2026 Mercedes GLE/GLS Facelift

[Rolf]

This 2nd facelift is a massive disappointment. It makes both models look dated somehow with their big chrome grills and black borders using the same design as the E class which doesn't suit these SUVs.

I think both models look less attractive than the pre FL models. The GLE looks so much better than the GLS which looks disastrous at the front with those huge lights.

The interior screens look cheap and really dated with only 12.3 inch separated by massive besels. Why did they not just use the GLC hyperscreen? They deserve the best tech as they so damn expensive!

Also Mercedes why not put soft covering inside the door pockets? It's the attention to detail that is missing at Mercedes Benz. They don't upgrade the cheap parts of the interior that everyone complains about. The same happened with the S class FL and the black shiny door trim.

 

[Gor134]

The black grille surround bezel makes it look like it has a huge hood gap in the front.

 

[Uygar]

I think putting a GLC like grille would’ve been a better choice. It looks so much more modern.

 

[azeez samara]

F#ck you Mercedes!

As a bmw lover I have always been in love with how the gls looks but now I couldn't believe how bad looking it becomes with this update specially the front ,why mercedes why!you have no chance in competing with bmw in SUV and SAV category and probably in other categories as well!!

 

[Rolf]

The GLC EQ looks way better than these 2 outside and inside. It makes both these updates look old hat and dated. It's a shame Mercedes didn't do more updates to the interior with modern screens and if they installed iconic grills both would have looked so much nicer.

 

[AndreB]

As a bmw lover I have always been in love with how the gls looks but now I couldn't believe how bad looking it becomes with this update specially the front ,why mercedes why!you have no chance in competing with bmw in SUV and SAV category AND PROBABLY in other categories as well!!

They are pretty similar now, the new GLS is as ugly as the BMW X7, both have hideous headlights.

 

[azeez samara]

They are pretty similar now, the new GLS is as ugly as the BMW X7, both have hideous headlights.

but i am very optimistic with the facelifted x7 if it goes in the same direction with the leaked facelifted 7er,and even the current x7 looks way better than this facelifted gls

 

[Uygar]

but i am very optimistic with the facelifted x7 if it goes in the same direction with the leaked facelifted 7er

It will. X7 is a great looking full-size SUV imo. GLS is also great, even with this questionable facelift.

 

[Merc1]

Great mechanical and tech update with questionable looks. Nip the trend in bud now.

M

 

[Merc1]

We can’t have it both ways from MB nowadays - they’ll fix the aging interior, but mess up the exterior with the new corporate look. This gen was the first time MB well-executed the ML/GLE design without a facelift.



A valiant salesman rep in my area has convinced many customers to look past visuals of the GLE53 and get GLE580s via special order. It’s a makes the most of the larger “mid-size” platform and doesn’t feel stressed under duress as the 4 cylinder GLE (a crime imo) or the GLE53, which on paper is a great combination, but is riddled with engineering oversights, particularly in hot climates and for long-term reliability. The ride of the 53 is also pretty terrible with the firm suspension + AMG large wheels.

He is doing the lord’s work pushing this sleeper, but I sure someone at MB’s accounting department has already identified the trim level as a low-margin offering that the market doesn’t need.

A GLE580 engine can run 10+ years/100k+ miles with good maintenance, whereas it’s a roll of the dice for both the 350 and 53.

Well the GLE 580 remains. It gets the new V8 too. Your sales guy obviously had some impact lol. And it is the only GLE you can get in the USA with E-Active Body Control.

M

 

[Merc1]

Car and Driver:

“If it seems like all the GLE bases are covered, well, this isn't even the final word. But we can't tell you more about that until June.”

I guess the AMGs arrive then.

Mercedes Dares You to Find an SUV That Doesn't Fit Your Style with Its New Multifaceted GLE Family

The two-row GLE can be had with a modest four-cylinder, a plug-in hybrid, or a twin-turbo flat-plane-crank V-8. And that's not even getting into the AMG models.

www.caranddriver.com

M

 

[Dopebouy]

Bastian has alot of homework to do with the next S-class, GLE, GLS, etc ….He cannot let Mercedes down at all. The Next GLE & GLS better be a hit from day one, not this ‘it’ll grow on you’ typa crap.

 

[Merc1]

That would be the perfect time to separate the GLS and GLE design wise, especially inside. In a perfect world the next GLS would be twinned developed with the W224.

M

 

[Dopebouy]

What market is this?

 

[Dopebouy]

That would be the perfect time to separate the GLS and GLE design wise, especially inside. In a perfect world the next GLS would be twinned developed with the W224.

M

That’s what i was saying ! This is the point now.

The GLE & GLS need to be separate. No more sharing of platforms, it must be an S-class SUV & not a Stretched GLE. Something aimed to challenge the RR Vogue.

The upcoming W224 & it’s GLS counterpart better be revolutionary, They are falling behind right now.

 

[AbsoluteUnit]

That’s what i was saying ! This is the point now.

The GLE & GLS need to be separate. No more sharing of platforms, it must be an S-class SUV & not a Stretched GLE. Something aimed to challenge the RR Vogue.

The upcoming W224 & it’s GLS counterpart better be revolutionary, They are falling behind right now.

Platforms will be shared. The W214, W223 and W206 share the same platform; MRA2.

I suppose what you want is the GLS to be more differentiates from the GLE.

 

[Merc1]

That’s what i was saying ! This is the point now.

The GLE & GLS need to be separate. No more sharing of platforms, it must be an S-class SUV & not a Stretched GLE. Something aimed to challenge the RR Vogue.

The upcoming W224 & it’s GLS counterpart better be revolutionary, They are falling behind right now.

The platform isn’t the issue. The design is. The platform won’t matter long as they differentiate.

M

 

[Dopebouy]

Yeah the GLS has to be more different. It must literally be a lifted S-Class.
-Different interior
-Different Suspension ( Maybach-Like )
-Different Looks
-GLS V12 ( Makes it more special/rare )

I seriously don’t know why Mercedes is playing it safe, People will buy such a GLS even if it costs as much as a Range Rover Vogue.

 

[Uygar]

What market is this?

Germany

 

[klier]

The black grille surround bezel makes it look like it has a huge hood gap in the front.

There actually is a gap there, and MB claims it's functional for fresh air flow into the engine bay

The interior screens look cheap and really dated with only 12.3 inch separated by massive besels. Why did they not just use the GLC hyperscreen? They deserve the best tech as they so damn expensive!

My simple guess is that the newest hyper screen uses tech/hardware/wiring so different it wasn't worth the R&D for the facelift of a truly dated car.