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Mercedes-Benz GLS Research
2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs. 2026 GLS: What's New?
The flagship Mercedes-Benz SUV is getting a significant update for 2027. The GLS still delivers the three-row space and comfort it's known for, but Mercedes-Benz has made meaningful changes to its technology, design, suspension and powertrains.
The short version
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS builds on the current model with a new three-screen MBUX Superscreen, the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), updated exterior design, next-generation DIGITAL LIGHT technology, intelligent AIRMATIC damping and stronger performance from the GLS 450 and GLS 580. The Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 also receives updates. Mercedes-Benz says the new GLS lineup will arrive at dealerships later in 2026.
How much is changing for the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS?
The basic formula of the GLS isn't changing — and that's probably a good thing. It's still the large, three-row Mercedes-Benz SUV designed around space, comfort and long-distance luxury.
What is changing is much of the technology surrounding that experience. Mercedes-Benz has updated the displays and operating system, added more sophisticated suspension technology, refreshed the exterior and made changes to both the six-cylinder GLS 450 and V8-powered GLS 580.
So if you're deciding between a current 2026 GLS and the incoming 2027 model, there are enough differences to make the comparison worthwhile.
| Area | 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS | 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS |
|---|---|---|
| Displays | Two side-by-side 12.3-inch displays, including a digital instrument display and multimedia touchscreen. | Standard MBUX Superscreen with three 12.3-inch displays. |
| Operating System | MBUX infotainment system. | New Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) with the latest-generation MBUX and MBUX Virtual Assistant with generative AI. |
| GLS 450 | 375 hp, 369 lb-ft of torque and a 5.8-second 0–60 mph time. | 375 hp, 413 lb-ft of torque and a 5.4-second 0–60 mph time, along with a new, more powerful electric auxiliary compressor. |
| GLS 580 | 510 hp, 538 lb-ft of torque and a 4.7-second 0–60 mph time. | 530 hp, 553 lb-ft of torque and a 4.6-second 0–60 mph time. |
| Suspension | Standard AIRMATIC air suspension with multimode damping, adjustable ride height and automatic level control. | AIRMATIC air suspension with intelligent damping. E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL is available on the GLS 580. |
| Exterior Lighting | LED Intelligent Light System. | New Star-pattern headlamps and taillights plus next-generation DIGITAL LIGHT micro-LED technology. |
| AMG GLS 63 | 603 hp, 627 lb-ft of torque and a 4.1-second 0–60 mph time. | Revised 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine with 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque and an estimated 3.9-second 0–60 mph time. |
The 2027 GLS gets a major technology update
One of the easiest differences to notice is directly in front of you.
The 2026 GLS uses two side-by-side 12.3-inch displays. For 2027, Mercedes-Benz has confirmed a standard MBUX Superscreen that brings three 12.3-inch displays across the dashboard.
The new GLS also moves to MB.OS, the Mercedes-Benz Operating System. It serves as the foundation for the latest generation of MBUX and the new MB.DRIVE systems.
Mercedes-Benz says the updated MBUX system includes a Virtual Assistant with generative AI, an enhanced Zero Layer interface, navigation powered by Google Maps, MBUX Surround Navigation and available MBUX Augmented Reality for Navigation.
Three rows remain at the heart of the GLS
The GLS has always separated itself from smaller Mercedes-Benz SUVs by making the third row a core part of the vehicle rather than an occasional-use afterthought.
The current 2026 GLS comes standard with three rows and can seat six or seven depending on the second-row configuration. Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that the 2027 GLS will continue to offer room for up to seven passengers with three power-adjustable rows of seats.
The 2027 model also adds an available MBUX High-End Rear Seating Entertainment system with two 11.6-inch HD displays and integrated HD cameras. An Executive Rear Seat Package Plus will also be available.
For families or anyone who regularly travels with passengers in all three rows, those rear-cabin upgrades may be among the more meaningful changes.
The 2027 GLS looks noticeably different
Mercedes-Benz hasn't abandoned the familiar shape of the GLS, but it has given the front and rear of the SUV a new identity.
