The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has long been the benchmark for luxury SUVs, offering a compelling blend of spaciousness, opulent features, and impressive performance. As we look ahead to the 2025 model year, anticipation is building regarding the enhancements and refinements Mercedes-Benz has in store for its flagship SUV. This article will delve into the expected features, specifications, and pricing details of the 2025 GLS-Class, providing potential buyers with a comprehensive overview of what to expect.
The 2025 GLS-Class is poised to continue its reign as a leader in the luxury SUV segment. With a focus on advanced technology, enhanced comfort, and refined performance, the GLS aims to meet the evolving demands of discerning drivers.
| Feature/Specification | Details | Expected Pricing (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior Design | Subtle refresh expected, including redesigned front grille, updated headlights and taillights with new LED signatures, and potentially new wheel designs. Minor tweaks to the bumpers for a more modern and aggressive look. | N/A (Included in Base Price) |
| Interior Design | Focus on enhanced luxury and technology. Expect higher-quality materials, updated trim options, and potentially a redesigned dashboard layout. The MBUX infotainment system will likely receive further updates with improved voice control and augmented reality features. | N/A (Included in Base Price) |
| GLS 450 Powertrain | 3.0-liter inline-6 turbo engine with mild hybrid drive. Expected to produce around 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. 4MATIC all-wheel drive standard. | $88,000 - $95,000 |
| GLS 580 Powertrain | 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine with mild hybrid drive. Expected to produce around 510 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque. 4MATIC all-wheel drive standard. | $112,000 - $120,000 |
| AMG GLS 63 Powertrain | 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine with mild hybrid drive. Expected to produce around 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive standard. | $145,000 - $160,000 |
| Fuel Economy (GLS 450) | Expected to be similar to the current model: around 20 mpg city / 24 mpg highway. | N/A (Operational Cost) |
| Fuel Economy (GLS 580) | Expected to be similar to the current model: around 16 mpg city / 21 mpg highway. | N/A (Operational Cost) |
| Fuel Economy (AMG GLS 63) | Expected to be similar to the current model: around 14 mpg city / 19 mpg highway. | N/A (Operational Cost) |
| Infotainment System | Latest generation MBUX infotainment system with a large touchscreen display (likely 12.3 inches or larger). Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Augmented reality navigation. | N/A (Included in Base Price) |
| Driver Assistance Systems | Comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and parking assist. | N/A (Included in Base Price) |
| Seating & Interior Space | Standard three-row seating configuration. Option for second-row captain's chairs. Ample cargo space behind the third row, and even more with the seats folded down. | N/A (Included in Base Price) |
| Suspension & Handling | AIRMATIC air suspension system standard on most models, providing a smooth and comfortable ride. Available E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL system for enhanced handling and body control. | N/A (Included in Base Price or Optional) |
| Safety Features | Multiple airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and other advanced safety technologies. | N/A (Included in Base Price) |
| Optional Features | Premium sound system (Burmester), massaging seats, panoramic sunroof, head-up display, and various customization options. | Varies |
| Competitors | BMW X7, Audi Q7/Q8, Range Rover, Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator. | N/A |
| Release Date | Expected in late 2024 or early 2025 as a 2025 model year vehicle. | N/A |
| Maybach GLS 600 Powertrain | 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine with mild hybrid drive, tuned for even greater refinement and luxury. Expected output similar to GLS 580, but with emphasis on smooth power delivery. | $170,000 - $190,000 |
Detailed Explanations
Exterior Design: The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is expected to receive a subtle yet effective exterior refresh. This will likely involve a redesigned front grille, giving the vehicle a more modern and distinctive face. The headlights and taillights are also anticipated to feature updated LED signatures, enhancing visibility and adding a touch of sophistication. Minor tweaks to the bumpers could further contribute to a more aggressive and contemporary overall appearance. New wheel designs will likely be available, allowing buyers to personalize their GLS.
Interior Design: Inside, the 2025 GLS-Class will likely emphasize enhanced luxury and cutting-edge technology. Expect the use of even higher-quality materials throughout the cabin, creating a more premium feel. Updated trim options will provide greater personalization possibilities. A redesigned dashboard layout is also possible, integrating the latest technology seamlessly. The MBUX infotainment system is expected to receive further refinements, including improved voice control capabilities and augmented reality features, making the driving experience more intuitive and engaging.
GLS 450 Powertrain: The GLS 450 is expected to retain its efficient and powerful 3.0-liter inline-6 turbo engine, augmented by a mild hybrid drive system. This powertrain is projected to deliver around 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, providing ample performance for everyday driving and long road trips. The 4MATIC all-wheel drive system will remain standard, ensuring confident traction in various weather conditions.
GLS 580 Powertrain: For those seeking even greater power, the GLS 580 is anticipated to continue offering the robust 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine, also paired with a mild hybrid drive. This engine is projected to produce approximately 510 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque, delivering exhilarating acceleration and effortless cruising. As with the GLS 450, 4MATIC all-wheel drive will be standard.
