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Maybach GLS facelift appears without camouflage
Mercedes-Benz's most opulent GLS variant is preparing for a mid-cycle refresh and has been photographed with its radiator grille fully exposed. Spotted at one of Germany's most famous racetracks, the 2027 Mercedes-Maybach GLS prototype reveals a subtly reworked front end that retains the model's signature vertical grille slats while introducing minor bumper changes.
Design details and new lighting signature
The test mule was finished in black and wore generic alloy wheels and summer SUV tires, suggesting these photos are of a development vehicle rather than a final production example. Still, the grille update is the clearest visual hint of the facelift. Earlier prototypes showed a distinctive daytime running light motif: each front cluster is expected to include two star-shaped DRLs, while the taillights will adopt three three-pointed star elements per side — a lighting signature Mercedes is rolling out across its lineup, AMG models included.
What changed and what remains
- Revised vertical-bar grille keeping classic Maybach character
- Minor updates to the front bumper and fascia
- No starry front running lights visible on this black prototype, though production units should gain them
Interior tech: is the Hyperscreen coming to Maybach?
One of the most intriguing prospects for the facelifted Maybach GLS is a significant infotainment upgrade. Rumors point to a pillar-to-pillar display similar in spirit to the MBUX Hyperscreen introduced on Mercedes' EQ models. The Hyperscreen measures a staggering 39.1 inches in the full-electric EQ variant — the largest integrated display Mercedes has offered — and bringing a comparable setup to the GLS would also introduce the AI-driven MB.OS experience to the model range.
If implemented, the new layout would underscore Maybach's push toward cabin tech befitting its luxury positioning, offering a more immersive, connected experience for chauffeur-driven or owner-occupied customers alike.
Powertrains and performance
Despite the technology nods, the GLS will continue offering internal combustion powertrains alongside hybrid assistance. AMG is developing a new V8 to eventually replace the current wet-sump M177 twin-turbo engine, but the existing M177 remains potent: it delivers roughly 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) in the AMG GLS 63. The Maybach GLS 600 also uses M177-derived hardware, tuned for a claimed 550 hp and 568 lb-ft (770 Nm) and featuring an integrated starter-generator to improve efficiency.
For broader markets, the GLS continues to offer:
- M176-series V8 (U.S.)
- M256 inline-six with mild-hybrid assistance
- In Europe, a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six diesel with mild-hybrid tech, offered in approximately 286 ps (282 hp) and 330 ps (326 hp) states of tune
Mercedes currently has no four-cylinder GLS in production and is unlikely to downsize to a turbocharged inline-four for this flagship unibody SUV; the GLS's market positioning and physical size make a four-cylinder less sensible for buyers in this segment.
Market positioning and arrival
Mercedes-Maybach positions the GLS as the pinnacle of luxury SUVs in its lineup, aimed at customers who prioritize refinement, rear-seat comfort, and advanced amenities. The refreshed Maybach GLS is expected to reach showrooms in 2026 as a 2027 model-year vehicle, bringing subtle design refinements, updated lighting, and potentially an upgraded, AI-enhanced infotainment system.
Quick highlights
- Arrival: 2026 for the 2027 model year
- Key changes: grille refresh, bumper tweaks, new lighting signature
- Possible interior upgrade: MBUX Hyperscreen/AI-driven MB.OS
- Power: continuing V8 and inline-six options, diesel available in Europe
As Mercedes finalizes the facelift, expect additional spy photos and more precise details on interior configurations and exact engine outputs. For luxury-SUV shoppers, the Maybach GLS facelift should keep the model competitive by blending customary Maybach elegance with eye-catching lighting and modern cabin tech.
Source: autoevolution
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