The New GLS Models: Fresh Looks, Innovative Software

• New paint finishes, interior colours and interior trim
• Upgraded standard equipment, new options

Hot on the heels of the facelift of the GLE and GLE Coupé, the Mercedes‑Benz GLS, Mercedes‑Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC and Mercedes‑AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+ are now also appearing in updated form. A number of design, technology and equipment changes take the comfort, connectivity and ambience of the large SUV model series to the next level.

With their generous exterior dimensions, the SUV models offer interior space for up to seven occupants in three seat rows. The upgraded Mercedes‑Benz GLS will arrive in Canadian dealerships from Q3 2023¹.

Mercedes-Benz GLS: visual enhancement and functional off-road features

The latest Mercedes‑Benz GLS models can be recognized by the even more striking radiator grille. The four louvres are galvanized in high-quality Silver Shadow. The bumper is also visually more prominent. It features integrated air inlet grilles, combined with a surround in high-gloss black. The large simulated underguard has also been redesigned. The eye-catcher at the rear is the interior of the lights with three horizontal blocks.

As before, the Mercedes‑Benz GLS is a seven-seater as standard. With Macara beige and Bahia brown, two new leather colours are available. The range of interior trim finishes has also been revised. Brown Linden Glossy Wood Trim is now available. The trim element MANUFAKTUR Black Piano Laquer "Flowing Lines" Glossy Trim, previously reserved for the Mercedes‑Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC, is now also available for the GLS family from Mercedes‑Benz.

The louvres of the centre and side air vents are galvanized in Silver Shadow - another detail that will be familiar from the Mercedes‑Maybach GLS.

The updated generation of the infotainment system MBUX brings with it a new look for the displays. The displays can be individualized with the help of three different styles (classic, sporty, discreet) and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service). With "classic" the driver is opting for the tried and test two-tube design with all the familiar content between the two round displays. "Sporty" is dominated by the colour red, with a dynamic design for the central rev counter. In "discreet" style, the content is reduced to what is essential. In addition, both displays can be shown in seven colour schemes in conjunction with the ambient lighting. The result is an impressive colour experience in the interior. The central display offers all the same content as hitherto and can be operated directly and conveniently as a touchscreen.

The "Off-Road Mode" in the current MBUX generation turns special content such as gradient, lateral inclination, compass and steering angle into a visual experience. Thanks to the standard Parking Package with 360‑degree camera, it offers the "transparent engine hood" function. When the Offroad mode is active, the central display shows a virtual view under the front of the vehicle. The view is composed of the images from the 360°camera. With the "transparent engine hood", obstacles such as large stones or deep potholes on the route ahead can be better recognized.

All-wheel drive and a gear ratio designed for pulling power allow a high trailer load of up to 3.5 tonnes and a tongue weight of up to 140 kg

Helpful additional features for use when towing include Trailer Manoeuvring Assist, the updated Trailer menu in the central display and the Trailer route planner. This can be used to find optimized routes when travelling with a trailer.

Mercedes-Maybach GLS: extraordinary luxury refined even further

Vertical chrome bars and the "Maybach" lettering are the distinguishing features of the top model's high-quality radiator grille. The air inlet grilles feature a Maybach pattern and have a chrome surround. A 23‑inch forged wheel in typical Maybach design with forged wheel bolt cover is new to the options list.

Another new standard feature is ambient lighting with animated projection² of the Mercedes‑Maybach pattern. In the interior, a new design for the seat covers emphasises the particularly luxurious character of the Mercedes‑Maybach. The centre sections of the seat surfaces and backrests now feature high-quality diamond-pattern quilting with specific perforations. Exclusively for the Mercedes‑Maybach, the colour combinations MANUFAKTUR crystal white/silver grey pearl and MANUFAKTUR mahogany brown/macchiato beige are offered for the interior.

Further new features of the Mercedes-Benz GLS and Mercedes-Maybach GLS

• New paint finishes sodalite blue metallic and MANUFAKTUR alpine grey non-metallic
• Latest steering wheel generation with touch controls on the spokes
• The voice assistant can also be activated without the keyword "Hey Mercedes"
• With the optional MBUX Multi-Seat Entertainment system, rear-seat occupants experience the same comprehensive range of infotainment and comfort features as those in the front. They have the use of up to three touchscreens, and a variety of intuitive control options such as the "Hey Mercedes" voice assistant.
• Two USB ports (standard equipment) with 100 W output in the rear of the centre console
• ENERGIZING AIR CONTROL with two-stage filter concept against fine dust and other pollutants

Models and data at a glance:

Mercedes-AMG GLS: refreshed design features and software updates 

Mercedes-AMG is upgrading the GLS 63 4MATIC+ and adding to the standard equipment. The exclusive equipment and further improved on-road driving dynamics make the GLS 63 the head of the AMG SUV family.

