The biggest visual shift is up front. The new headlight signature brings star themed elements, and the lighting now connects more confidently with the updated grille design. This car also features the Night Package look, where the traditional chrome is replaced by dark chrome for a cleaner, more modern presence. Even the grille and the front emblem can light up, turning the GLS into something that looks premium even before it moves.

Mercedes leans into personalization. Wheel designs are updated, with sizes that can reach up to 23 inches depending on trim, and the exterior details can be chosen in chrome or dark chrome. Beyond styling, the hardware story is serious too. The episode mentions a heavy sensor suite designed to support the new driving and safety features, including multiple cameras, radars, and ultrasonic sensors that help the GLS feel more advanced in daily use.

Step inside and the tone changes immediately. Soft close doors underline the luxury intent, and the dashboard is dominated by the MBUX Superscreen, now presented as standard. The system is paired with a more advanced MBUX setup, an integrated AI assistant, and deeper integration with Google, plus augmented reality style navigation to make guidance clearer and more confidence inspiring. Mercedes also brings back a steering wheel approach that feels more traditional and easier to live with, while keeping premium materials like open pore wood, aluminum options, and rich Manufaktur style leather themes.

Mercedes treats the GLS like a moving luxury suite. Panoramic glass is highlighted as standard, and the cabin ambience gets a richer feel with updated ambient lighting and redesigned air vents in a more modern oval style. Audio gets a major push too. The standard system is strong, and the upgraded setup goes much further with a higher speaker count and significantly more power for a true concert like vibe inside the SUV.

The GLS keeps its family friendly strength with third row seating and fully electric seat functions, while offering the choice of six seats or seven seats. In the six seat layout, the second row becomes a captain chair style lounge with more personal space. A standout update is the rear control experience. Instead of a single fixed tablet, passengers now get two removable tablets that work like remote controls, letting each person manage their own comfort and settings without depending on the front row.

This episode focuses on the GLS 450 and GLS 580 updates. The GLS 450 keeps its output figure while gaining a torque increase to 560 Nm, and it also benefits from a 48 volt starter system that can add extra boost and allow short low speed electric movement before the gasoline engine takes over. The GLS 580 sits higher in the range with 537 hp and 750 Nm, positioned for buyers who want maximum effortless thrust. The video also teases a future dedicated episode for the GLS 63 AMG once the embargo lifts.

The lighting upgrade is not just a styling move. The high beam range is claimed to reach up to 600 meters, with a notable increase in brightness while using less energy thanks to new lighting technology. It is a clear example of Mercedes using tech to deliver both luxury feel and real world safety improvement.

Watch the full Motor283 episode to see every detail of the GLS 2026 refresh, from its new front identity to the Superscreen cabin and the comfort upgrades that push it deeper into flagship territory.