autoevolution
 

2016 Mercedes GLS and GLS AMG Sport Spied Nearly Undisguised

Our paparazzi have recently photographed a convoy of Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class models that are almost totally undisguised. This heavily updated version of the GL full-size model should debut within a few months and bring brand new engines.
2016 Mercedes GLS and GLS AMG Sport Spied Nearly Undisguised 9 photos
Photo: CarPix
2016 Mercedes GLS and GLS AMG Sport Spied Nearly Undisguised2016 Mercedes GLS and GLS AMG Sport Spied Nearly Undisguised2016 Mercedes GLS and GLS AMG Sport Spied Nearly Undisguised2016 Mercedes GLS and GLS AMG Sport Spied Nearly Undisguised2016 Mercedes GLS and GLS AMG Sport Spied Nearly Undisguised2016 Mercedes GLS and GLS AMG Sport Spied Nearly Undisguised2016 Mercedes GLS and GLS AMG Sport Spied Nearly Undisguised2016 Mercedes GLS and GLS AMG Sport Spied Nearly Undisguised
Sporting Michigan plates, these three prototypes have small differences between them. One of them is likely a diesel, but the other two sport the brand new twin-turbo V6 engine from the 400 or 450 AMG models.

The silver SUV appears to have the AMG Sport body kit, with beefier wheel arches, sharper wheel design and a more aggressive front bumper. It might also be the GLS 450 AMG model, but we're not even 50% sure of that because the exhaust is too simple.

Mercedes is making a career out of replacing the old 3.5-liter V6 with a twin-turbo 3-liter rated at 333 PS (329 hp US). However, a higher output version already exists and delivers 367 PS on the GLE 450 AMG (coupe and regular SUV). Offering it with the Alabama-built 7-seat makes quite a bit of sense.

Higher up the GLS' totem pole, we might find the 4.7-liter V8 being replaced by a vanilla version of the 4-liter found in the AMG GT. It's already happened in the G-Class, so why not this family-oriented SUV?

Cosmetic changes

Except for the roof, every piece of metal on the GLS is slightly different to the outgoing GL-Class. Starting at the front, we see brand new Active LED High Performance lights. As you may have noticed, they connect to a chunky-looking grille with sportier mesh and a gigantic Merc star in the middle.

Around the back, the exhaust system is better integrated into the diffuser, and a spoiler has been added. We expect interior changes to be limited to fresh trim, a new steering wheel and a larger, more capable infotainment system.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories