2026 Mercedes GLE/GLS Facelift

[Dopebouy]

Can’t speak for the rest of the world, but here in the USA it isn’t just about space per se it’s about status too. It more importantly comes down to money for BMW and MB. Cadillac is selling about 40,0000 Escalades a year for somewhere between $90-100K on average. That speaks volumes at the dealer level and at the corporate level. It’s same reason why we’re going to see more G competitors. The Escalade prints money for GM.

M

Mercedes should just move the GLS towards S-class luxury features & suspension, make it 5400L x 1930H x 2020W for the next GLS & call it a day. They’ll blow everything out the water

 

[Swissbob]

The G is very short compared to the GLS but it’s surprisingly spacious because it’s so high und you sit very upright, this could be a solution for the GLS as well.

1.98m H instead of 1.83H.

 

[Merc1]

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M

 

[klier]

Incredible how much higher the hood sits now. Never noticed that.

 

[leylandi]

Other sheet metal panels need to be replaced to make the hood sit higher. The photos are misaligned.

 

[Matski]

Incredible how much higher the hood sits now. Never noticed that.

Camera focal length is responsible for most of that effect in the photo. The newer car was photographed from closer using a wider lens - exaggerating the perspective.

 

[Esp5]

Left side, I'm the GLE and this is my first drink.
Right side, I'm the GLE and this is my fourteenth drink.

 

[Serpens]

The G is very short compared to the GLS but it’s surprisingly spacious because it’s so high und you sit very upright, this could be a solution for the GLS as well.

1.98m H instead of 1.83H.

You’re the first person I’ve heard that’s called the G-wagen spacious. I find it cramped, especially the rear seat.

 

[lukeswiss]

His name is Albanian, but he has indeed a Dutch accent and he’s in Zurich.

that makes sense, because nothing about it sounds swiss.

I shouldn't pay him out too much, it's probably his fourth language. Hello....... guys..... it's me Merz, Benz, king.

I think it's probably the 'king' part that bothers me, anyway definitely prefer Autogefühl.

 

[leylandi]

 

[Swissbob]

You’re the first person I’ve heard that’s called the G-wagen spacious. I find it cramped, especially the rear seat.

It’s without spare tire 12 inches shorter than the GLE, compared to its size it’s surprisingly spacious.

That’s what I wanted to say.

But I agree the rear seats are a little bit cramped.

 

[Dopebouy]

It’s without spare tire 12 inches shorter than the GLE, compared to its size it’s surprisingly spacious.

That’s what I wanted to say.

But I agree the rear seats are a little bit cramped.

I know keeping the G at that size is part of it’s heritage…But why don’t they just stretch it to GLS length , make the body wider(fenders flares excluded), keep the height, keep the body-on-frame 3 difflock system & everything else?

i mean at that point it’ll be a spacious Gwagon that can still do everything right?

 

[Swissbob]

That’s indeed a very good question.

I’d personally add the electric side steps of the GLS Maybach or put Air suspension for easy entry in it.

TBH if you’re under 6ft tall, climbing in that car is not easy.

 

[Merc1]

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[Merc1]

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[Rolf]

The more I look at the GLS FL the more I am disappointed. The front grill and larger headlights with black surround looks really outdated and fussy. The pre FL looked alot cleaner at the front. The GLE looks better but its also not as pretty as the pre FL model.

It was a major lost opportunity for Mercedes to at least give these models some form of the iconic grill and slimmer headlights. Now we stuck with these models for another 4 years and they will date even more.

 

[Titot]

Now we stuck with these models for another 4 years and they will date even more.

Within that time frame, BMW will be releasing the G65 X5, G66 X6 and G67 X7 as brand-new generation vehicles that have a more exciting, fierce design language.

 

[Merc1]

The more I look at the GLS FL the more I am disappointed. The front grill and larger headlights with black surround looks really outdated and fussy. The pre FL looked alot cleaner at the front. The GLE looks better but its also not as pretty as the pre FL model.

It was a major lost opportunity for Mercedes to at least give these models some form of the iconic grill and slimmer headlights. Now we stuck with these models for another 4 years and they will date even more.

It's the big lights that hurt it. I didn't expect the iconic grille. Too much investment for a facelift.

M

 

[Design FIRST]

It's the big lights that hurt it.

I wholeheartedly agree. They appear a bit of an anachronism.

I didn't expect the iconic grille. Too much investment for a facelift.

I actually prefer the outline of the GLE/GLS grill to that of the IMHO overly frivolous, contrived "Iconic Grill-Shield".

 

[lukeswiss]

These heavy facelifts are always problematic. It's the same with architecture, it's like seeing a nice mid century home that's been butchered by some pinterest mom.