GLS [Official] Mercedes-Benz GLS (X167)

[AndreB]

A proper "S-class of SUVs" wouldn't be a 3-row. It would be between a GLE and GLS in size with the S-class rear cabin.

It can be a 3 row SUV like Range Rover but GLS is a class below RR, its very basic inside and doesn't feel special like the S and the ride quality isn't too good IMO.

 

[fortuner]

Personally and this is just my opinion

I think Mercedes needs to fill the void

A SUV slightly bigger then the GLE but smaller then GLC end only a 5 seater and 4 seater ( luxury interior )

Have that car with a interior of the S class

I know many will say they have the G


The G is different

I know it won’t happen because all OLA is interested in is EV

 

[GTA45E]

The S-Class interior is too design-specific to the S-Class to be placed in the current GLS.
The GLS would have to be completely redesigned. The S has too much polish and top-end sedan-like sophistication to be placed in an SUV. The GLS is a luxury SUV for sure, but it has a rugged side to its personality. The interior with its center grab handles and tactical controls reflects its nature. The "rugged" personality might be here to stay for any future GLS to differentiate it from its sedan counterpart.

 

[bmwz4coupe]

The S-Class interior is too design-specific to the S-Class to be placed in the current GLS.
The GLS would have to be completely redesigned. The S has too much polish and top-end sedan-like sophistication to be placed in an SUV. The GLS is a luxury SUV for sure, but it has a rugged side to its personality. The interior with its center grab handles and tactical controls reflects its nature. The "rugged" personality might be here to stay for any future GLS to differentiate it from its sedan counterpart.

Can’t remember anyone claiming the S-class interior should be used in GLS. On the contrary, the whole point here is that the GLS should have its own exclusive interior, not comparting it with another model. But it should be at the same LEVEL as S-class since they are supposedly the same level.

 

[GTA45E]

Points taken but the GLS having its own interior design is not practical. The GLS is not exclusive enough to make the cut in the RandD department to have its own interior design, setting it apart from the GLE.
The 2026-27 face/lift S-Class appears to be taking much inspiration from the latest E-Class with a few changes that are a bit more upscale.
The GLS and GLE are brothers in the GL department and to keep costs down can share interiors as long as there are a few changes to make the GLS a bit more upscale, setting it apart from its lower sibling.

 

[Merc1]

Yes there is a big difference Marcus. I would love for the GLS to get upgrades over the GLE to make it more S.

Not my experience but sure. The SUV interiors just don’t have the soft touch plastics in those more vulnerable places vs the S. In actual build quality the GLE and GLS interiors are pretty rugged, grab handles and all. I see the design is more of the issue than actual build quality. They look rather pedestrian/downmarket vs the new E and S.

M

 

[AbsoluteUnit]

Not my experience but sure. The SUV interiors just don’t have the soft touch plastics in those more vulnerable places vs the S. In actual build quality the GLE and GLS interiors are pretty rugged, grab handles and all. I see the design is more of the issue than actual build quality. They look rather pedestrian/downmarket vs the new E and S.

M

They pioneered the dual screen layout, but now that's been adopted by everyone and their dog, it looks modest at most.

I do agree with @GTA45E is saying in principle though.

An S-class SUV - a 'true' GLS if you will, shouldn't be just an S-class on stilts. It needs to be bespoke to its character as a raised up SUV. You could probably borrow a bit from the G-wagon in terms of heft and solidness, but then inject some more S-class in there into some kind of hybrid. So it feels luxurious, but rugged.

I also do agree that the S and GLS should be unique in their level of fit and finish and detailing over the E and GLE and below.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Not my experience but sure. The SUV interiors just don’t have the soft touch plastics in those more vulnerable places vs the S. In actual build quality the GLE and GLS interiors are pretty rugged, grab handles and all. I see the design is more of the issue than actual build quality. They look rather pedestrian/downmarket vs the new E and S.

