Mercedes-Benz has dropped a new special edition for the 2018 GLS, its three-row SUV. It’s called the Grand Edition, and it brings a swanky new leather treatment to the interior and the choice between two sets of 20-inch alloy wheels. The Grand Edition can be had on the GLS 350d, 400, and 500, but is only offered in Europe. Sorry, Cowboy. Though Joe America can’t have this beast parked in his driveway, more of his cattle will be found inside.

As mentioned, the interior’s new extended leather treatment involves a leather-covered dashboard with real, open-pore wood accents and seats with quilted patterns and a porcelain and espresso color combination only found in the Grand Edition. Outside, those getting the Grand Edition can choose to get the Exterior Package, which includes a slightly more aggressive lower front fascia and AMG-style 20-inch wheels. All Grand Editions come with badges on the front fenders denoting their grandeur.

Continue reading for more details on the Mercedes-Benz GLS Grand Edition.

What makes the GLS Grand Edition special

In reality, the Grand Edition isn’t all that different. Yes, there are “exclusive” wheels, new stitching patterns in the seats, and Nappa leather and wood on the dash, but that’s it. Then again, that’s all it takes to push customers to upgrade – added comfort and exclusivity.

While this isn’t Mercedes’ first time launching a Grand Edition SUV, there is speculation this might be the current GLS’ swan song. Spy shots have already surfaced of a large SUV draped in camouflage and wearing a three-pointed star. A new GLS would certainly be welcomed. Though its exterior aesthetics have aged rather well, the SUV’s interior – particularly its dashboard – is in serious need of an update. Just look at that center stack. It has telephone buttons like its 2003. An S-Class/E-Class treatment would definitely be a welcomed upgrade, digital dash and massive screens included.

But back to the 2018 GLS Grand Edition.

Mercedes is offering the special edition trim on the GLS’ three main trims – the 350d, 400, and 500, all with 4Matic AWD. The GLS 350d 4Matic is powered by a 3.0-liter V-6 turbodiesel making 258 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 400 4Matic is powered by a gasoline-drinking 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 with 333 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Topping the range is the GLS 500 4Matic motivated by a twin-turbo 4.7-liter V-8 with 456 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. All versions come with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and all horsepower specs are measured in PS, pursuant to European standards.

As for costs and availability of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS Grand Edition, Mercedes has already opened the ordering books and models will be arriving in European showrooms in March of 2018. Adding the upgraded interior package of the Grand Edition costs £5,950, and the exterior package adds another £2,300. That currently equates to $7,764 and $3,001 respectively.

What do you think? Are the interior and exterior upgrades worth the extra cost? Let us know in the comments below.

References

Mercedes GLS

Read our full review on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS.

Read more Mercedes-Benz news.