GLS 2017 Mercedes-Benz GL Facelift: Spy Pics & Info

Wolfgang · Apr 21, 2015

Maybach crossover will have to wait until the next-generation GLS arrives
According to a recent report, Mercedes won't offer a Maybach crossover until the next-generation GLS arrives in a few years.

Speaking to Autocar, Mercedes Sales & Marketing boss Ola Källenius said a GLS-based Maybach "could be interesting for the future" but it would most likely be based on the next-generation model.

While that's still a ways off, the next-generation model will reportedly be based on the same platform that underpins the S-Class. The magazine goes on to say the Maybach variant will likely be powered by the same twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 engine that resides in the Mercedes-Maybach S600. However, the model could also be offered with the company's twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine to help increase its appeal in markets where models are taxed based on their engine displacement. Unfortunately, since the model will be aimed primarily at the Chinese and American consumers there might not be a diesel-powered variant.

Source: Autocar via WCF

Mr. Mercedes · Apr 21, 2015

Wolfgang said:
Maybach crossover will have to wait until the next-generation GLS arrives
According to a recent report, Mercedes won't offer a Maybach crossover until the next-generation GLS arrives in a few years.

Speaking to Autocar, Mercedes Sales & Marketing boss Ola Källenius said a GLS-based Maybach "could be interesting for the future" but it would most likely be based on the next-generation model.

While that's still a ways off, the next-generation model will reportedly be based on the same platform that underpins the S-Class. The magazine goes on to say the Maybach variant will likely be powered by the same twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 engine that resides in the Mercedes-Maybach S600. However, the model could also be offered with the company's twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine to help increase its appeal in markets where models are taxed based on their engine displacement. Unfortunately, since the model will be aimed primarily at the Chinese and American consumers there might not be a diesel-powered variant.

Source: Autocar via WCF

Hallelujah! Sense prevails.

rjanthony · Apr 21, 2015

DexterMorgan said:
@Wolfgang MB Passion's time frame seems to be on point. At lease based on what I've heard through the grapevine. The 2016 is going to be a relatively short model year for the GL (~6 to 7 months or so) until the GLS is released in Q1 of next year.

I thought the new naming was not linked to the refresh? The pic and discussion here seems to state otherwise.

Wolfgang · Apr 26, 2015

^ L'Automobile confirms the GLS name change comes with the facelift at the end of the year.

http://www.automobile-magazine.fr/actualites/mercedes/mercedes_gls2

Wolfgang · Apr 28, 2015

Might show up in LA, like the Maybach last year.

Although it's not expected on sale here until mid-2016, Benz will mark the end of its "year of the SUV" in November when it reveals the GLS (facelifted GL-Class) at the Los Angeles motor show.

http://www.motoring.com.au/news/201.../glc/mercedes-benz-glc-to-debut-in-june-50821

rjanthony · May 2, 2015

2016 Mercedes GLS-Class pre-orders start on 04 November 2015

The currently sold, second generation Mercedes GL-Class has been on sale since 2012 and is now due for a facelift. Adhereing to the brand’s new and simplified nomenclature system, the luxury crossover will change its name from GL-Class to GLS-Class. The addition of “S” letter in the name is the company’s way of systematically expressing that the vehicle is positioned at the level of the S-Class.

As per a fresh report from Mercedes-Benz Passion, the 2016 GLS-Class will be available for pre-order from 04 November 2015. This means that the new model can be expected to debut at the 2015 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt in September. The facelifted model wil feature the new 9G-Tronic (nine-speed automatic) transmission that debuted on the E-Class in 2013. The front fascia has been updated with new, larger LED headlamps similar to the ones of the S-Class. The tail lamp clusters should also have been revised. The COMAND Online with Navigation system and the assistance systems will also be updated.

According to the report, the 2016 GLS-Class will start arriving in dealerships in Q1 2016.

http://steeringnews.com/2016-mercede...ber-2015-8880/

Rainer271 · May 21, 2015

Spied: Bye-bye Mercedes-Benz GL, hello refreshed GLS

After presenting the all-new GLE Coupe and the revised M-Class that was renamed to GLE, Mercedes is preparing to complete the family makeover with the GL-replacing GLS.
further away than the GLE for the type of cosmetic changes awaiting the GL's successor and which include a completely restyled front end that now resembles a bloated GLA, tweaked rear bumper and tail lamp graphics, and a fresh assortment of wheels.

The same goes for the GLS' interior, as it's shared with the car we once knew as the M-Class, so expect a newly styled steering wheel and a freshened-up center console with a 7.0-inch free-standing screen for the updated infotainment system, plus new colors and trimmings.

