Mercedes-Benz appears to be preparing a facelift for the GLS-Class, the second of the current generation of the large SUV.
The current GLS-Class arrived for the 2020 model year and received a mild update for 2024. This second update, which could be introduced for the 2027 model year, will be more substantial, judging by the camouflage equipment on a recently spotted prototype.
The prototype is for an updated version of the Maybach-improved GLS-Class. There’s likely an all-new front end hidden beneath the camouflage, including a new grille, new headlights, and a new front fascia. The rest of the vehicle corresponds to the current GLS-Class, but additional changes may appear in more advanced prototypes.
It is unclear what Mercedes has planned for the mechanical components. New plug-in hybrid powertrains are possible, especially for the AMG GLS 63. And we could see the regular GLS-Class lose its available V-8, as will the updated 2025 G-Class, which offers just a V-8 in AMG G 63 guise.
Mercedes typically doesn’t update its vehicles more than once during a product cycle, but the second update will help keep the GLS-Class more up-to-date for longer, as Mercedes is expected to keep some of its current gas vehicles on sale for longer. time than originally planned. .
The reason is slower than expected demand for electric vehicles. Mercedes was planning to go the all-electric route by 2030, but the automaker said in February that it will continue selling vehicles with gasoline engines beyond that date.
A second facelift is also planned for the smaller GLE-Class, and the S-Class is another vehicle expected to undergo two facelifts to extend its product cycle.
