Mercedes Benz surfs on a wave of refreshment when it comes to its SUVs. After the GLE, GLE coupé as well as the GLA and GLB, it’s the turn of the GLS, the big brother, to go there. Like its little brothers, the aesthetic changes are minor, and you have to be particularly attentive to see them. Divided into three different lines, Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Maybach, the GLS offers something for everyone as long as you have a budget between $110,000 and $220,000 to spend on a full-size SUV.
All versions of the GLS get a new, slightly larger, rectangular grille. With the Benz versions, you get horizontal slats, while the AMG gets the vertical Panamericana slats and the AMG badge. As for the Maybach, a chrome frame invites itself in addition to the thin vertical slats. All get redesigned bumpers, more classic with the Benz, more aggressive with the AMG and more flashy with the Maybach. In the latter, we discover a mesh made up of several small Maybach logos, a bit like we see in haute couture fashion designers.
In profile, all receive new rims including those of the Maybach GLS 600 which are particularly impressive. The latter also gets a retractable step when opening and closing the door. At the rear, we follow the approach of the front with an internal reconfiguration of the lights which are still only made up of LEDs. The bumpers and exhaust tips again differ from version to version.
In the passenger compartment, the manufacturer makes some adjustments, but, again, nothing revolutionary. The MBUX system gets the latest updates without upgrading to the next generation as seen in the S, SL, C and GLC. New colors are offered on the Benz and AMG versions, while the Maybach allows even more customization thanks to the MANUFAKTUR workshops. With the exception of the Maybach which offers 4 seats, the GLS come de facto with room for 7 people spread over three rows of seats.
In terms of mechanics, all the engines are renewed, but all now enjoy light hybridization technology at 48 volts with the integration of a generator motor. The GLS 450 is powered by the 375 hp 3-litre turbocharged inline-6. + 20 ch. (ISG). In the case of the GLS 580’s 4-liter twin-turbo V8, the cavalry is 510 hp. + 21 ch. (ISG). On the AMG side with the GLS 63, the 4-liter twin-turbo V8 reaches 603 horsepower + 21 hp. thanks to the built-in generator motor. The GLS 600 at Maybach is at 557.
The advanced lineup of the 2024 GLS will arrive on the Canadian market in September 2023. For the moment, we do not know the price list for the 2024 models, but as always, we expect a slight increase. Currently, the base price of the GLS 450 is $110,000, $131,900 for the more popular GLS 580 and $171,300 for the sporty AMG 63. Finally, at the top of the range, we are talking about $212,400 for the Maybach GLS 600.
