The Mercedes GLS 2023 returns with a rather elegant facelift and exceptional technological improvements. After spending a few days behind the wheel of this impressive vehicle, we will share our impressions and give you a detailed overview of what this luxury SUV has to offer. The GLS 2023, known for its luxury and robustness, continues to impress with modernized features and electrified powertrains.
An Imposing Presence
When first encountering the Mercedes GLS 2023, one is immediately struck by its imposing appearance. The new grille with its four horizontal “Silver Shadow” slats and the redesigned bumper bring a fresh breeze to this behemoth. The rear lights, with their new light signature composed of three rectangles, reinforce the vehicle’s visual identity.
During daily city drives, we appreciated the new 20-inch wheels and the blue sodalite metallic and MANUFAKTUR alpine grey solid colors. These elements add a touch of distinction and attract attention. The dimensions of this GLS, though sometimes intimidating in urban settings, provide a reassuring presence on the road.
The GLS retains its generous dimensions, making it one of the largest SUVs in its category. It measures approximately 5.2 meters in length, 2 meters in width, and 1.8 meters in height, with a wheelbase of 3.1 meters. These dimensions allow for a spacious interior, ideal for families or long-distance journeys. The vehicle also offers a raised ground clearance, particularly useful for off-road adventures.
Mercedes, Always More Luxurious
Upon entering the GLS 2023, one immediately feels a sense of luxury and well-being. The finish with brown linden wood is now standard, as well as the new leather colors, Bahia brown and Catalana beige, adding a touch of elegance. The MANUFAKTUR black lacquer inserts provide additional sophistication.
The highly efficient MBUX entertainment system, with its varied display styles (Classic, Sport, Discreet) and display modes (navigation, assistance, service), offers increased customization. We particularly appreciated the ability to adjust the ambient lighting according to our mood, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere during night drives.
Comfort and Advanced Features
The comfort aboard the GLS 2023 is simply remarkable. The touch controls on the steering wheel are intuitive and easy to use, allowing you to stay focused on the road. The seats, which are heated and offer adjustable lumbar support, are extremely comfortable, even on long journeys. We were particularly impressed by the quality of the materials and the attention to detail.
By trying the Off-Road mode, we could test the GLS’s off-road capabilities. The display of information such as lateral tilt and steering angle on the dashboard screen proved extremely useful during our off-road adventures.
Light Hybridization for More Power
During our test, we had the opportunity to try the GLS 450 d 4MATIC in the diesel version. We particularly appreciated the autonomy, which shows more than 600 km when the tank is full. Two engines, electrified via a 48-volt alternator-starter, offer an appreciable power boost during acceleration. The GLS 450d, with its 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine developing 367 hp, proved to be responsive and powerful. There is also the GLS 580 version, a more luxurious and fiercer version on the road with its 4.0-liter V8 and 517 hp. It impresses with its ability to go from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 5 seconds.
There is also a GLS 63 AMG version with a 4.0-liter V8 of 612 hp and a Maybach GLS 600 version with 557 hp.
Exceptional Performance and Comfort
Driving the Mercedes GLS 2023 is an experience that brings pleasure. The adaptive suspension and 4MATIC all-wheel drive provide perfect stability and grip, even on the most demanding terrains. During our highway tests, we were impressed by the vehicle’s smoothness and power, which offers exceptional comfort even at high speed. We also highlight the excellent soundproofing of the vehicle when driving at high speed.
The Off-Road Engineering pack, which we had the opportunity to test on more winding paths, improves the vehicle’s off-road capability with a raised ground clearance of 30 mm and reinforced protections. The Off-Road mode on the dashboard screen displays crucial information such as lateral tilt, slope level, and steering angle, facilitating navigation on difficult terrains. The “transparent hood” function, which displays a virtual view under the vehicle, allowed us to anticipate and avoid obstacles with ease.
What Can We Conclude About This New GLS?
The Mercedes GLS 2023 successfully reaffirms its status as a luxury SUV with notable improvements in design, technology, and performance.
Among the strong points, we note:
- A refined and modernized exterior design.
- A luxurious interior with high-end finishes.
- Exceptional ergonomics with advanced features.
- Electrified powertrains offering more power and efficiency.
However, some aspects could be improved:
- The price, which remains high even for the luxury SUV segment.
- Fuel consumption, despite the light hybridization, could be optimized.
The Mercedes GLS 2023 remains an undisputed leader in the high-end SUV category, offering a combination of luxury, technology, and performance. After this test, it is clear that the GLS 2023 is an ideal choice for those looking for a large vehicle that combines comfort, elegance, and robustness.
