This generation of the Mercedes-Benz GLS has been a strong seller on account of its size and immense road presence, as well as its palatial interiors and ability to ferry up to seven occupants in comfort and style. To freshen its appeal and meet the demands of discerning customers, the GLS has undergone a mid-life makeover. Cosmetic enhancements, a longer features list, and updated petrol and diesel engines are part of this refresh. The automotive world is set to witness a paradigm shift with the highly anticipated 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS Facelift, where size and luxury converge to create an unparalleled driving experience.
Key Points
- Exterior Overhaul: One of the most striking aspects of the GLS Facelift is its exterior transformation. The design language has been meticulously refined, offering a more commanding presence on the road. The size of the GLS has been amplified, making it even more spacious and accommodating. With a longer wheelbase and carefully crafted dimensions, the GLS Facelift not only exudes luxury but also enhances practicality for both driver and passengers.
- Interior Opulence: Step inside, and the opulence of the GLS Facelift becomes evident. The interior has undergone a meticulous redesign, incorporating the latest in comfort and technology. The infotainment system has been upgraded to the latest generation, featuring a larger touchscreen display with intuitive controls.
- Performance Dynamics: Under the hood, the 2024 GLS Facelift doesn't disappoint. The engine options range from robust to high-performance, catering to a diverse audience with varying preferences.
- Safety and Driver Assistance: Mercedes-GLS has always been at the forefront of automotive safety, and the GLS Facelift continues this tradition. The car's ability to assist the driver in various scenarios showcases Mercedes-Benz's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in terms of safety and convenience.
- Environmental Consciousness: In an era where environmental concerns play a significant role in automotive choices, Mercedes-Benz has integrated eco-friendly features into the GLS Facelift.
- Driving Impressions: Early reviews of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS Facelift highlight its exceptional driving dynamics. Whether navigating tight urban spaces or cruising on the highway, the GLS Facelift seamlessly adapts to different driving conditions.
Mercedes-Benz GLS exterior
Nothing beats the GLS when it comes to attracting attention, and in a good way. It all starts with the prominent, almost oversized three-pointed star emblazoned on the grille. That sets the tone for the design of the facelifted GLS, which also benefits from subtle tweaks to the sheet meta. The horizontally slatted grille is finished in silver, the LED headlamps and tail-lamps are new, and the front bumper has been restyled. And while changes to its exterior are limited, that is no bad thing as it is still dressed to impress. Its commanding presence and air of regality will inspire admiration and respect from other road users.
Mercedes-Benz GLS interior and features
Subtle styling revisions to its interior further add a dose of freshness. Our test car wore a brown and black scheme, but the GLS is also available with all-black or beige and black interior colour options. Lacquered wood trims on the dashboard, doors and central console are replaced by smart-looking gloss black panels with silver pinstripes, and it sports Maybach-style air vents too. The other prominent change is a new steering wheel with a mix of touch-operable and physical buttons that are quite easy to operate on the move. The GLS features a twin-screen layout, but the infotainment has been upgraded with the very latest software to enhance its touch sensitivity and includes wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also gets new off-road screens which include the very cool invisible bonnet function that stitches an image of what’s beneath the car with the help of front and side cameras to assist the driver while traversing treacherous terrain. The plus-sized seats remain as comfy and accommodating as they were before, and adding to comfort this time around is the inclusion of seat ventilation and heating for the front chairs.
Mercedes-Benz GLS performance
In ‘450’ guise, the petrol GLS carries forward the 3.0-litre 6-cylinder (twin scroll) turbo-petrol, but it gets a small power bump and now produces 381hp (versus 367hp of the outgoing car). The torque output of 500Nm remains unchanged. It feels strong and responsive from the get-go, and makes light work of hauling this near-2.5 tonne SUV around. And when you spin this motor hard, it feels quite eager and even emits a very likeable, raspy note at higher revs. Working in conjunction with the engine is a new mild-hybrid system that provides an additional boost of 20hp and 200Nm under heavy load. On paper, the older mild-hybrid system gave the engine a healthier thrust of 250Nm, however, performance numbers in the real world reveal a different story. In our tests, the GLS 450 petrol hit 100kph from a standstill in just 6.23 seconds, nearly a second quicker than the outgoing version, and even rolling acceleration times from 20-80kph and 40-100kph follow a similar trend. The 9-speed automatic does a good job of transmitting the power to the wheels without any unwarranted hesitation or jerks.