The facelifted version of the Mercedes-Benz GLS has been revealed internationally. The flagship SUV was last updated in 2023. The 2026 model broke cover alongside the GLE and GLE Coupe. The facelifted model gets cosmetic tweaks, feature upgrades, and mechanical improvements as well. Prices for the S-Class SUV have not been announced yet.
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Table of Contents
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS: Everything you need to know
The new Mercedes-Benz GLS facelift is 5,207mm long, 1,956mm wide, and has a 3,135mm wheelbase. Its front grille has been reworked to incorporate chrome highlights and LED surrounds. The bumper has been tweaked as well. The ‘Digital Light’ LED headlamps have vertically stacked lighting units as well as integrated DRLs in the shape of the Mercedes logo. The LED tail lamps also follow this design language. There are a total of 2 alloy wheel options to choose from – two 21-inch and two 22-inch AMG designs.
Inside, the 2026 GLS gets a Beech Brown colour theme with the option of Artico or Lugano leather upholstery. Buyers can choose from 3 trim options – open-pore birch wood, open-pore walnut, and aluminium. All variants of the SUV come with a 7-seat layout as standard.
The dashboard houses three 12.3-inch displays between two circular AC vents. These displays cater to the digital instrument cluster, touchscreen infotainment system, and passenger entertainment system. There are two 11.6-inch entertainment displays with detachable remote controllers for middle row passengers. All displays run Mercedes’ new MBUX software. This allows them access to apps like Mercedes Pay+, Google Maps, Microsoft Teams, and more.
Other features of the SUV include a digital key (with smartphone access), a Heads-Up Display (HUD), a 5-zone climate control system, wireless charging for front and middle row passengers, charging ports for all three rows, adjustable ambient lighting, power-folding third-row seats, a two-pane panoramic sunroof, and massaging, cooling, and heating functions for the middle row seats. There are 10 exterior cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and 5 radar sensors on this SUV for state-of-the-art security.
The Mercedes-Benz GLS facelift produces better output numbers than its outgoing version. The 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine on the GLS 450 4MATIC now produces 560Nm torque, which is an improvement of 12%. The V8 engine on the GLS 580 4MATIC uses a new flat-plane crankshaft instead of a cross-plane configuration. Its power and torque specs have gone up by 20hp and 20Nm, respectively. It now puts out 537hp and 750Nm.
Lastly, the diesel engines on the GLS 350d 4MATIC and GLS 450d 4MATIC have been updated with lighter aluminium cylinder heads and crankcases. The steel pistons and cylinder liners have been updated as well. As a result, the fuel efficiency has improved. All engines on the 2026 GLS are linked to a 48V mild-hybrid system with an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG).
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Final Thoughts
Prices for the 2026 GLS facelift will be revealed upon its launch. The current lineup is priced between Rs 1.28 crore and Rs 1.40 crore. The facelift will demand a premium over these prices. Upon launch, it will rival the Land Rover Defender, Audi Q7, BMW X7, and Volvo XC90.
