2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS: Prices, specs and release date
Fri, 14 Apr 2023
- New Mercedes-Benz GLS luxury seven-seat SUV upgraded for 2023
- New trims and colours, improved MBUX infotainment and comprehensive rear-seat entertainment package
- Mercedes-AMG GLS and elite Mercedes-AMG GLS variants also available
- Deliveries begin in late October 2023; prices expected to start from around £90,000
The new Mercedes-Benz GLS luxury SUV has been updated for 2023, bringing the firm’s range-topping SUV into line with the recently-facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLE Coupe. It offers extra equipment, new colour options and a fully-electrified engine line-up.
The Mercedes-Benz GLS has been around in its current guise since 2020, and has proven particularly popular in the US. It is a large, prestigious three-row SUV with seating for seven. The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS challenges rivals including the BMW X7, the high-tech Audi Q7, the popular Tesla Model X and the luxurious Range Rover.
The elite Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC and Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+ are ultra-elite alternatives to models such as the Bentley Bentayga, performance focussed Porsche Cayenne and even the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS prices and release date
The new Mercedes-Benz GLS range is being previewed now by the firm’s UK dealers. Ordering will open in coming months, ahead of being released into European showrooms from the end of October 2023.
Prices for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS range have yet to be confirmed. The current model starts from around £89,000; it is likely the upgraded new Mercedes-Benz GLS will start from upwards of £90,000. Mercedes-AMG GLS prices will start from over £140,000, and Mercedes-Maybach GLS prices will start from over £170,000.
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS styling, interior and technology
The new Mercedes-Benz GLS is an even more striking large seven-seat SUV. At the front, the four louvres on the grille are now made from galvanised Silver Shadow, while the bumper has integrated air inlet grilles and a high-gloss black surround. There’s a redesigned underguard too - and it’s standard on all versions.
At the rear of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS, the LED tail lamps have been redesigned. They now visually made up three horizontal blocks on each side.
There are new paint finishes, including Sodalite Blue metallic and MANUFAKTUR Alpine Grey non-metallic (MANUFAKTUR is the Mercedes-Benz exclusive factory customisation programme). A new wheel choice is available too - a 20-inch multi-spoke design in Himalayas Grey with high-sheen finish.
The Mercedes-Maybach GLS has an enhanced exterior with plenty of chrome and use of the Maybach pattern. It also offers a new 23-inch forged alloy wheel complete with forged wheel bolt cover.
Inside, features previously reserved for the posh Mercedes-Maybach GLS are now included on all new Mercedes-Benz GLS. These include Silver Shadow centre and side air vent louvres. MANUFACTUR glossy black flowing lines piano black lacquer is also available on all models, not just the Mercedes-Maybach GLS, as an alternative to the standard glossy brown line wood.
There are two new leather colour choices for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS, Catalana Beige and Bahia Brown. A full three rows of seats, accommodating seven people, are standard.
The new Mercedes-Benz GLS runs an updated version of the MBUX infotainment system. This now offers a choice of three different styles - classic, sporty or discreet - and three modes - Navigation, Assistance or Service. The Mercedes-Benz voice assistant has been enhanced - and can actually now be activated without using the ‘Hey Mercedes’ keyword.
The new Mercedes-Benz GLS’ Off-Road Mode has been improved too. It displays special content such as gradient, lateral inclination, compass and steering angle - and, thanks to a standard parking camera, it now includes a ‘transparent bonnet’ function. When off-road mode is active, the central display shows a view from ‘under’ the front of the vehicle, thanks to images composed from the 360-degree camera.
The new Mercedes-Benz GLS can tow trailers of up to 3.5 tonnes, has a tongue weight of up to 140kg, and the trailer coupling includes two additional bolts to which a bicycle carrier can be mounted. The load capacity has been upped to 100kg, meaning e-bikes can now be safely transported.
New Mercedes-Benz GLS customers can choose an optional MBUX Multi-Seat Entertainment system for rear-seat occupants. This delivers the same MBUX infotainment experience as those in the front enjoy; it offers up to three touchscreens, and also allows control via the ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice assistant.
The sporty Mercedes-AMG GLS now has more equipment as standard, including a panoramic sliding sunroof, heated and cooled front seats, Burmester sound system and the latest generation of AMG Performance steering wheel.
The luxurious Mercedes-Maybach GLS has new seat covers that are even more cosseting; the centre sections have diamond-pattern quilting with intricate perforations. There are also two special MANUFAKTUR colour combinations: Crystal White and Silver Grey Pearl, and Mahogany Brown and Macchiato Beige.
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS engines, performance and fuel economy
The core new Mercedes-Benz GLS engine is the GLS 450 d 4MATIC diesel, an enhanced version of today’s GLS 400 d 4MATIC diesel. Power has been improved to 367PS and it now has mild hybrid technology, delivering an additional 20PS of boost. 0-62mph for the 5.2-metre long, 2.0-metre wide new Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 d 4MATIC now takes just 6.1 seconds, and it has a top speed limited to 155mph.
Fuel economy of the new Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 d 4MATIC has been improved. It now averages 35.3mpg, while CO2 emissions start from 210g/km.
The petrol-powered Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC uses a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. This produces 557PS, with an additional 22PS of boost from the mild hybrid system. It doesn’t do much for fuel economy, averaging just 20.4mpg, while CO2 emissions start from 314g/km - but it is capable of accelerating from 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds.
The sporty Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+ is more powerful still; the 612PS 4.0-lite biturbo has been boosted by 48-volt mild hybrid technology, which delivers an extra 22PS. It serves up 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds, averages 22.0mpg and emits from 289g/km of CO2.
The Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+ has a cylinder shut-off system for better fuel economy in real-world driving. Meanwhile the sportiest new Mercedes-Benz GLS delivers almost imperceptible start/stop engine restarting, plus a clever gliding function, again to help save fuel.
The Mercedes-AMG GLS also has AMG RIDE CONTROL+ suspension with adaptive damping and active anti-roll. Both roll stabilisation and the air suspension have been updated with a new setup that increases the spread between dynamic handling and comfort.
New Cars Coming Soon
Before you step into a showroom, read our in-depth guide to all the new cars coming in the next 12 months and beyond – some are well worth the wait.
Does the new Mercedes-Benz GLS have they ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice assistant?
All 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS come with the Hey Mercedes voice assistant. By saying ‘Hey Mercedes’, the driver can activate numerous commands - instead of pressing a button or finding a sub-menu on the infotainment screen.
How can I spot the new Mercedes-Benz GLS at a glance?
The best way to spot the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS is from its radiator grille: the four louvres are now finished in galvanised Silver Shadow. The front bumper also has integrated air inlet grilles, with gloss black surround.
Where is the new Mercedes-Benz GLS built?
The new Mercedes-Benz GLS is made in America, at the firm’s factory in Tuscaloosa. More than four million vehicles have been made there and it’s an SUV specialist; 260,000 Mercedes-Benz SUVs rolled off the production line in 2021 alone.
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