2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS First Look: More Power, Tech, and a Major Interior Refresh

Since its debut in 2019, the current-generation Mercedes-Benz GLS has carried the “S-Class of SUVs” mantle, delivering flagship-level luxury and comfort in a large, three-row package. For 2027, Mercedes builds on that formula with a wide-ranging update that makes the big SUV smarter, more tech-intensive, and more comfortable. We got an early look at the refreshed GLS during a preview event along Spain’s Costa del Sol, the sun-soaked Mediterranean stretch in Andalucía.

Hello, MB.OS

The first thing you’ll notice inside the new GLS is the new pillar-to-pillar glass panel housing three 12.3-inch displays, one for the driver, one for infotainment, and one for the front passenger. Mercedes positions it as an evolution of the previous MBUX Superscreen, which used a 14.4-inch central display, but the story runs deeper than screen size. The real upgrade is MB.OS, new software that effectively acts as the vehicle’s central computer, integrating infotainment, driver assistance functions, and key vehicle systems. It enables over-the-air updates and incorporates Microsoft-powered AI that functions as a digital assistant designed to learn and adapt over time.

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The Superscreen is standard on every GLS, and the updated infotainment system brings access to an onboard app store. That includes video streaming services like YouTube and Disney+, gaming apps, and productivity tools such as Meetings for Teams, which can use the vehicle’s camera while driving. The interface works much like a smartphone, allowing apps to be arranged and grouped into folders. Video content can play on the front passenger display while the vehicle is in motion, with a built-in safeguard that dims the screen if the system detects the driver looking away from the road. We’ve found such passenger screens to be of negligible appeal, but they are the new hotness for in-car entertainment.

During our exclusive time with the GLS in Málaga, we noted the crisp graphics on the screens and how fast the system responded to inputs. Mercedes says it put a lot of effort into making the GLS a state-of-the-art SUV, and MB.OS is a huge part of that.

Google Maps now underpins the built-in navigation system, although new for the GLS is the MBUX Augmented Navigation Head-Up Display, which projects arrows, lane guidance, and points of interest directly onto the windshield, placing directions squarely in the driver’s line of sight.

The GLS doesn’t forget about rear-seat passengers, either. The rear entertainment system now includes two 11.6-inch displays, each with its own remote control that can adjust seat functions, including massage, as well as manage on-screen settings. The rear setup can stream movies to keep kids entertained or double as a mobile conference room thanks to integrated cameras for video calls.

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Behind the scenes, the GLS relies on a network of 10 cameras, five radar sensors, and 12 ultrasonic sensors to monitor what’s happening around the vehicle. MB.OS processes all that information to power features like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, and automated parking. This also gives the GLS a Level 2++ semiautomated driving, meaning the SUV can steer, brake, and accelerate on its own in certain situations, although the driver still must pay attention. The upgraded computing power also speeds up automated parking, which Mercedes claims is up to 60 percent quicker than before.

Staying Fresh

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS receives a light styling refresh to keep it looking fresh. Up front, the grille is slightly larger and has an illuminated frame. New headlights incorporate Mercedes’ three-pointed star motif, similar to those of the latest S-Class. Capitalizing on the GLS’ size, the LED modules are arranged vertically, giving the SUV a more upright and assertive appearance. It’s also the first Mercedes SUV to feature the brand’s newest digital light headlamps, which Mercedes says expand the light field by 40 percent.

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The GLS is also the first Mercedes SUV to offer an illuminated standing star ornament on the hood. Borrowed from the latest S-Class, the lit ornament adds a distinct visual signature at night and reinforces the GLS’ flagship positioning. Buyers who prefer a more understated look can opt to skip it. It’s unclear whether the feature will make it to all markets.

At the rear, the updated taillights also incorporate a three-pointed star motif, repeated three times on each side. Achim Badstübner, who led the design, likens the triple-star graphic to the shoulder stripes on a commercial pilot’s uniform—a subtle nod to hierarchy. On the GLS there are three stars, while the smaller GLE features two.

The new infotainment setup means the old touch-slider controls are gone from the cabin. In their place are new physical rollers on the steering wheel, along with a dedicated volume roller on the center console. Other updates include redesigned oval air vents and a new Beech Brown upholstery option that looked especially rich in the Málaga sunlight. Buyers can further tailor the cabin with two natural wood trims or aluminum. A glass panoramic roof will be standard on every trim.

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Under the Hood

Unlike the sweeping tech updates elsewhere, the engine lineup sees more measured revisions. The GLS580 retains a 4.0-liter V-8, but it gains a new flat-plane crankshaft. Mercedes continues to update and invest on its V-8 engines, and this revised powerplant is proof of that. Output rises to 530 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, up 20 hp and 15 lb-ft. Updated internals are designed to improve throttle response. The GLS450 will continue to be powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six with horsepower staying at 375 but torque increasing to 413 lb-ft.

Both engines continue to benefit from a 48-volt mild hybrid system with an integrated stater-generator that makes 23 hp and 151 lb-ft. All-wheel drive and a nine-speed transmission will remain standard for both models.

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Are the Changes Worth It?

Many midcycle refreshes are fairly nondescript, but the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS’ upgrades are certainly meaningful, particularly on the technology front. The expanded Superscreen layout, integrated AI assistant, and enhanced driver assistance features bring the GLS in line with Mercedes’ latest offerings. Subtle exterior revisions and thoughtful interior refinements keep the design current without straying far from the established formula.

Mercedes will announce pricing closer to the GLS’ expected second-quarter on-sale date, but we anticipate at least a slight increase.