Mercedes-Benz prepares to debut updated GLS: crossover drove on camera

The refreshed SUV of the German brand is expected to be presented in the spring of next year, and this model will reach dealers on the European market in the second half of 2025.

The history of the large Mercedes-Benz crossover began in 2006, it was initially sold under the name GL. The name was changed to GLS during the update of the second generation in 2015. The current third generation model debuted in the spring of 2019, and underwent the first restyling in the spring of 2023. Now the German company is developing another updated SUV.

In the photo: a prototype of the updated Mercedes-Benz GLS crossover

For now, the manufacturer continues a series of summer tests of the future new product: the prototype was caught by spy photographers on public roads in the southern part of Europe. Our colleagues from the Spanish publication Motor.es shared the latest pictures with us. The car in the photo has its front and rear design details “hidden” with masking film.

It is expected that during the next update, the large crossover will receive revised front and rear bumpers, as well as different head optics and other lights with new graphics. Probably, the adjusted decor will bring the appearance of the Mercedes-Benz GLS closer to the current corporate style of the German brand. By the way, earlier the Kolesa.ru designer assumed how the refreshed crossover might look.

The interior of the updated Mercedes-Benz GLS has not yet been photographed by spy photographers. Presumably, this car will be equipped with a new infotainment system with a huge touchscreen: probably, we are talking about three visually combined displays — a virtual instrument panel, a central multimedia touchscreen and a screen for the front passenger. Most likely, the models will expand the list of driver assistants.

According to preliminary data, there will be no changes in the engine lineup, except that the «stuffing» will be slightly modernized to reduce emissions. Let us remind you that now all GLS variants are mild hybrid: a 48-volt starter-generator with an output of 20-22 hp (200-250 Nm) is integrated into the nine-speed automatic, depending on the modification. All versions have a 4Matic all-wheel drive system.

The current basic gasoline version of the GLS 450 is equipped with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, its output is 381 hp (500 Nm). The GLS 580 has a 4.0-liter V8 with 517 hp (730 Nm) under the hood. The junior diesel version of the GLS 350 d is equipped with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, the output of which is 313 hp (650 Nm), and the GLS 450 d version has a diesel output of 367 hp (750 Nm).

The refreshed Mercedes-Benz GLS is expected to debut in the spring of next year, and this model will reach dealers on the European market in the second half of 2025. Prices will be announced later.