Mercedes-Benz has taken the cover off the GLS facelift SUV in the international market. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS is equipped with a new fascia, an improved and more luxurious interior, and better fuel economy. Check out its complete details below.

You can also find the best used Mercedes cars with Cars24 UAE.

Also read: Fuel price in the UAE announced for April 2026 - Petrol crosses AED 3 mark

What is new on the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS?

Exterior updates

The new GLS facelift now features an updated exterior design. The front fascia now features the new Digital Lights with the dual-star logo and a wraparound design.

Mercedes has also incorporated a new grille with chrome highlights and an illuminated surround. Certain markets will also get the option of an illuminated logo. The front bumper has also received a makeover with a more sculpted look.

The side profile remains largely unchanged, save for the new 21-inch and 22-inch AMG alloy wheels. The rear profile now gets a set of new LED taillights with triple-star logo and a piano black connected highlight, along with a redesigned bumper.

Two new exterior colours have also been introduced: Dark Petrol Flat and Patagonia Red Metallic (exclusive to Manufaktur option).

Interior updates

On the inside, the updated GLS now features a new ‘Superscreen’ triple screen display on the dashboard with the latest MB.OS system software. The trim has also been updated with the new Beech Brown colour leather upholstery.

Other updates include the new oval air-con vents on the dashboard, a new steering wheel with a metallic dial and a rocker switch, new UI for the driver console, updated ambient lighting, and improved NVH levels.

Mercedes also offers the individual 11.6-inch entertainment screens for the second-row passengers in its Comfort Plus Package. The ‘Energizing Comfort’ feature automatically adjusts the climate control, seat settings, massage option, ambient lighting, and sound system, as per the memory feature for the rear passengers.

New features also include the following:

• Adjustable ambient lighting
• Powered third-row seats with heating option
• Optional five-zone climate control
• Powered Boss Mode
• Two-pane panoramic sunroof

The safety features on the GLS facelift include 10 airbags, an ADAS suite, traction control, drive modes, a surround view camera, and more.

What are the engine specs of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS facelift?

Powering the new GLS facelift are the following engine options:

Petrol

• GLS 450 4MATIC: 3.0-litre, six-cylinder, turbocharged, all-wheel drive, 381bhp and 500Nm, 9-speed automatic transmission
  
   
• GLS 580 4MATIC: 4.0-litre, V8, bi-turbo, all-wheel drive, 530bhp and 750 Nm, 9-speed automatic

Both petrol and diesel engine options feature the 48V EQ hybrid technology for improved low-speed acceleration and fuel economy.

Diesel

• GLS 350d 4MATIC: 3.0-litre, V6, 258bhp and 620Nm, 9-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
  
   
• GLS 450d 4MATIC: 3.0-litre, inline-six, 367bhp and 750Nm, all-wheel drive, 9-speed automatic

Both of the diesel engines now feature a lightweight aluminium crankcase and cylinder heads, which have improved performance and fuel efficiency.

When will it launch?

The 2026 GLS facelift is expected to go on sale in Europe and the US by mid-2026. It will arrive in the Middle East in the second half of this year.

Cars24 UAE says

The new Mercedes-Benz GLS facelift has received the much-needed updates, since the new BMW X7 is also around the corner. These updates will keep it relevant against the new-gen X7, which will be based on the Neue Klasse platform, offering substantial changes.