Mercedes-Benz GLS

Model Overview

The Mercedes-Benz GLS is the brand's flagship full-size luxury SUV, positioned as a large seven-seater SUV under the chassis code X167. As the pinnacle of the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup, the GLS is tasked with competing directly against rivals such as the BMW X7, Lexus LX, and Lincoln Navigator. As of June 2026, the 2026 GLS is available in four variants—Classic, Dynamic, Fashion, and Luxury—with official recommended retail prices ranging from RM968,000 to RM1,398,200. Among these, the Classic is an entry-level powertrain variant introduced in December 2025, powered by a 2.5T engine; the remaining three variants are equipped with a 3.0T inline-six engine.

Design Language

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS retains the brand's signature design language, exuding an imposing and commanding road presence. Up front, it features a broad polygonal radiator grille adorned with four horizontal chrome louvres, flanked by a prominent three-pointed star emblem in the centre for a striking visual impact. Higher-spec variants (Luxury) come standard with MULTIBEAM LED headlights featuring intricate internal graphics and sharp LED daytime running lights. Dimension-wise, the SUV measures 5,210 mm in length, 2,030 mm in width, and 1,823 (1,838) mm in height, with a generous 3,135 mm wheelbase. The side profile is defined by elongated, sleek contours accented with chrome trim around the door handles and window frames, while the sculpted rear features a dual-exhaust setup that reinforces its sporty character. A choice of 12 exterior colours is available for the 2026 model year. Inside, the cabin adopts a T-shaped dashboard layout extensively wrapped in soft-touch materials, geared towards premium comfort and opulence. A sporty three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, physical lighting control switches on the dashboard, and a touchpad ahead of the centre console ensure intuitive and convenient operation.

Powertrain and Performance

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offers two powertrain options—a 2.5T and a 3.0T—both paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system and a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Classic variant is powered by a 2.5T turbocharged engine producing a maximum output of 270 kW and 500 Nm of peak torque. The other three variants feature a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine mated to an integrated starter-generator (ISG) system, delivering 280 kW (380 hp) and 500 Nm of torque. The official 0-100 km/h acceleration sprint is completed in 6.1 seconds, with a top speed of 246 km/h. WLTC combined fuel consumption is rated between 9.8 and 9.9 litres/100 km. Mercedes-Benz's 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system is fitted as standard across the range.

Chassis and Handling

Under the skin, the 2026 GLS comes standard with the AIRMATIC air suspension system, offering adaptive damping and ride height adjustment. The chassis setup features double-wishbone independent suspension at both the front and rear. The air suspension automatically regulates body height and damping according to the selected drive mode, striking an ideal balance between off-road capability and high-speed cruising stability. Available drive modes include Standard/Comfort, Eco, Sport, Individual, Snow, and Off-Road. Steering is handled by an electric power steering system, while braking performance comes from ventilated discs all around paired with an electronic parking brake.

Cabin and Equipment

Inside the cabin, the 2026 GLS features a dual-screen setup comprising a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, running the latest MBUX infotainment system with voice control and over-the-air (OTA) software update support. A 64-colour ambient lighting system is standard across the lineup, automatically adapting its theme to the selected driving mode. A 2+3+2 seven-seater layout comes standard across all variants. On the audio front, mid-to-high-spec variants are equipped with a Burmester surround sound system. In terms of creature comforts, different variants offer heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display (HUD), rear entertainment screens, and multi-zone automatic climate control. The 2026 lineup also introduces optional power soft-close doors (costing RM6,600), which come standard on the Luxury variant.

Safety and Intelligent Driving

Safety and driver assistance are well-covered, with Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) fitted as standard across the 2026 GLS range. A key highlight of the 2026 update is that the Dynamic variant now gets the Driving Assistance Package Pro as standard, bringing full-speed adaptive cruise control and lane centring assist—features that were previously neither standard nor available as options. Additionally, the SUV comes equipped with Active Brake Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Active Parking Assist with a 360-degree camera, and a "transparent bonnet" off-road view. The new-generation GLS range is supported by an extensive sensor suite comprising multiple exterior cameras, radar sensors, and ultrasonic sensors.

Market Performance and Evaluation

Since its debut, the Mercedes-Benz GLS has long served as a benchmark in the million-ringgit luxury SUV segment. However, the Chinese luxury vehicle market underwent significant restructuring in 2025, with market share for premium models priced above RM300,000 declining steadily and imported vehicle sales falling sharply year-on-year. Impacted by this shift, GLS sales saw noticeable fluctuations—registering just 484 units in May 2025 and 665 units in August. By December 2025, monthly sales had rebounded to 751 units. Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS SUV achieved a year-on-year annual delivery growth of nearly 14% in 2025, emerging as a standout performer in the ultra-luxury segment. In this class, key competitors for the GLS continue to include the BMW X7, Lexus LX, and Lincoln Navigator. The 2026 GLS adopted an "added spec, no price hike" facelift strategy, introducing upgraded driver assistance features on the entry-level variant and offering soft-close doors as an option. The year 2026 also marks the 140th anniversary of Mercedes-Benz inventing the automobile and the brand's 40th anniversary in the Chinese market.