By this point, you must have figured out that nearly everything that was done to turn the M-Class into the GLE, will be done to the longer and boxier GLS as well, so we'll probably see the range being expanded with a plug-in hybrid version sporting a 328hp V6 and 114hp electric motor producing a combined system total of 436hp. That's in addition to the rest of the V6 and V8 lineup topped by the GL63 AMG S model with 577hp (585PS).

car scoops

Rolf · May 22, 2015

It's a pity that the GLS won't have its own upmarket interior design that will Separate it from the GLE, this for me is it biggest weakness in comparison to its biggest rival, the Range Rover

rjanthony · May 22, 2015

We'll need to wait for the full redesign.

DexterMorgan · May 22, 2015

As I've mentioned elsewhere in this thread, MB should have waited until the full re-do of the GL before renaming it. The face lift doesn't do enough to this car to suggest this is the GL-"S". Whereas the S-class is the standard bearer of all things automotive, the GL is, in its current guise, simply a really nice SUV.

Wolfgang · May 28, 2015

The 2017 model year may offer optional second row captain's chairs according to some rumors.

empower77 · May 28, 2015

Those 'fluid' tail pipes look very aftermarket on a relatively boxy design.I have the same issue with the refreshed W212 and new GLE

Serpens · May 28, 2015

That would be a HUGE plus IMO. So many people I know have been asking for that since the original GL debuted.

Wolfgang · Jun 20, 2015

Mercedes-Benz GLS could include long-wheelbase, Coupe variants

The new-generation Mercedes-Benz GLS – the car that replaces the current Mercedes-Benz GL – will be revealed later this year, and the brand is looking at derivatives that could help it fill ultra-niche and ultra-luxury segments.

The company has just launched its new GLE and GLE Coupe models in Europe, and there’s a GLC and GLC Coupepairing also on its way. So, could the GLS become the next model to score a coupe-style spin-off? It appears likely.

CarAdvice spoke with Mercedes-Benz’s vice-president of product for SUVs and sports cars, Wolf-Dieter Kurz, at the GLE/GLE Coupe launch this week, and he indicated that it would make more sense for a large model to be offered with a sloping roof than it would for, say, the GLA, which is the brand’s entry-level SUV.

“We have no decision either on the lower side nor on the higher side,” he asserted, before expanding on the potential reasoning for either option.

“In the lower side I’m getting a bit concerned about the space in the rear compartment. If you narrow the rear headroom of a very small vehicle, it can be a touch point where customers do not like it anymore because you cannot utilise the space then in a proper way.

“In the upper point it would be no problem,” he said. Just give the vehicle 50 centimetres more wheelbase and it would still work.”

The company is also taking notice of the action at the very top end of the SUV ranks. Bentley is launching the Bentayga,Lamborghini has confirmed a production version of its SUV, and Land Rover’s Range Rover model line seemingly knows no stopping point in terms of opulence.

Kurz suggested that Mercedes-Benz has taken notice of what’s happening in that market segment – indeed, there has been talk of a Mercedes-Maybach version of the new GLS (a la the S-Class and the S600 Maybach version of that car), he didn’t deny the appeal at that end.

“If you look in to the market there are competitors who are doing products like that, especially Range Rover with the long-wheelbase and luxury variants,” he said. “So that’s where we are really looking in to that.”

SUVs are known for offering good margins in terms of profit, and niche models that can attract higher price tags are obviously attractive for that very reason. But there must be a market, and that’s something Kurz knows following the rollout of the GLE and GLE Coupe siblings (pictured below).

“Are we following the path of the X6? You have to make up your mind and you have to keep the focus as to in terms of the overall portfolio, where are we going now? Where are we investing? What can we do at the same time?” he posited.

“It’s not only a question of what’s a trend in the market, it’s also a question of the strategy of the company and there are other things that have to fit into each other,” he said.

car advice

DexterMorgan · Jun 20, 2015

Wolfgang said:
The new-generation Mercedes-Benz GLS – the car that replaces the current Mercedes-Benz GL – will be revealed later this year

Why do all the publications keep referring to the mid-cycle facelift as a 'new-generation' GLS?! This is not a new generation car and won't be for another 3 years or so.

Wolfgang · Jun 28, 2015

Updated GL (X166) Spotted in Sindelfingen
The Mercedes-Benz GL mid-cycle facelift launches with the new name "GLS". It's supposed to become available to order in November 2015 followed by the market launch in spring 2016. The car is much more masculine and aggressive in the revised version than it used to be - and will also sport the 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic. The hood is higher, and will also receive power domes regardless of which powertrain is selected.

The rear bumper and light graphics will be updated, while the interior changes follow the M-Class (now named GLE, W166) facelift. Wheels range up to 22 inches in diameter. Also new for the GLS is a Night Package as well as a Dynamic Select chassis. The GLS 63 by Mercedes-AMG is to remain the top model.

MB Passion

Mr. Mercedes · Jun 28, 2015

DexterMorgan said:
Why do all the publications keep referring to the mid-cycle facelift as a 'new-generation' GLS?! This is not a new generation car and won't be for another 3 years or so.

Because MB marketing is doing a damn good job convincing them it's a 'new generation'.