The 5,000,000th SUV rolling off the Mercedes-Benz assembly line might seem a confirmation of our love for the company’s luxury all-roaders. But as the company ramps up to add the new Mercedes-Benz GLS to the lineup, we feel the thrill running even deeper. We’re smitten, and the love affair is about to heat up even further.
Some might call changes to the 2027 GLS a facelift. And while it shares its robust powertrain, a powerful V6 or an even more powerful V8, with the GLE 450 and 580, the GLS is designed for those who need more space, more style and more luxury. That is the nature of the S Class.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks. I was a guest of Mercedes-Benz for this unveiling, but all opinions and impressions are my own.
“S” Stands For … Top Level Luxury?
“Someone once told me that if you want the top of the line Mercedes, look for one with an ‘S’ in the name,” our founder Scotty Reiss said. And while Mercedes can go above with AMG power and Maybach’s bespoke amenities, S, which stands for sonderklass, or special class, marks the brand’s highest standard. The GLS treats every passenger like a VIP, offering a level of relaxation and entertainment intended to set a new industry standard. Those who need the seating, the comforts, the tech and conveniences of a true luxury SUV will find it here and with the new 2027 model, even more so.
I had an opportunity to see the new GLS for myself, and this is what makes the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS stand apart—from its like-powered siblings and the field of luxury SUVs.
Two Different Engines for Daily Drives and Adventures
The engine is the heart of any car and the most expensive component. And for Mercedes-Benz, it’s what sets the brand apart. A powerful engine that responds instantly is core to the luxury experiecne. The powerful engine choices in the GLS 450 and GLS 580 are the same found in the lower-priced yet still very luxe GLE SUV. The company’s all-wheel drive system (which they call 4MATIC) is included as standard equipment—because there is no luxury in being stuck in the mud.
Both also have a mild hybrid system that boosts overall torque, though there’s a slight difference in acceleration between the GLE and GLS due to the weight of the GLS. But it’s still impressive for a full-sized 3-row SUV to have the power to accelerate when you need it. Having the extra torque and horsepower is helpful when it’s full of gear and people, too.
Here’s how the power lines up:
- GLS 450 4MATIC is powered by a 3.0L inline 6-cylinder turbo charged engine that generates 375 HP and 413 pound-feet of torque
- The GLS 580 4MATIC bumps up the power with a 4.0L V8 twin turbo engine that produces 530 HP and 553 pound-feet of torque
The Suspension Setup is Engineered to Both Soothe and Impress
It shouldn’t surprise anyone to learn that either engine is engineered to play a huge role in the Mercedes-Benz GLS’s quiet but confident ride. The other half of that equation is the suspension. The GLS comes with the company’s cloud-based intelligent air suspension system (that they call AIRMATIC) to allow the GLS to adjust the ride comfort before going over any bumps. This is perfect for those drives where the baby falls asleep and you’re actively avoiding bumps; it keeps the ride smooth and removes any guesswork on your part.
Now, if you have seasonal and treacherous driving conditions like icy driveways or rainy drives down a steep hill, GLS 580 4MATIC has an optional E-Active Body Control feature that’s designed to allow your wheels to spin independently when approaching a slippery road when using the off-road drive program and the suspension level adjusts. And if outdoor music festivals require that desert road trip, the GLS can also get out of the sand when off-road driving in free-wheel mode.
This Star and Illumination Cue Sets the Exterior Styling Tone
The Mercedes-Benz GLS’s exterior maintains its classic, commanding silhouette but feels sharper and more refined for 2027. The first thing that caught my eye—and will definitely cause a double-take—is the new standing Mercedes-Benz star on the hood, encased in a distinctive chrome frame with optional illumination. The standing star is an S Class icon; only the S Class gets this.
Like the GLE, the GLS now features standard contour lighting, giving the grille a sophisticated, very premium, and lit-up presence on the road. The lighting isn’t just about style; it’s a win for both safety and efficiency. The new headlamps and taillights feature a beautiful star design and are engineered to use 50% less energy while weighing 25% less than the previous generation. Most importantly for U.S. drivers, the GLS now offers a partial high-beam function. This allows you to keep the road ahead brightly illuminated without blinding oncoming traffic—a game-changer for nighttime confidence.
