The current generation of the GL has been launched back in 2012 and it is scheduled to get a mid-life update with the 2016 model-year. This time around though, Mercedes is actually going to change the name of their top-end SUV in order to fit their new naming scheme and on top of that they are also going to add a few new models to the range. The upcoming 2016 Mercedes Benz GLS has already been caught testing in Germany with mild camouflage on it and it seems that not only the exterior will change but the car is expected to get an all new interior as well.
Release Date And Price
The powertrain as well as its platform should remain very similar to the current model but we might see a few changes under the hood. The car is expected to be first showcased at the LA Auto Show with sales starting shortly after that. The price will likely increase from the current $65,000 to around $70,000 or a bit more than that in order to align the car to the S-Class. Its top end model on the other hand will now get past $300,000 because this will be the second model to get the Maybach treatment, thus becoming one of the most luxurious cars in the World.
2016 Mercedes Benz GLS Engine
Engine wise, the 2016 Mercedes Benz GLS is going to make use of the same engines as the 2015 model, but only in the base trim levels. The base car will get a 3 liter twin-turbocharged V6 good for 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque while further up the range, a 4.7 liter twin-turbocharged V8 is going to deliver up to 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The AMG model on the other hand has been rumored to get rid of the current 5.5 liter V8 in the favor of a much smaller unit. Some say that the GLS is going to get the 4 liter twin-turbocharged AMG mill from the AMG GT. This may be tuned in order to provide more than 550 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque while having a much better fuel consumption than the older V8. All of these will likely be available with the same 7 speed dual-clutch automatic as before and with a standard all wheel drive system.
The Maybach version of the car on the other hand is going to be a bit more different. This is expected to get a 6 liter twin-turbocharged V12 which will provide around 500 horsepower and more than 700 lb-ft of torque. The 7 speed gearbox is likely going to be replaced with an 8 speed unit while the all wheel drive system will be tuned to deliver better all weather performance.
Exterior Design of GLS Model
The exterior design will change, but not as much as we would like. From the looks of it, it seems that the upcoming 2016 Mercedes Benz GLS is going to get an all new front fascia which will likely bring it closer to the S-Class in terms of looks. The headlights should be LED lit as standard and the grille will get a completely new look. The wheels should also be all new across the range and the back may receive a new exhaust system for the top end models. The Maybach edition will get its own look, similar to the S600 Maybach released some time ago.
Interior
The interior of the 2016 Mercedes Benz GLS on the other hand will get a few more upgrades. In fact, there are rumors which say that the car will get an entirely different design as well as better materials than before and even a new infotainment system which it will share with the latest cars from Mercedes.