M

Build on the GLE and GLS are great. The design execution though is not that of an S nor is the detail instrumentation or switchgear. The S class also has padding behind the 'leather' surfaces on the lower doors and dash. The lower desh of the GLE and GLS are ok, but not plush and the doors on both are plain rubbish unless it's a Maybach trim.

There is simply not the same level of design execution and detail, let alone underlying engineering depth I would argue, for the GLS to truly reflect it's nomenclature IMO.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Points taken but the GLS having its own interior design is not practical. The GLS is not exclusive enough to make the cut in the RandD department to have its own interior design, setting it apart from the GLE.
The 2026-27 face/lift S-Class appears to be taking much inspiration from the latest E-Class with a few changes that are a bit more upscale.
The GLS and GLE are brothers in the GL department and to keep costs down can share interiors as long as there are a few changes to make the GLS a bit more upscale, setting it apart from its lower sibling.

That's the sad reality. Mercedes would really need to see volume at higher prices to make the GLS a true 'S'. The best bet is for Maybach customers to demand more from their GLS's, which is doubt will happen.

 

[Rolf]

Not my experience but sure. The SUV interiors just don’t have the soft touch plastics in those more vulnerable places vs the S. In actual build quality the GLE and GLS interiors are pretty rugged, grab handles and all. I see the design is more of the issue than actual build quality. They look rather pedestrian/downmarket vs the new E and S.

M

The GLS has terrible hard plastic door card and bins which is unacceptable for a car priced close to an S-class, but they do have nice comfortable seats and the dash quality is good and solid. Even if it doesnt look like an S-class at least they must do is improve the quality of the fittings etc, and include some soft padding under the leather armrests, door panels and lower dash.

 

[tennmb]

Yeah, they look more rectangular and taller/thicker than the current GLS. I do think the twin vertical 3-pointed star DRLs look unusual in a nice way.

Rear end also looks substantially different.

Substantial? How so?

 

[tennmb]

Notice the DRL tri-star vertical placement

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looks like an aftermarket headlight. Way overdone.

 

[tennmb]

The GLS has always needed to match the actual S Class interior wise instead of a bigger GLE. That has always been its major flaw. It should be their Range Rover.

M

Yes. having it cookie cutter to the GLE is really a cheap way out.

 

[Centurion]

Yes. having it cookie cutter to the GLE is really a cheap way out.

GLS is GLE XL
X7 is X5 XL

However both manufaturers use higher-end name plates into tricking consumers into fancier positioning or perceived exclusivity.

 

[Merc1]

GLS is GLE XL
X7 is X5 XL

However both manufaturers use higher-end name plates into tricking consumers into fancier positioning or perceived exclusivity.

It’s not the same as a Yukon and Yukon XL. It’s not just a wheelbase stretch. How are they tricking anyone when the product is plain to see? Who thinks a BMW or Mercedes SUV is exclusive when they sell thousands of them?

M

 

[Serpens]

I just don't think there's much consumer demand for separation at the moment. They haven't revised this interior strategy in 3 generations and clearly BMW came to the same conclusion when they created the X7.

I'm more worried about BMW bringing in completely new generations of the X5 and X7 while Mercedes soldiers on with facelifts.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

I'm more worried about BMW bringing in completely new generations of the X5 and X7 while Mercedes soldiers on with facelifts.

Are they? It is confirmed?

 

[Rolf]

Substantial? How so?

The tail light inner part looks different, if the disguise is not covering it fully it looks pointed, similar to the GLE and also with the graphics could make it substantially different.

 

[Serpens]

Are they? It is confirmed?

The X5 prototypes have been out running around for some time now.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

The X5 prototypes have been out running around for some time now.

Wow. That is a very dangerous situation for MB given the volumes if these vehicles.

I think MB will do 2 facelifts if they have faced delays due to changes in product planning.

Luckily the GLE and GLS are very good cars from the onset. I just wonder what sort of mechanical/engineering enhancements MB can deliver.