Touch up

The Mercedes-Benz GLS facelift is here with an updated exterior, interior and additions to the features list. We spent some time with the GLS 450 (petrol) variant to find out what's new

There are some cars that nail the brief so well offering buyers exactly what they’re looking for. The sort of cars that can be bought without a second thought and we think the Mercedes-Benz GLS is one of those. It might not be the benchmark on all counts in its segment, but such is its overall appeal that it is the default choice for most looking for a full-size 7-seat luxury SUV. It’s big, spacious, comfortable, and has exactly the sort of features and tech a customer wants in this particular segment. For 2024, Mercedes-Benz has rolled out a mild update with revisions to the exterior, interior, additions to the features list and the reintroduction of the GLS 450 petrol variant along with more power and torque for the diesel variant in the form of the GLS 450 d replacing the 400 d.

Changes to the GLS’ exterior are hard to spot. There’s a revised nose with updated headlamps, but the more prominent restyled bits are the new, bigger grille with silver louvers housing the three-pointed star, and a new bumper. No changes to the sides, even the 21-inch alloys have been carried forward unchanged. Over to the back, the only notable update is to the LED detailing of the tail lamps. This Sodalite Blue colour pictured here is a new addition to the palette.

Inside, the most prominent change comes in the form of a new steering wheel, identical to the one seen in models like the S-Class and EQS, with touch-sensitive controls. The dashboard trim gets Maybach-inspired pinstripes and the front aircon vents get chrome slats, again, mimicking the ones in the Maybach version. Black, brown/black and beige/black upholstery treatment options have been carried forward for the cabin.