The unofficial digital illustrations of the upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLS, shared by Q Cars on YouTube, are a far cry from reality. While the renderings are visually striking, they bear little resemblance to the actual pre-production models currently being tested.
The digital artist behind these CGIs seems to have drawn inspiration from the Mercedes-Benz EQ models, resulting in a quirky and futuristic design. However, the front fascia of the 2026 GLS will likely deviate significantly from this interpretation.
The square quad tailpipes depicted in the renderings are exclusive to the range-topping Mercedes-AMG GLS 63, and the front and rear bumpers are not representative of the real car. The lighting units, too, will differ from those shown in the illustrations.
The headlamps and taillights are expected to feature a distinctive star-like signature, a design element that has been increasingly adopted by modern-day Mercedes vehicles. Mercedes-Benz is taking a measured approach to the upcoming GLS, opting for a second mid-cycle refresh rather than a full-fledged new generation.
This strategic move aims to maintain the model’s competitiveness in the market for a few more years, allowing Mercedes to carefully assess its future direction. While rumors suggest a late 2025 introduction, it’s possible that the refreshed GLS could arrive sooner, especially in its standard Mercedes-Benz guise.
Consistent with the brand’s design language, the AMG and Maybach versions of the GLS will likely receive similar updates, including the distinctive star-like elements in their headlights and taillights. However, these high-performance and luxury variants will feature unique exterior and interior touches, such as different bumpers, grilles, wheels, and paint finishes.
While the AMG model emphasizes sportiness, the Maybach exudes opulence. The extent of interior changes remains uncertain. While some speculate that Mercedes might opt for a more conservative facelift, others believe that significant upgrades are in store to ensure the GLS remains competitive for the foreseeable future.
As development progresses and camouflage is gradually removed, we can expect to learn more about the specific details of this update. In the meantime, the automotive community is divided on whether the GLS benefits from a traditional or EQ-inspired design.
While some prefer the classic aesthetics, others find the EQ-style elements more appealing. Ultimately, the final decision will likely depend on Mercedes-Benz’s vision for the model and the preferences of its target audience.