The new model is visually distinguishable by the newly designed LED rear light signature. Two new colours have been added to the range of paint finishes: MANUFAKTUR alpine grey non-metallic and sodalite blue metallic. In addition, the front section now also bears the AMG emblem instead of the Mercedes star - indicating the close brand affinity. Added to this are the red brake callipers, which emphasise sportiness. When the front doors are opened, the vehicle plays an AMG-specific light animation with the help of a new logo projector. Wheels range from 22- to 23-inches, including forged wheels.

New highlights in the interior

In the interior, the AMG seats and features such as the instrument panel are upholstered in Exclusive nappa leather. There is also a new colour scheme in bahia brown/black or macchiato beige/black. For the interior trim, Brown Linden Glossy Wood Trim is now also available as an option. In addition, new MANUFAKTUR Black Piano Laquer "Flowing Lines" Glossy Trim is also available on request. The new Mercedes-AMG GLS also benefits from the latest generation of MBUX: the AMG-specific screen design and functions make the brand experience even more tangible.

Significantly more extensive standard equipment

The standard equipment is even more extensive than in the already lavishly equipped predecessor. It continues to include, among other things, the electric panoramic sliding sunroof, heated and climatized front seats, Adaptive High Beam Assist and Smartphone Integration. The engageable AMG Performance exhaust system, the Burmester® sound system, the Memory package and Blind Spot Assist are still part of standard equipment. In addition, KEYLESS-GO, 360-degree Parking Package, ENERGIZING Comfort, Acoustic Comfort and ENERGIZING comfort packages are added as standard with the facelift.

The latest generation of the AMG Performance steering wheel is on board. The round AMG steering wheel buttons impress with their brilliant displays and intuitive operating logic. They allow important driving functions and all drive programs to be controlled without the driver's hands leaving the steering wheel. The steering wheel rim c is heated, and is also available in a carbon-fibre look.

Customers can continue to enjoy the special equipment features such as the MBUX Augmented Reality function, LED headlamps and the Electronic Speed Limiter Deletion. The list continues with the AIR BALANCE package, the multicontour front seats and the head-up display. The MBUX Interior Assistant and temperature-controlled cup holders are also still provided as standard.

In the GLS 63, the proven AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine with an output of 603 hp ensures powerful propulsion. The 4.0-litre V8 engine from Mercedes-AMG has been systematically electrified with a 48-volt auxiliary on-board electrical system and the integrated starter alternator (ISG) including Boost function. Explosive power delivery with finely controlled power output truly sets it apart. For this purpose, the twin-scroll turbochargers are located between the cylinder heads for better response. On the other hand, the cylinder shutoff system noticeably reduces consumption when less power is required.

The V8 engine is electrified with an integrated starter alternator (ISG) and a 48-volt on-board electrical system. The ISG combines a starter and alternator in one powerful electric motor. It is installed between the engine and transmission. The ISG also performs hybrid functions. These include boosting, recuperation, load point shifting, gliding and almost imperceptible engine restarting with the start/stop function.

Active roll stabilization with new configuration

The AMG RIDE CONTROL+ suspension with adaptive adjustable damping is also continuing to be part of standard equipment. The active roll stabilization system AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL works with two electro-mechanical actuators at the front and rear axle. The system reduces body roll when cornering, and allows more precise tuning of load change behaviour and precision when entering bends. It also increases driving comfort when driving straight ahead, as it compensates for one-sided unevenness in the road surface.

As part of the facelift, the roll stabilization and air suspension also benefit from a software update and a new setup. These measures increase the spread between dynamic handling and comfort. Fine-tuning of the software for the configuration of ESP®, the electronically controlled rear-axle locking differential, the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive and the suspension control system delivers a dynamic and superior driving experience.

Technical data at a glance

Success story: the Tuscaloosa plant

When the Mercedes‑Benz plant in Tuscaloosa was founded in 1995, the site was the first major Mercedes‑Benz plant outside Germany. About two thirds of annual production is exported - making Mercedes‑Benz U.S. International (MBUSI) one of the largest automobile exporters in the USA, from its base there. Since 1997, about four million vehicles have rolled off the assembly line at the plant in Tuscaloosa. In 2021 alone, some 260,000 SUVs were produced there.

The Tuscaloosa plant uses state-of-the-art digital, sustainable, efficient and flexible production methods. The location thus follows the blueprint of "Factory 56" in Sindelfingen, which represents the future of automotive manufacturing at Mercedes‑Benz. Mercedes‑Benz invested in flexible production at an early stage, using the state-of-the-art digital production ecosystem MO360. This enables Mercedes‑Benz in Tuscaloosa to produce models with combustion engines, plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles in large quantities in parallel.

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About Mercedes-Benz Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach and Mercedes-EQ passenger vehicles, as well as Mercedes-Benz Vans. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada employs approximately 250 people across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 59 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 34,316 vehicles in 2022.

For more information, please contact:

Zakary Paget                         +1 (203) 957-9611                    zakary.paget@mercedes-benz.com

Further information from Mercedes-Benz Canada is available at media.mercedes-benz.ca

1. Model availability subject to change
2. Market availability subject to change
3. Electronically limited