2026 Mercedes GLS embraces the stars and goes pillar to pillar

The third-generation Mercedes GLS recently celebrated its fifth anniversary, which usually means a redesign is only a year or two away. However, the current crossover has been around longer than usual, which means it’s getting a second facelift to keep it fresh.

While the camouflage does a good job of hiding the changes, we can tell it will be a relatively minor update with the focus on the front and rear ends. There isn’t a lot to see, but the model has a revised grille flanked by temporary headlights with a swept-back design.

More: Mercedes-Maybach GLS appears to be preparing for a second facelift

The taillights are production-ready and feature a new star-shaped motif similar to the E-Class. The rest of the rear is largely carried over, but the exhaust and bumper appear to have been slightly revised for this model.

The spy photographers were only able to glimpse the cabin, but it seems that a pillar-to-pillar display can be seen, partially hidden behind a black cloth. We can also expect a new dashboard with revised controls and possibly an updated center console.

It’s unclear if the powertrains will change, but the current GLS offers a variety of engines, including a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 375 hp (280 kW / 380 PS) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. Customers can also choose a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with outputs of 510 hp (380 kW / 517 PS), 550 hp (410 kW / 558 PS), and 603 hp (450 kW / 611 PS).

SH Proshots/Carscoops