First Look: 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

The mightiest of Mercedes-Benz SUVS, the three-row GLS, receives a number of meaningful revisions for 2024, with a fresh face, more standard equipment, an upgraded cabin and, perhaps most significantly, an electrified 48-volt engine line-up. 

It comes after Mercedes-Benz already upgraded the smaller GLE for 2024, doing much the same thing. Among its updates were fresh looks, a 48-volt hybrid system, a revised standard equipment list and updated looks. 

A fresh face and minor tweaks

Perhaps the most noticeable change is the one that’s the easiest to change: the grille. It now comprises of four horizontal silver bars with the Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star at its center. It’s framed by a grille surround finished in gloss black. It can be fitted with newly optional new 20-inch multi-spoke light-alloy wheels.

Its size remains unchanged, which makes for a commodious cabin with three rows of thrones. But the folks in Stuttgart have made a host of updates to the cabin, adding beige and brown to its choice of leather colors. Other detail changes include the addition of standard glossy brown lime wood, with piano black lacquer now offered as an option on GLS models. It was previously exclusive to the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4Matic.

All GLS models come with a new steering wheel that feature touch controls on the spokes. And for those in the back, an optional MBUX Multi-Seat Entertainment system brings MBUX’s front seat features to those sitting in the rear on three touchscreens. It can be enhanced with optional USB ports on the rear of the center console.

Updated infotainment

Mercedes-Benz also took time to update its MBUX infotainment system, which now offers classic, sporty and discreet display designs, as well as Navigation, Assistance and Service modes.

The displays can be adjusted to one of seven colors to accompany the ambient lighting. But the new system maintains its Off-Road Package, which not only tracks such need-to-know numbers as gradient, lateral inclination, compass and steering angle, it also provides a “transparent bonnet” view, which uses the 360-degree camera to provide the view under the front of the vehicle — a real boon when off-roading, although even Mercedes-Benz admits few of its buyers venture into the forest primeval. 

Of course, opting for the Mercedes-Maybach GLS takes all of this and dials it up to 11. The grille’s vertical bars and grille surround are chromed, and the whole affair has Maybach lettering, of course. And if you want to dress things up a bit, you can order Maybach-specific 23-inch wheels. 

Climb inside and you’ll get exclusive Maybach animated ambient lighting, while seats are finished in exclusive diamond-pattern quilting.

When you want the best

Of course, the real beast here is the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4Matic+, which receives exclusive redesigned front and rear lighting, and sees its Mercedes-Benz star replaced with an AMG badge. And it wears better footwear, in this case exclusive 21- to 23-inch wheels. 

Climb inside and you’ll find they’ve given the AMG a makeover as well, with new Bahia brown/black or macchiato beige/black color combinations. The glossy brown lime wood and piano black interior trim used on other models are optional here. And like its lesser siblings, it receives the same updated MBUX infotainment system, albeit with AMG-specific graphics.

Unlike its siblings, the cabin is fitted with AMG-specific seats and an instrument panel upholstered in Nappa leather. There’s also a lot more standard gear, such as an AMG Performance steering wheel, an electric panoramic sliding sunroof, heated and ventillated front seats, adaptive high beams, smartphone Integration, an engageable AMG Performance exhaust system, a Burmester sound system, Memory package, 360-degree Parking Pilot, Keyless-Go package and Blind-Spot Assist. Steering wheel heat and carbon fiber finishes are optional.

And there’s a host of tempting options too, such as MBUX Augmented Reality, an AMG Driver’s package, multi-contour front seats, a head-up display, and an air suspension, although adaptive adjustable damping and active roll stabilization are standard. 

A watt of power

When it comes time to move, you’ll find additional changes under the hood, as all models are now electrified with mild hybrid drivelines. The fun starts with GLS 450 4Matic’s 3.0-liter powerplant, with 381 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, which is runs 0-62 mph in 6.1 seconds.

The GLS 580s’ 4.0-liter powerplant pumps out 517 horses and 465 lb-ft of torque, but drops the 0-62 mph run to 4.9 seconds. Finally, there’s the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4Matic, with 557 hp, 465 lb-ft of torque and a 4.2-second 0-62 mph sprint. Top speed for the GLS is 155 mph, except for the GLS 63, which is rated at 174 mph. 

Best of all, there’s enough grunt to yank 7,000 pounds of your favorite plaything with a 309-pound tongue weight. And the GLS thoughtfully comes with Trailer Maneuvering Assist, which finds the best route when towing a trailer.

And they’re all built at the company’s plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. 

The midcycle refresh of the GLS-Class is expected to reach showrooms in September. Mercedes-Benz didn’t release prices, but expect them to be announced closer to the GLS’s on-sale date.

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• Source: https://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2023/04/first-look-2024-mercedes-benz-gls-class/