The Mercedes-Benz GLS luxury SUV has always been considered as the SUV-equivalent of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and it now receives a facelift for 2023. With the facelift of the GLS, its corresponding variants from AMG and Mercedes-Maybach have received similar updates, and the SUVs are powered by mild-hybrid powertrains.
The facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLS might look a tad familiar to the previous generation, it does get notable styling differentiators. The grille is now more striking, now larger and finished in what Mercedes calls a ‘Silver Shadow’ finish. Also present is a bumper that is more prominent, integrated air inlet grilles and a redesigned underguard. The 20-inch multispoke alloy wheels as standard, finished in Himayas grey are a new addition to the lineup.
The Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 has received updates with the facelift too, with two new additional paint finishes on offer, and the Mercedes emblem is replaced by one from Mercedes-AMG. You also get a newly designed rear light signature and when you open the front doors the AMG logo is projected from the doors. Wheel sizes range from 21 to 23-inch wheels, with forged wheels being optional.
When it comes to the Mercedes-Maybach GLS, the facelift is identified by the even more massive radiator grille and reprofiled bumpers. The air inlet grilles feature the Maybach pattern and get a chrome surround. 23-inch forged wheels is what the Maybach rolls on, with forged wheel bolt covers being new to the options list.
The Mercedes-Benz GLS is a 7-seater as standard and the interiors now get two new colours with the facelift. You now get a glossy brown lime wood finish as standard, and the MANUFAKTUR glossy black flowing lines piano lacquer which was previously available only on the Maybach GLS, can now be had with the regular (relatively speaking) GLS as well. Additional touches like the louvres for the air vents which are galvanised in Silver Shadow, now trickle down from the Maybach to the regular GLS.
You get an updated MBUX infotainment system with a new look for the display, which includes three styles (classic, sporty, discreet) and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service). You also get an off-road mode which shows gradient and lateral inclination, a compass as well as the steering angle. Interestingly, the off-road mode also gets a transparent bonnet function, with the 360-degree camera showing you obstacles like large stones or deep potholes. Mercedes claim the ground clearance has been jacked up by 30mm too.
The Maybach GLS also gets a voice assistant, along with an optional multi-seat entertainment system that makes use of upto three touchscreens. Ambient lighting is standard and the seat covers get a new design, with the centre sections and backrests getting a diamond-pattern quilting with perforations. The Maybach is also exclusively offered with MANUFAKTUR crystal white / silver grey pearl and MANUFAKTUR mahogany brown/macchiato beige colors for the interior. The AMG on other hand gets an instrument panel and seats upholstered in nappa leather, a new upholstery colour along with a Burmester sound system and an AMG Performance steering wheel.
The base GLS, the GLS 450 is powered by a 3-litre in-line six petrol engine that produces 375bhp of power, with the mild-hybrid system providing 20bhp of boost. This petrol engine makes 500Nm of torque. The higher-spec GLS 580 gets a 4-litre petrol that puts out 510bhp of power. This same engine is used in Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 but in a higher state of tune, producing 550bhp. The GLS also comes with a 3-litre diesel engine in two states of tune, producing 308bhp and 362bhp respectively. The GLS 63 AMG is powered by a 4-litre bi-turbo V8 engine that produces 603bhp (bumped upto to 625bhp with EQ boost) and can 0-100kmph in 4.2 seconds.
It is likely that the facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLS will make its way to India later this year and it will command a fair premium over the Rs 1.21 crore starting price (ex-showroom) of the current GLS SUV, while rivalling the likes of the BMW X7.