Mercedes-Benz took the wraps off the 2027 GLS, which slots above the refreshed GLE SUV. Like its smaller sibling, the exterior design tweaks include a fresh new front fascia with star patterns on the headlights and taillights. Unlike the GLE, the GLS features stacked stars on the headlights. The grille also receives plenty of mini three-pointed stars, including one on the hood that pays tribute to the S-Class sedan.
For 2027, the GLS includes two new exterior colors: Dark Petrol and Manufaktur Patagonia Red Metallic. It also has new 21- and 22-inch wheel options, as well as a wide range of Manufaktur exterior colors and Nappa leather options. Every GLS now comes standard with a panoramic sunroof and comfort seats. Beech Brown/Black join the interior color options, along with two new natural grain wood trims: Dark Brown Birch and Brown Walnut.
In terms of cabin appointments, the GLS goes all in. In addition to improving the seat massage and climate functions, it now offers the new Executive Rear Seat Package Plus. This adds goodies like multi-contour seats with massage, new MBUX remote controls, luxury headrests, and heated third-row seats. Additionally, it pairs well with the MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment, which adds two full-HD 11.6-inch screens with streaming audio and video functions.
2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS: MB. OS-Powered
Like recently refreshed or all-new Mercedes-Benz models, the 2027 GLS uses the MB. OS operating system and the MBUX infotainment interface. Every model now comes standard with the MBUX Superscreen, which houses three 12.3-inch displays under one piece of glass. This includes a passenger display that supports streaming video.
MB. OS also allows for over-the-air software updates for the entire vehicle, and video conferencing apps while stopped. The interface’s AI assistant now integrates Microsoft, Google, and ChatGPT for a more personalized experience. The onboard navigation makes use of Google Maps data combined with the MBUX interface. Additionally, you can upgrade to augmented reality navigation, which is complemented by an augmented reality head-up display.
As for driver assistance technologies, the GLS features an extensive list. Plus, you can add MB. DRIVE ASSIST PRO, which will gain a CITY PRO function at a later date, allowing for seamless point-to-point driving. A new water-cooled supercomputer powers the vehicle with enough reserve for future functions. It also features five radar sensors, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and 10 exterior cameras. These enable features like MB. DRIVE PARKING ASSIST, which Mercedes does a better job at parking. Meanwhile, a reverse maneuvering function allows the car to automatically reverse part of the route you recently drove. Other driver assistance features include the standard MB. DRIVE PARKING ASSIST 360 with a surround view camera.
Prodigious Turbocharged Power
At launch, the 2027 GLS has two engine options. Both include a 48-volt mild hybrid system featuring an integrated starter generator that has 23 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. In addition to improving power delivery, this setup helps smooth out the start/stop function and provides support at low speeds. The GLS 450 uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged I-6 with 375 hp and 413 lb-ft. Meanwhile, the GLS 580 has the new 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 from the refreshed S-Class with 530 hp and 553 lb-ft. Both engines use additional insulation measures to improve noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). All GLS models come standard with 4Matic AWD.
On the chassis front, the standard air suspension now has a firmer, sportier tune but does not sacrifice ride comfort. The GLS 580 continues to offer the E-Active Body Control system that responds predictively by analyzing every driving scenario 1,000 times per second to adapt the suspension accordingly. E-Active Body Control also enables a broad range of handling characteristics and works alongside the Dynamic Select drive modes to prioritize comfort or agility. Additionally, it individually controls spring and damper forces at each wheel to counteract roll, pitch, and lift movements. Moreover, the body no longer dips during braking and accelerating.
E-Active Body Control includes additional functions. These include free-wheel mode, which can help free the vehicle when it gets stuck in sand. Individual wheel control that individually adjusts each wheel’s suspension level to improve vehicle alignment on rough terrain. Lastly, drivers can lower the car by over two inches to make loading and unloading easier. Since E-Active Body Control operates at 48 volts, it can recuperate energy on rough road surfaces for improved efficiency.
Expect the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS to go on sale at the end of the year.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