AMG GLS 63 Powertrain: The performance-oriented AMG GLS 63 is expected to remain at the top of the GLS lineup, boasting a high-output 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine with mild hybrid assistance. This powerhouse is projected to generate around 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, enabling blistering acceleration and a thrilling driving experience. The AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system will ensure optimal traction and handling in all situations.
Fuel Economy (GLS 450, GLS 580, AMG GLS 63): Fuel economy figures are expected to be similar to the current models. Real-world mileage will depend on driving habits and conditions. The GLS 450 will offer the best fuel economy of the three, followed by the GLS 580, with the AMG GLS 63 prioritizing performance over efficiency.
Infotainment System: The 2025 GLS-Class will almost certainly feature the latest generation MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system. This advanced system is known for its intuitive interface, sharp graphics, and comprehensive features. A large touchscreen display, likely measuring 12.3 inches or larger, will serve as the primary interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility will allow seamless smartphone integration. Augmented reality navigation will overlay directions onto a live video feed, making navigation even easier.
Driver Assistance Systems: The GLS-Class is expected to offer a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems designed to enhance safety and convenience. These systems will likely include adaptive cruise control, which automatically maintains a safe following distance; lane keeping assist, which helps prevent unintentional lane departures; blind spot monitoring, which alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots; automatic emergency braking, which can automatically apply the brakes to avoid or mitigate collisions; and parking assist, which helps with maneuvering into parking spaces.
Seating & Interior Space: The 2025 GLS-Class will continue to offer standard three-row seating, providing ample space for up to seven passengers. An option for second-row captain's chairs will be available, reducing seating capacity to six but offering more individual comfort for second-row occupants. The GLS boasts generous cargo space behind the third row, and even more with the seats folded down, making it a practical choice for families and those who need to haul large items.
Suspension & Handling: The AIRMATIC air suspension system is expected to remain standard on most GLS models, providing a smooth and comfortable ride by automatically adjusting the suspension to road conditions. The available E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL system, a more advanced suspension technology, further enhances handling and body control by actively counteracting body roll, pitch, and dive.
Safety Features: The 2025 GLS-Class will be equipped with a comprehensive array of safety features designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision. These features will include multiple airbags strategically positioned throughout the cabin, anti-lock brakes (ABS) to prevent wheel lockup during hard braking, electronic stability control (ESC) to help maintain control in slippery conditions, and other advanced safety technologies.
Optional Features: A wide range of optional features will be available to personalize the 2025 GLS-Class to individual preferences. These may include a premium sound system from Burmester, massaging seats for added comfort, a panoramic sunroof for an open and airy feel, a head-up display that projects important information onto the windshield, and various customization options for interior and exterior finishes.
Competitors: The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class competes in the highly competitive luxury SUV segment. Key competitors include the BMW X7, Audi Q7 and Q8, Range Rover, Cadillac Escalade, and Lincoln Navigator. Each of these vehicles offers a unique blend of luxury, performance, and features, so buyers should carefully consider their individual needs and preferences when making a decision.
Release Date: The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is expected to be released in late 2024 or early 2025 as a 2025 model year vehicle. However, the exact release date may vary depending on production schedules and market conditions.
Maybach GLS 600 Powertrain: The ultra-luxurious Maybach GLS 600 is expected to continue to be offered, featuring a specially tuned version of the 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine with mild hybrid drive. While the expected power output will be similar to the GLS 580, the Maybach GLS 600 will prioritize smooth and refined power delivery, ensuring an exceptionally comfortable and luxurious driving experience. Further enhancements to noise isolation and ride comfort will differentiate the Maybach model.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the expected release date of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class? The 2025 GLS-Class is anticipated to be released in late 2024 or early 2025 as a 2025 model year vehicle.
What are the engine options for the 2025 GLS-Class? Expect a 3.0-liter inline-6 turbo (GLS 450), a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo (GLS 580), and a high-performance 4.0-liter V8 biturbo (AMG GLS 63), all with mild hybrid drive.
Will the 2025 GLS-Class have a new design? A subtle refresh is expected, including redesigned front and rear fascias, updated headlights and taillights, and potentially new wheel designs.
What is the starting price of the 2025 GLS-Class? The GLS 450 is expected to start around $88,000, with the GLS 580 around $112,000, and the AMG GLS 63 around $145,000.
Does the 2025 GLS-Class have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto? Yes, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are expected to be standard features.
What is the seating capacity of the 2025 GLS-Class? The GLS-Class will have standard three-row seating for up to seven passengers, with an option for second-row captain's chairs reducing capacity to six.
What is the fuel economy of the 2025 GLS 450? Expect fuel economy similar to the current model, around 20 mpg city / 24 mpg highway.
Conclusion
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is poised to continue its legacy as a leading luxury SUV with its blend of refined design, advanced technology, and powerful performance. Potential buyers should carefully consider their individual needs and preferences when evaluating the GLS-Class against its competitors to determine if it is the right choice for them.