2024 Mercedes GLS Gets New Design, Technology, And Power Upgrades
Giancarlo Perlas April 4, 2023All Mercedes GLS versions, including its Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Maybach, and Mercedes-AMG variants, are the latest to receive upgrades in design, technology, and powertrain in the three-pointed star marque. The revised models of the series are set to be rolled out in US dealerships later this year.
Cosmetic Enhancements for the Mercedes-Benz GLS
Starting things off with the exterior, the Mercedes-Benz GLS solidifies its status as the flagship SUV of its brand with its enhanced character. According to Mercedes-Benz USA, the new GLS is made more distinct from its other offerings thanks to its new front grille design featuring a four-louver layout with a Silver Shadow finish. This is complemented by a front bumper with integrated air inlet grilles and reengineered front under guard. Meanwhile, the new LED taillights showcase a light signet formed by three horizontal blocks.
Going inside, the GLS now offers two new leather upholstery options, which include Catalana Beige and Bahia Brown, plus a range of interior trim finishes. For its tech, the latest MBUX infotainment system provides new displays that can be individually configured with three different display styles and three modes. The MBUX generation also features an Off-Road mode that transforms the gradient, lateral inclination, compass, and steering angle of the vehicle into a more immersive visual experience.
Extraordinary Luxurious Touches for the Mercedes-Maybach GLS
The Mercedes-Maybach GLS, considered to be the crème de la crème of the range, features a radiator grille with vertical chrome bars and the Maybach lettering. These showcase air inlet grilles that feature a Maybach pattern and a chrome surround. It also comes with ambient lighting and animated projection of the Maybach emblem.
The interior upholstery of the ultra-opulent SUV is elevated through its elegant diamond quilting with Maybach-specific perforations. This is offered in Maybach-exclusive hues including MANUFAKTUR Crystal White/Silver Grey Pearl and MANUFAKTUR Mahogany Brown/Macchiato Beige Nappa leather.
The Mercedes-AMG GLS Comes Sportier than Ever
The Mercedes-AMG GLS benefits from all the goodies found in the standard Benz trims of the series. However, a few tweaks such as the integration of the Mercedes high-performance division’s signature Panamericana front grille with vertical slats, AMG-specific graphics on the interior lighting, and 21-inch to 23-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels elevate it from the rest.
New Standard Features and Options Across the Range
The latest Mercedes GLS comes with new paint color options, namely the Twilight Blue Metallic and MANUFAKTUR Alpine Grey Non-Metallic paint finishes. Additionally, its facelifted models include the latest generation of Mercedes’ signature steering wheel with incorporated touch controls on the spokes, as well as two USB ports in the center console that can deliver an electrical power output of up to 100W.
Off-Road Engineering Package for the GLS
The Off-Road Engineering Package for the luxury SUV comes with an underride guard and AIRMATIC suspension that can provide a ground clearance increase of 1.2 inches. If applied to the GLS 580 4MATIC, the towing capacity is raised to 7,716 lbs while its tongue weight goes up to 309 lbs. These are managed via the Trailer Maneuvering Assist and the updated Trailer menu displayed in the center console of the luxury SUV.
Revised Engine Portfolio for the Mercedes GLS
The entry-level trim for the US-bound GLS is the GLS 450 4MATIC equipped with a mild-hybrid 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a total of 375 hp. The GLS 580 4MATIC takes things up a notch with its mild-hybrid 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing up to 510 hp.
On the other hand, the Maybach GLS is only available in GLS 600. It gets the same engine setup as the GLS 580 but its power is boosted to 550 hp.
Lastly, the AMG GLS 63 shares the same engine as the GLS 580 but its output is maximized to 603 hp. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission governing the power that goes in its all-wheel-drive system allows it to reach 0-60 mph in just 3.7 seconds.
