Fresh face and new cabin in big refresh for Mercedes-Benz GLS

The Mercedes-Benz GLS has been heavily refreshed, gaining a redesigned interior and an enhanced petrol straight six.

This is the second update for the third-generation SUV since it was launched in 2019. It arrives alongside the similarly updated GLE SUV and GLE Coupé.

Still available with either five or seven seats, the Mercedes-Benz GLS has received a heavy interior redesign, which has been modelled heavily on that of the recent S-Class update.

The most notable changes come at the rear of the cabin, where, as in the S-Class, a pair of 11.2in touchscreens have been fitted. These can be used to watch films or engage in video calls. 

There are also now iPhone-like controllers that can operate the seats, control infotainment functions, close the blinds and even change the colour of the ambient lighting.

In the front, the dashboard-wide Superscreen and 18in augmented-reality head-up display are now standard. There's also a new steering wheel that features physical rocker controls. 

In seven-seat models, the second bench can be electronically moved forward to increase leg room in the third row. 

Externally, like the Mercedes-Benz GLE, the front gains a new front bumper, grille and headlights. In AMG Line trim, the grille is illuminated.

At the rear, the Mercedes logo is now incorporated within a new light bar.

New 23in wheels are exclusive to the GLS. 

The line-up starts with the 308bhp straight-six diesel 350d and tops out with the 530bhp 4.0-litre V8 turbo petrol 580, which enables the GLS to cover 0-62mph in 4.7sec.

Mercedes’ updated ‘M256 Evo’ 3.0-litre turbo petrol straight six is offered on 450-badged variants and makes 375bhp – 74bhp more than before, thanks to a new cylinder head, larger intakes and new exhaust ports.

All powertrains use an automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive. 

Unlike the GLE, the GLS isn't offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It also doesn’t get an AMG-badged 53 variant, but an updated version of the supercar-baiting AMG GLS 63 is expected later this year.

The previous model drew power from a 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 that put out 603bhp and 627lb ft of torque.

Pricing for the updated GLS has yet to be announced but will increase over today’s £110,800. It will go on sale later this year.