2026 Mercedes GLS
Ola Källenius is clearly eager to accompany the facelift of the new GLS at the Tuscaloosa plant in Alabama. He recalls the period between 1995 and 1998, when he had already climbed to a management position in
Controlling. He got married there and started a family.
In 2009–2010, he served as Mercedes' deputy CEO and CEO of the company's U.S. division. He highlights the special significance of the plant, which has now produced more than five million cars and
is the second-largest auto exporter in the U.S. behind BMW.
All of these are good enough reasons to launch the new large SUVs, the GLE and GLS, there. The new GLS can be recognized by the two stars in each of the front headlights and taillights, which are now connected by
a thick black strip.
Otherwise, the grille stands out with two additional striking horizontal bars. There are also supposed to be models with a star on the hood again. There’s no need to assume a switch from a
four-cylinder to a six-cylinder engine, because that model was never available in Europe or the U.S.
The V8 isn't fundamentally new either; rather, it has been redesigned, for example, with a flat crankshaft where all the cranks are in the same plane, and is now equipped with two balance shafts to reduce noise (see video
below).
A massive car with unusual electric seat adjustments in the second and third rows, which are apparently always present, at least when folded down, but unfortunately can only be released via electric controls,
which poses a risk of an accident.
In addition, the 12.3-inch display at the front, separated by black bars, is always standard. Another very pleasant feature is the huge, two-part panoramic roof, which can be opened and covered. The
luxury extends to the second row of seats, which features monitors and two remote controls.
Two people could sleep in the car, though that’s hardly an option for potential buyers given the expected base price of €115,000 to €120,000.
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