Although relatively new on the market, the third generation Mercedes-Benz GLS is about to receive a small update - just like all the other models in the lineup. The third generation GLS was announced at the 2019 New York International Auto Show and was followed by a Mercedes-Maybach version is late 2019. What's weird is that Mercedes started to test the facelifted Maybach version before the standard SUV. However, today our spy photographers are offering us some spy shots of the biggest SUV in the Mercedes line-up, the GLS facelift. And that's only a few days after the smaller crossover, the facelifted GLA was also caught testing.
Just like with all the other models in the lineup, changes for the 2023 GLS will be small and limited to only the front and the rear. Just as we have seen in the smaller GLA, the GLS will also receive a new front fascia and new internals for the headlights. Changes in the back will also be very small and limited to just some new graphics for the taillights. In fact, Mercedes will just try to keep the GLS fresh, while keeping the expenses with the development very low.
The same will go for the interior too. Changes will be minimal and will include an updated infotainment system with new graphics for the digital instrument cluster. The 2023 GLS will also get a new steering wheel from the recently launched S-Class. The same changes will also be applied to the more luxurious version, the Maybach GLS.
Under the hood, Mercedes will continue to offer the same inline-six and V-8 engines with mild-hybrid technology. The base model - the GLS 450 - will be offered with a 3.0-liter inline-six engine paired with an EQ Boost system. In its current form, it delivers a total of 383 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. The more powerful version, the GLS 580, features a 4.0-liter V-8 gasoline engine paired with a 48-volt electrical system. It delivers a total of 504 horsepower and a whopping 700 pound-feet of torque. It is possible that the facelift version will bring a little bit more power for each model, though, and rumors suggest that the facelift will also bring a plug-in hybrid option - but that hasn't been caught testing just yet.
Expect the facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLS to be launched before the end of 2022, with sales to begin in early 2023. Prices will most likely start from the same $78,000 for the base model and from $160k for the Maybach version.