For 2027, the Mercedes-Benz Star moves onto the hood and can be optionally illuminated. The GLS also receives a new radiator grille with an illuminated chrome surround.
Star motifs now appear inside the headlamps and taillights, bringing the lighting design closer to other newer Mercedes-Benz models.
The next generation of DIGITAL LIGHT is also coming to the GLS, using micro-LED technology and introducing a new partial high-beam function to the model in the U.S.
More torque for the GLS 450 and more power for the GLS 580
The GLS 450 keeps its 3.0-liter inline-six architecture and 375-horsepower rating, but Mercedes-Benz has confirmed a new, more powerful electric auxiliary compressor for 2027.
More importantly, torque increases from 369 lb-ft in the 2026 model to 413 lb-ft for 2027. Mercedes-Benz lists the 2027 GLS 450 at 5.4 seconds from 0–60 mph, compared with 5.8 seconds for the current 2026 model.
The GLS 580 gets a more noticeable increase in output. Its 4.0-liter V8 rises from 510 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque in the 2026 GLS to 530 horsepower and 553 lb-ft for 2027.
Mercedes-Benz lists the 2027 GLS 580 at 4.6 seconds from 0–60 mph.
Intelligent AIRMATIC damping
The 2027 GLS uses AIRMATIC air suspension with intelligent damping. Mercedes-Benz has also confirmed that E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL will be available on the GLS 580.
4MATIC remains standard
The 2027 GLS 450 and GLS 580 continue with 4MATIC all-wheel drive, with Mercedes-Benz specifying Torque on Demand for the new lineup.
What changes on the 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63?
The AMG GLS 63 remains the performance flagship of the GLS family.
Mercedes-Benz has confirmed a revised 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine for the 2027 model. Output remains 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, supplemented by the integrated starter generator.
The new model continues with AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, an AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission, AMG Performance exhaust and AMG Dynamic Select.
Mercedes-Benz estimates the 2027 AMG GLS 63 will accelerate from 0–60 mph in 3.9 seconds. The current 2026 AMG GLS 63 is rated at 4.1 seconds.
Exterior changes also include a revised AMG-specific front fascia designed around the updated GLS styling.
Should you buy a 2026 GLS or wait for the 2027 GLS?
There's no single right answer, because the two model years appeal to slightly different priorities.
The 2027 GLS makes a strong case for someone who wants the newest Mercedes-Benz technology. The three-screen Superscreen, MB.OS, upgraded rear-seat technology, updated suspension and powertrain improvements create real differences from the current model.
The 2026 GLS, however, is available now and already delivers the core things many buyers come to the GLS for: three-row seating, standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive, standard AIRMATIC suspension and a choice of six-cylinder, V8 and AMG performance.
Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that the 2027 GLS will reach dealerships later in 2026, but U.S. pricing and a specific on-sale date have not yet been announced.
If you're deciding between the two, Mercedes-Benz of Latham can help you explore the GLS models currently available and stay informed as additional information about the 2027 GLS becomes available.
2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS FAQs
When will the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS be available?
Mercedes-Benz USA has confirmed that the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS SUV and Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 SUV will arrive at dealerships later in 2026. A specific U.S. on-sale date has not yet been announced.
How much will the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS cost?
Mercedes-Benz USA has not yet announced U.S. pricing for the 2027 GLS lineup.
Does the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS have three rows?
Yes. Mercedes-Benz has confirmed seating for up to seven passengers with three power-adjustable rows of seats in the 2027 GLS.
How much horsepower does the 2027 GLS 450 have?
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 produces 375 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. Horsepower remains the same as the 2026 model, while torque increases from 369 lb-ft.
How much horsepower does the 2027 GLS 580 have?
Mercedes-Benz has confirmed 530 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque for the 2027 GLS 580. The current 2026 GLS 580 produces 510 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque.
Does the 2027 GLS have the MBUX Superscreen?
Yes. Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that the 2027 GLS will include the MBUX Superscreen as standard, combining three 12.3-inch displays across the dashboard.
Considering a Mercedes-Benz GLS?
Explore the GLS models currently available at Mercedes-Benz of Latham or contact our team with questions about the upcoming 2027 GLS.