoothly in the background.

What makes this especially appealing is that Mercedes Benz has not chased performance at the expense of comfort. The GLS still prioritizes quietness and easy power delivery, which suits its role as a long distance luxury SUV. Additional insulation in the transmission tunnel, engine bulkhead, and body cavities helps reduce engine, road, and wind noise, creating a calmer cabin for all passengers. So while the new GLS is quicker and more agile than before, it still delivers its performance in the relaxed and effortless way that buyers in this segment expect.

Mercedes Benz turns the GLS into a far more intelligent SUV by introducing MB.OS as the digital foundation of the vehicle. This operating system integrates the major functions of the SUV and supports over the air updates, allowing the GLS to stay current for years after purchase. That gives owners a more flexible and more future ready experience, since new digital services and features can continue arriving over time. In a segment where buyers expect their luxury vehicle to feel current for as long as possible, this is a major step forward.

The standard MBUX Superscreen plays a central role in that new experience. It stretches across the dashboard as one large glass surface and includes three 12.3 inch displays. The layout feels clean and modern, while also making key information easier to access. Users can organize apps in a more personal way, and Mercedes Benz says the system now supports more than 40 apps for entertainment, productivity, and connected services. The passenger display also comes as standard, allowing front passengers to access dynamic content while the vehicle is moving in supported markets, with a camera based system that helps prevent driver distraction.

The new MBUX Virtual Assistant adds another layer of sophistication. By using artificial intelligence and internet connected knowledge, it can handle more natural conversations and more complex requests than before. Navigation now blends Google Maps technology with the familiar Mercedes Benz interface, giving the driver a more polished guidance experience. The GLS can also function more like a mobile digital hub thanks to features such as in car payment, digital vehicle key access, video conferencing apps, and available augmented reality navigation. All of this helps the GLS feel less like a traditional luxury SUV and more like a connected premium space designed around modern daily life.

Mercedes Benz builds the GLS around the idea that every seat should feel special, and that philosophy becomes even clearer in the latest version. The SUV comes standard with seven seats and three fully electric seat rows, while even the third row can comfortably accommodate passengers up to 1.94 meters tall. That alone separates the GLS from many rivals that treat the last row as an occasional extra rather than a true seating area. The long wheelbase and large body dimensions create a cabin that feels open, airy, and genuinely luxurious for families, executives, and long distance travelers alike.

Rear seat comfort becomes an even bigger story with the available Rear Comfort Package Plus. This package adds features that transform the second row into something closer to a private lounge or mobile office. Passengers get access to multi contour seats with massage, removable MBUX remote controls, upgraded climate functions, electric sun blinds, wireless charging, and more thoughtful luxury details throughout the rear cabin. Mercedes Benz is clearly targeting buyers who are just as likely to enjoy the GLS from the second row as from the driver seat, and that gives the SUV a true flagship feel.

Everyday comfort also benefits from a long list of premium features. The panoramic roof now comes standard and brings more natural light into the cabin. The new cloud based damper control with AIRMATIC can prepare the suspension before the SUV reaches certain bumps, helping the GLS glide more smoothly over uneven roads and speed bumps. Mercedes Benz says this added comfort is especially noticeable in the rear, which is exactly where flagship SUV buyers are most likely to appreciate it. Add the new electric cabin air filter, improved seat climate control, updated massage functions, and enhanced rear entertainment setup with dual 11.6 inch screens, and the new GLS makes a strong case as one of the most complete luxury SUVs for long journeys and daily comfort alike.