2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS facelift revealed, due here later this year

The facelifted 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS upper-large SUV has debuted in Europe.

The new-look GLS is scheduled to arrive in the third quarter of 2023, with local pricing and features to be announced closer to its debut.

First launched in 2019, the GLS facelift positions it to continue the battle with the BMW X7, with both vehicles fighting it out as the best-seller in Australia's premium upper-large SUV segment.

It is headlined by an exterior refresh with a larger grille, new headlight and tail-light graphics, revised bumpers and new alloy wheel designs.

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Inside, the brand's latest steering wheel – as found in the latest S-Class and all-electric EQS SUV – features with touch-sensitive buttons and a unique two-spoke design for the GLS AMG 63.

Across the range, the air vents are now finished with real metal louvres – previously limited to the Maybach GLS – while additional trim colours have been added.

In addition, the gloss black piano lacquer finish is no longer exclusive to the Maybach, joining two new leather upholstery colours: Catalana beige and Bahia brown.

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The new second-generation MBUX infotainment system is featured, but it remains on dual 12.3-inch screens, unlike the S-Class and EQS SUV's larger portrait-orientated central display.

New additions include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the ability to speak to the 'Hey, Mercedes' voice assistant without saying the keyword, an ‘off-road’ drive mode, and trailer maneuvering assist.

It also receives two additional bolts on the trailer coupling to support the transport of e-bikes, while technology additions also include optional 100-watt USB ports in the centre console and an available MBUX Multi-Seat Entertainment System for second-row passengers.

The updated Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 gains an optional 23-inch forged alloy wheel with a wheel bolt cover, an ambient lighting system with a unique pattern, and diamond-pattern quilting in the centre sections of the seat sections and backrests.

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Under the bonnet, the facelifted GLS range has more power, with improved 48-volt mild-hybrid technology for the GLS 450, GLS 580, GLS 350d and GLS 450d.

The entry-level GLS 450 is up 10kW to 280kW and 500Nm, while the diesel GLS 450d – previously GLS 400d – is up 27kW and 50Nm to 243kW and 700Nm.

As for the performance-orientated AMG GLS 63, it is unchanged at 450kW and 850Nm, while the Maybach GLS 600 is also unchanged at 410kW and 730Nm, though the 48-volt mild-hybrid system now adds 16kW of boost.

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When will the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS go on sale in Australia?

The facelifted 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS will arrive in Australian showrooms in the third quarter of this year (July to September inclusive), with local pricing and features to be announced closer to its launch.

Currently, the Mercedes-Benz GLS is priced from $171,700 before on-road costs, rising to $395,900 plus on-roads for the Maybach GLS600. Last year, the GLS was narrowly outsold by the BMW X7, which is the best-selling upper-large SUV above $100,000 in Australia.

It will be joined by the all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV this year, with the Maybach EQS SUV set to debut on April 17 at the Shanghai Auto Show.