Mercedes-Benz AG intended to go fully electric by 2023, where market conditions allow. As early as February 2024, the Stuttgart-based automaker made it clear that internal combustion-engined vehicles would be sold after 2030 due to slowing demand for battery-electric vehicles, which brings us to the GLS-Class.
Similar to the smaller GLE and the Sonderklasse sedan, the GLS will receive a second facelift to extend its production run. It is unknown whether a fourth generation will ever be offered, but either way, a second facelift makes financial sense.
Our spy photographers captured the 2027 model testing at the Nurburgring and on public roads, with the Nurburgring prototype sporting camouflage only up front. In addition to the bumper and grille, slightly different headlights appear to be on the menu.
Pictured on Continental rubber, the prototype in question also features a camouflaged dashboard. While it’s nearly impossible to tell what’s new from what’s retained, we’re confident in the updated infotainment. A revised console and controls shouldn’t be ruled out either.
The second prototype is a bit more intriguing, as it is a 63 with minimal camouflage on the hood and headlight areas. Another intriguing detail is the lack of three-pointed stars on the front and hubcaps, although the tailgate does feature a three-pointed star. There is no camouflage on the rear to speak of. Even more intriguing, and contrary to rumors, the Mercedes-AMG The 63 model in question does not have the flap for the charging port.
Photo: Baldauf
Since Mercedes admitted to being unjustifiably optimistic about Electric vehicle adoption, there is said to be a greater level of electrification across the board for the GLS. However, due to the lack of a charging port flap, it looks like the AMG-ified 63 will miss out on the 791-horsepower S 63 E PERFORMANCE’s V8 biturbo plug-in hybrid setup.
The most powerful road-going Sonderklasse ever delivers a staggering 1,055 pound-feet of torque. Speaking of the S-Class, declining sales of the flagship sedan have forced the German automaker to switch from two to one shifts at Factory 56 in Sindelfingen. The shift will be implemented in the fourth quarter of 2024.
In the U.S., the S-Class sold 4,785 units in the first half of 2024, down 33 percent from the first half of 2023. The GLS, meanwhile, is doing very well, up 22 percent. With 14,247 units delivered in the six-month period, the GLS-Class ranks third among Mercedes-Benz SUVs after the GLC-Class (26,105) and the GLE-Class (30,876).
Shipping with 4MATIC All-wheel drive by default for the 2025 model year, the GLS can be had in four different variants, starting with the six-cylinder GLS 450 at $89,200 before shipping. Stepping up to the GLS 580 gets you twin-turbo V8 power, with the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 offering more power than its Benz-badged sibling.
At the top of the range, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 uses a 550-hp tune of the AMG-developed V8 engine. Regardless of powertrain, all U.S.-market GLS models feature mild-hybrid assistance.