Just recently, we found that Mercedes-Benz trusts its three-pointed star so much that in America, the 25-example 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S Edition 1 has a gigantic $82,435 price tag – which is almost as much as the MSRP of the Mercedes-Benz GLS flagship full-size SUV.
Speaking of the latter, this model was formerly known as the GL-Class and has been in production since 2006 at the Tuscaloosa, Alabama-based American factory as the company's first full-size seven-seat SUV manufactured by the German automaker. So far, it has gone through three iterations – most recently, the third generation X167 model arrived in 2019 at the New York International Auto Show and launched across its main markets before the end of the year.
The German automaker performed the classic facelift procedure in 2023 and probably hopes that it will help it last for another couple of model years at the very least. However, the competition isn't sitting idle, as BMW also performed the LCI (life cycle impulse) on the now-controversial split-headlight X7 not long ago.
Additionally, Audi is doubling down on the seven-seat rivalry with the twice-facelifted Q7 and the upcoming first-ever Q9 flagship. As such, it is only logical to assume that Mercedes-Benz is also diligently preparing for the release of an all-new fourth-generation 'X168' GLS. However, no one really knows when that will happen because, so far, the rumor mill hasn't caught wind of any prototypes undergoing testing.
Alas, that won't stop the imaginative realm of digital car content creators from taking matters into their own CGI hands – and just recently, the good folks over at the AutoYa info channel on YouTube have quickly imagined the CGI looks of the potentially upcoming 2025 or 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS flagship SUV.
With not a lot of information to go with, the channel's host doesn't have much explaining to do – they believe that the latest designs, such as the E-Class for the exterior and the EQS SUV for the interior, will inspire Mercedes-Benz. At the same time, powertrain options will include mostly electrified goodies, including of the plug-in hybrid variety.
Even the resident pixel master didn't have much work cut out for him because, at this point, they're only presenting a front-three-quarters POV showcasing mostly subtle changes compared to the current model – new headlights, a redesigned bumper, new exterior mirrors, a more upright profile, and the traditional unofficial color reel.
Lastly, suppose we are taking a hint from the refreshed G-Class, which recently lost its V8 engine from the Mercedes-Benz lineup to make the AMG an exclusive operator of the 4.0-liter twin-turbo mill. In that case, we might see the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLS also downsize to inline-six engine options – and only the AMG plus Maybach versions could feature them going forward.
Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution. Full profile
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