Despite the Mercedes GLS nearing its fifth year on the market and receiving a facelift in 2023, the luxury automaker is not ready to replace its flagship SUV. Instead, recent shots indicate that Mercedes is preparing a second mid-cycle refresh for the GLS.
Camouflaged prototypes hint at a redesigned front end featuring a taller grille and revised headlights, while the rear is expected to receive a new bumper and taillight configuration.
While the exterior changes, the interior remains shrouded in secrecy, though speculation suggests a potential upgrade to the EQS SUV’s impressive hyperscreen setup, along with fresh software and interior materials. The Mercedes-Benz GLS is on the cusp of a transformative evolution.
While the current model, in its 2025 guise, commands a substantial presence with variants ranging from the standard GLS 450 at $89,200 to the opulent Mercedes-Maybach GLS at $174,350, the horizon beckons with a completely redesigned successor. Anticipated to debut in the summer of 2025 as a 2026 model, the next-generation GLS will likely maintain the core engine lineup but with subtle refinements.
This strategic focus allows Mercedes-Benz to channel resources towards other technological advancements. Concurrently, the Mercedes-Maybach sub-brand is expanding its horizons with the introduction of the SL roadster. This opulent two-door is set to arrive in 2026, positioned as a direct competitor to the Bentley Continental GT Convertible. With an expected starting price north of $200,000, the Maybach SL will undoubtedly cater to the most discerning clientele.
However, amidst the allure of these high-profile launches, the next-generation GLS remains a focal point. Recent digital renderings by Q Cars offer a tantalizing preview of its potential design direction. The new GLS is poised to not only raise the brand’s SUV offerings but also to challenge the BMW X7 for supremacy in the full-size luxury SUV segment. As we eagerly await official confirmations and more concrete details, the anticipation for this automotive behemoth continues to grow.
The latest renderings of the next-generation Mercedes GLS present a bolder, more muscular interpretation of the luxury SUV. Its squared-off silhouette contrasts sharply with its predecessor, while the front fascia sports a new grille, distinct headlamps, and a prominent full-width light bar.
The rear echoes the current model’s design but amps up the aggression with a sporty diffuser and quad-exhaust setup reminiscent of the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63. However, the absence of the iconic Panamericana grille and AMG badges creates an intriguing blend of Benz and AMG aesthetics.
While this digital creation is undeniably striking, its design choices are divisive, leaving room for improvement. It’s crucial to remember that these images are merely speculative, as the final design of the next Mercedes GLS remains shrouded in secrecy.
