2026 Mercedes GLE/GLS Facelift

[Rolf]

This car is going to give both these models some headaches in the sales dept to be honest.

Even in basic trim with cloth seats the interior looks really good, the screens and vents looking so much better.

Then the exterior styling is the icing on the cake, with that iconic grill it is a much better design then both GLE and GLS.

 

[AbsoluteUnit]

This car is going to give both these models some headaches in the sales dept to be honest.

Even in basic trim with cloth seats the interior looks really good, the screens and vents looking so much better.

Then the exterior styling is the icing on the cake, with that iconic grill it is a much better design then both GLE and GLS.

That's the problem.
They've had to go for a second facelift, where they probably weren't planning on having, because of a now dead 100% EV future based on the EQ cars.

The next generation GLE and GLS will no-doubt follow the GLC. But they needed a product refresh until that next generation.

The GLE will still be hugely popular, I'm sure. Even with the controversy of its looks, I don't really see the issue. Its fundamentally a handsome car, even if I don't think it needed new front and rear graphics.

 

[Mick Briesgau]

That's the problem.
They've had to go for a second facelift, where they probably weren't planning on having, because of a now dead 100% EV future based on the EQ cars.

The next generation GLE and GLS will no-doubt follow the GLC. But they needed a product refresh until that next generation.

The GLE will still be hugely popular, I'm sure. Even with the controversy of its looks, I don't really see the issue. Its fundamentally a handsome car, even if I don't think it needed new front and rear graphics.

Well, I do. In Europe it's a very expensive car, bordering on overpriced. Now the FL GLE looks less attractive than it's more affordable sibling. Not to mention the lower build quality of the US-produced GLE.

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

The F/L GLS' front-end and rear-end do not get along, IMO. Pre-F/L were more harmonious.

 

[klier]

That's the problem.

I don't really see the issue.

Which one should I pick? lol

 

[AbsoluteUnit]

Which one should I pick? lol

I don't see the issue with the design. It's fine.
The problem is, it's a decade old car which is receiving a second facelift. Rather than being a ground up new design.

 

[klugscheisser87]

X1 is still one of the best looking Bimmers and far from a turd IMO. X2 is debatable though I've grown into it.

I like the rear and that’s it.

But I can’t stand its cartoonish look and that goofy front, same issue with the Volvo XC40.

Still easy win against the GLA shapeless sponge.

 

[Dopebouy]

To anyone getting the GLS. Get the GLS 580 with Exclusive grille, E-ABC & Manufaktur interior then put on Maybach Rims & call it a day !:

A few extra pics I found. This suits the GLS so much better.

 

[klier]

^^ Next gen Vito has never looked this good.

The problem is, it's a decade old car which is receiving a second facelift. Rather than being a ground up new design.

Yes this is a big problem.
And regarding design I can't disagree as it's subjective.....but let's just say you belong to the 5% (who like it)

 

[Dopebouy]

^^ Next gen Vito has never looked this good.



Yes this is a big problem.
And regarding design I can't disagree as it's subjective.....but let's just say you belong to the 5% (who like it)

The car just needs rims & a satin wrap then it’s fine, i just solved it recently with the picture above. We like it.

 

[Merc1]

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[Merc1]

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[Ozy]

The car just needs rims & a satin wrap then it’s fine, i just solved it recently with the picture above. We like it.

It indeed looks acceptable, the problems start when a car in this segment and price range needs this much customization just to look good, nothing special. This is not “the best or nothing”

 

[AbsoluteUnit]

^^ Next gen Vito has never looked this good.



Yes this is a big problem.
And regarding design I can't disagree as it's subjective.....but let's just say you belong to the 5% (who like it)

Its not a bad update, its just not an improvement.

The fundamentals of the GLE are very good - the proportions and general structure of the vehicle are so good, that they basically make up for the graphics generally being a downgrade.

The technical updates are very good. Not a fan of the triple screens, but at the very least they didn't remove the physical controls, so it'll probably be quite nice to actually own and use. And the new powertrains seem to be a solid improvement.

I think they probably would have been better off not updating the outside at all, and just doing up the interior and technical specs.

 

[Dopebouy]

It indeed looks acceptable, the problems start when a car in this segment and price range needs this much customization just to look good, nothing special. This is not “the best or nothing”

True. However most people don’t keep these as stock anymore. People be putting rims on Alpinas & Maybachs. So why not buy the cheapest V8 GLS with E-ABC & put rims on it?

 

[Ozy]

True. However most people don’t keep these as stock anymore. People be putting rims on Alpinas & Maybachs. So why not buy the cheapest V8 GLS with E-ABC & put rims on it?

Imho, regardless of the engine and spec, you are spending your money on a premium SUV, one that many claim to be “THE” premium SUV, and if you dont want to put another 100€k over on specs and Manufaktur, you still deserve to have a very premium and good looking car inside out. This one fails in both categories.

 

[Dopebouy]

Imho, regardless of the engine and spec, you are spending your money on a premium SUV, one that many claim to be “THE” premium SUV, and if you dont want to put another 100€k over on specs and Manufaktur, you still deserve to have a very premium and good looking car inside out. This one fails in both categories.

It’s not that bad inside, just the bezels & outdated rear screens that’s all. It looks imposing enough outside, it just needs rims.

Have you seen the amount of Vogues that got different set of wheels immediately after delivery in 2022? So why doesn’t that apply here sir?

 

[empower77]

I may be in the minority but I dig the GLS w/ classic grill and hood ornament. At the very least you can ditch the million star sports grill.

 

[Merc1]

I bet that is the version we won’t get.

M

 

[Swissbob]

I may be in the minority but I dig the GLS w/ classic grill and hood ornament. At the very least you can ditch the million star sports grill.

I like it TBH.

Seeing that star on the hood from the drivers seat gives you retro vibes, like driving a Mercedes Benz saloon. It feels special.