New Mercedes GLS 2026 review: a huge SUV that’s too big for the UK

That body control was also improved for the 2027 GLS, because engineers addressed customer complaints that the car could be “a bit floppy”. It isn’t that, even though it maintains a fair amount of lateral roll when turning in. That, plus the light-effort-yet-feelsome steering, should make the GLS feel familiar to those accustomed to driving big, plush Mercedes. 

On the other hand, E-Active Body Control returns to the options list for the facelifted GLS. This electronically controlled active suspension individually adjusts the spring and damper of each wheel to more capably reduce roll, pitch and lift. For 2027, it gains the same, cloud-based, proactive adaptability as Airmatic. 

The GLS engine line-up is unchanged in the UK. The standard engine found in the GLS 450 d is a 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel good for 367bhp and 750Nm – offering similar performance to the US-spec petrol car, but with improved fuel economy of more than 30mpg. As our drive occurred in the United States, this engine wasn’t available to sample. Neither was the AMG GLS 63 and its 612bhp twin-turbo V8, which will be the UK’s only other GLS engine option. 

Pricing starts at £99,995 for the GLS 450 d AMG Line Premium, which, by the way, has a more modern face featuring a large grille emblem (and fewer stars). The Exclusive Premium Plus we tested starts at £104,995, while the AMG GLS 63 goes for £149,995. The Maybach GLS 680 will also be returning in all its ostentatious glory for £179,995, before options.