To round out the makeover, Mercedes-Benz added two stunning new paint finishes, Dark Petrol and MANUFAKTUR Patagonia Red Metallic, alongside four new wheel designs, including two fresh 21-inch options and two sporty AMG multi-spoke wheels.
Interior Features That Add The “S:” Entertainment, Space and Massage Seats
The new interior is all about functional aesthetics—the perfect marriage of comfort and high-end design. The first thing you’ll notice is the stitched details on the seats, paired with pillowed headrests, which we’ve seen in the rear seats of the Maybach in the past; now they’re in the front seat too. It’s exactly the kind of plush support you want during a long road trip, a traffic-filled commute, or for a moment of zen on a hectic school run.
Mercedes-Benz has expanded the palette with new Beech Brown/Black upholstery, joining classic favorites like Macchiato Beige and Bahia Brown in either leather or the vegan-friendly leatherette. You can also customize the dash with two new finishes: Natural Grain Dark Brown Birch or Brown Walnut.
The standard panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with light, ensuring even third-row passengers feel connected to the world outside (and helps curb car sickness). Speaking of the back seats, flexibility is the priority here:
- Seating for 6 or 7: Choose between a second-row bench or captain’s chairs for easier pass-through access to the back.
- Power-Adjustable Ease: Both the second and third rows are power-adjustable as a standard feature, making it effortless to configure the cabin for groceries or car seats.
- The “Executive” Upgrade: For those who want the ultimate VIP experience, the Executive Rear Seat Package Plus replaces tablets with dual 11.6” HD displays and adds massaging and heated center row seats, electric sun blinds, and even a button that lets the rear passenger slide the front seat forward for extra legroom.
The Mercedes-Benz GLS Will Never Be Out-of-Date, Thanks To Over the Air Updates and High-End Tech
Sitting in the driver’s seat, it’s hard not to be in awe of the new Superscreen, a glass pannel that spans the entire dashboard and features three 12.3-inch displays: a dedicated driver display, a central multimedia touchscreen, and a private screen for the passenger. While you focus on the road, your co-pilot can stream Disney+ uninterrupted or set the mood by changing the climate settings, adding music and customizing the ambient lighting.
The luxury here is in the seamlessness. Thanks to the new MB.OS architecture, the GLS stays current with over-the-air updates. One of the most practical additions is the Augmented Reality for Navigation. Using Google Maps integration and real-time camera feeds, it overlays traffic information onto a live view of the road—an absolute lifesaver when navigating unfamiliar city streets or busy school zones.
Mercedes-Benz has always been future-forward in its innovation and development of features, among the first to offer a driver alert system, massage seats and cloud-connected voice activated assistance. The GLS is no different, so it felt like a bit of a peek into the future to see that they’ve included tactile controls on the steering wheel that give gentle feedback that confirms your commands; a separate control panel for climate functions so you don’t have to dig through the touch screen; a digital phone-as-key so you can lock, unlock, and even start the GLS from your phone, and a chassis height adjustment as part of the e-active body control system that allows you to raise or lower the car to make loading or unloading things easier.
This Facelift is Packed with Standard Luxury Features
By focusing on intentional, luxury-forward updates, Mercedes-Benz has reinvigorated a renewed sense of ease.
The combination of the sharper body and the new illuminated star grille creates a look that is truly daydream-worthy. Inside, the passenger experience is more connected than ever. While you navigate with the intuitive, tactile steering wheel controls, your passenger can enjoy their own curated entertainment on the Superscreen.
With refined engine options and the improved suspension, the GLS remains the gold standard for transporting up to seven people in total comfort—on or off-road. The combination of over-the-air updates and the “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant ensures that the tech works for you, not against you.
While final pricing hasn’t been officially confirmed, we expect the 2027 model to start slightly north of the current GLS 450’s $91,600 MSRP. As official figures arrive closer to launch, one thing is already clear: the new GLS will make it easier than ever to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride from every single seat.
