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2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS Looks Like an SUV Limousine, as Its New Name Suggests

If you've been in a coma for the last year and suddenly came back to life (congratulations, by the way), the Mercedes-Benz range would seem like the most confusing thing in the world.
2017 mercedes-benz gls 1 photo
Photo: Screenshot from YouTube
Before whatever terrible event you went through, the names of the Mercedes-Benz SUVs made little sense, but we had gotten used to them and liked them the way they were. Now (well, late last year to be more precise, but it's all the same to you), Mercedes decided to link its core models to the SUV range by adding the respective Class letters (A, C, E, S) at the end of the GL root.

But since you've never been in a coma (congratulations, by the way), you probably know all this. And you also know that the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS is none other than the current Mercedes-Benz GL with a facelift.

Launched as a 2013 year model, the current GL is rapidly approaching its much-needed mid-cycle facelift. We've seen it happen with the M-Class as well, which also marked the switch to the new GLE name. Well, the GL is in for a similar treatment, and we can't say we're expecting any surprises from the new GLS.

Actually, there might be one. Mercedes-Benz has recently said it plans to battle it out with the new Bentley Bentayga in the ultra-luxury SUV segment, which means we should get a Mercedes-Maybach GLS SUV shortly. Given how the GL interior is a little dated, and the facelift won't be able to do very much to change that, we'd wait until the new generation GLS for this move. But if Mercedes-Benz/Maybach decides to go through with it now, they'll probably be relying on hard numbers and not hunches when making the decision.

In terms of visual treats, the new GLS will align the big Mercedes SUV with the current range via a new radiator grille, front bumpers and headlight design. There's a new bumper at the rear as well, together with some different graphics for the taillights, while the side of the car remains untouched.

The interior is expected to receive a redesigned dash and new infotainment system. If the GLE is anything to go by, we're not really anticipating that much of a change and the final product will continue to feel dated compared to the newer models like the S-Class, or even the smaller GLC.

The unveiling should take place early next year, that is if Mercedes-Benz won't be in a hurry and squeeze it before New Year's Eve.

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About the author: Vlad Mitrache
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"Boy meets car, boy loves car, boy gets journalism degree and starts job writing and editing at a car magazine" - 5/5. (Vlad Mitrache if he was a movie)
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