Redefining Comfort: The New Mercedes-Benz GLS

By MHH Admin · 8 May 2026

New for 2026, the latest version of the premium Mercedes-Benz S-Class GLS continues the tradition of this prestige model from the legendary German car maker. Intuitive to operate, prestigious in appearance and first-class in every detail; it’s truly the S‑Class of sport utility vehicles (SUV), embodying as it does a contemporary vision of luxury, comfort and digital intelligence.

About The GLS

Thanks to the new range of engines, the new Mercedes-Benz GLS models provide an improved and, for such a big car, more nimble driving experience. From the outset, this SUV is more agile and offers more pulling power, even on country roads. For maximum assistance, every GLS is equipped with an impressive array of sensors: no less than ten exterior cameras as well as up to five radar and twelve ultrasonic sensors capture the surroundings with precision.

This suite of sensors works together with a powerful control unit running ‘MB.OS’, the ‘Mercedes‑Benz Operating System’. This makes the GLS an intelligent driving companion. Over‑the‑air updates will keep the vehicle up to date for years to come.

On the road, a cloud-based damper regulation system with ‘AIRMATIC’, the vehicle automatically adjusts the damping just before encountering a bump. This makes every journey even more comfortable, especially for passengers in the rear.

A new touch is that the Mercedes‑Benz star on the bonnet is now in an upright position, an established hallmark of the S‑Class that gives the new GLS an iconic touch of tradition, prestige and confident performance. This impression is powerfully reinforced by the larger radiator grille. With its striking chrome frame and contour lighting, distinctive chrome fins and the shimmering Mercedes‑Benz pattern in chrome, the face of the GLS radiates luxury and presence. This is more than an SUV, says the company, it is a statement of contemporary luxury, innovative technology and commanding presence; so there you are.

The redesigned front bumper lends the GLS an even more confident and expressive presence. A sleek black panel visually unites the headlamps and radiator grille, creating a harmonious, contemporary face. The headlamps and tail lights with their signature star design ensure instant recognition day and night, while subtly emphasising the model’s refined, status‑enhancing character. At the rear, a design trim with an integrated Mercedes star links the tail lamps into one flowing element, highlighting the vehicle’s impressive width.

The Drive

Thanks to the new range of engines, the new GLS models offer an improved driving experience. Numerous innovations make them more agile and deliver improved pulling power. At the same time, the engines are already designed to meet future emissions standards and deliver the brand’s hallmark high level of noise and vibration comfort.

In the important partial load range, the top-of-the-range GLS ‘580 4MATIC’ V8-powered model is also now also, as mentioned, noticeably more agile. The V8 responds more quickly to accelerator inputs, operates more efficiently and delivers its performance more smoothly than before. Its rated output has increased to 510BHP (517PS /395 kW) and a maximum torque of 750Nm is available across a wide range from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm.

Meanwhile, in the GLS ‘450 4MATIC’, the six-cylinder petrol engine is now even more responsive and offers a singularly more refined driving experience. This is due to the increased torque, especially, again, under partial load. Furthermore, the rated torque has increased to 560Nm, a plus of twelve percent over the previous version.

For the first time, the two six-cylinder diesel models, the GLS ‘350d 4MATIC’ and GLS ‘450d 4MATIC’ are equipped with an electrically heated catalyst. This brings the exhaust system up to the optimum temperature range early on and ensures that the temperature remains within the desired range throughout the entire driving cycle. The engine block (crankcase) and cylinder head are made of aluminium. This makes the engine lighter overall than its predecessor, reducing the weight on the front axle, thus improving handling.

All engines have mild-hybrid support with an integrated starter generator (ISG). The latter provides intelligent underpinning in the low-speed range. When combined with turbo-charging, this ensures outstanding power delivery. The system includes a 48-volt electrical system, which enables functions such as coasting, boost and recuperation, resulting in significant fuel savings. In addition, the engines start very quickly and comfortably with the help of the ISG. As a result, the start-stop function is barely noticeable to the driver, as is the transition from coasting with the engine off to powerful acceleration with engine power.

In idle mode, the intelligent interaction between the ISG and the petrol or diesel engine ensures outstanding smoothness. Additional insulation has been added. The engine cover is fitted with a special heavy mat that effectively absorbs high-frequency combustion noises. Plus, acoustic foam is used in some bodyshell cavities to reduce engine, road, and wind noise.

A Prestige Interior

The new GLS is the largest and most luxurious SUV yet from this famous brand, offering more of everything: more space, more comfort and more luxury. Its a big car that radiates class and elegance. The generous dimensions create an interior that feels open and inviting, with space for up to seven passengers to travel in first-class comfort.

The long wheelbase provides an exceptional sense of spaciousness, particularly for the second row. All three seat rows are fully electrically adjustable, and even the third row provides two full‑size seats that comfortably accommodate even taller people, so not just for children. Access to the third row is made wonderfully simple thanks to the electric ‘Easy Entry’ function. And when more room for luggage or equipment is needed, the third‑row seats lower seamlessly into the floor at the touch of a button.

The second row also folds flat, unlocking up to 2,400 litres of versatile load space. Passengers in the third row enjoy thoughtful details such as seat heating and their own USB charging ports. With the optional five‑zone air-conditioning, they even benefit from a dedicated climate zone with roof‑mounted air vents, ensuring personalised comfort for everyone on board.

With the optional ‘Rear Comfort Package Plus’, the GLS transforms the rear cabin into both a comprehensively equipped mobile office and a serene place of relaxation. Multi‑contour seats with a massage function, also have removable MBUX operating system remote controls. Automatic climate control, and electric sun blinds in both doors create an environment that adapts effortlessly to every need. Additional comforts such as seat heating for the third row, side airbags, comfort head restraints, wireless charging for mobile devices, and adaptive lighting further enhance the sense of wellbeing.

Just Some Of The Technology

The MBUX ‘Virtual Assistant’ is always present on the central display, using various animations to signal whether it is currently speaking, listening or processing information. Movement, brightness, intensity, and colour interact seamlessly to communicate intuitively with the driver.

In the new Mercedes-Benz GLS, the navigation experience is based on Google Maps. The unique guidance system offers Mercedes-Benz customers the best of both worlds: Google Maps technology and the highly regarded user interface and proven services of Mercedes-Benz. ‘MBUX Augmented Reality’ for navigation overlays graphic navigation and traffic information onto live images, including heads-up, which is particularly helpful in complex turning situations, for example, in cities or on confusing motorway exits. Three-dimensional animated arrows show the driver the correct exit. A camera captures the area in front of the vehicle. Virtual objects and information are superimposed on this video on the central display.

It has to be said that the level of technology and general wizardry featured on this premium SUV would run to a full size book. Suffice to say that, if it is needed for safety or infotainment then it is on this car. A real challenger.

MHH International With Mercedes-Benz

As the leading car exporter, MHH International offer new and used vehicles from this prestige car maker for export to destinations around the globe including New Zealand, Kenya and Mauritius; twenty-seven different countries in all. You can see our current Mercedes-Benz stock on these pages. Find out about our comprehensive export service here. Get in touch with our dedicated team to find out more about Mercedes-Benz cars or indeed any models from a wide range of prestige car makers.