2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS

In the engine department, Mercedes just updated the GL’s powertrain lineup for 2015, meaning powertrains should carry over mostly unchanged with the arrival of the 2017 GLS. The GLS350 BlueTEC should stick with its turbocharged V-6 diesel good for 240 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque. The GLS450 will have a turbo V-6 with 362 hp and 369 lb-ft, and the GLS550 will have a turbo V-8 with 429 hp and 516 lb-ft. At the top of the range will be the GLS63 from Mercedes-AMG with a turbo V-8 good for about 550 hp and 560 lb-ft. 4Matic all-wheel drive will remain standard across the range.

Mercedes-Benz is working on some subtle updates for its GL-Class, updates the German automaker confirmed will be introduced for the 2017 model year. The current GL was all-new for 2013, so the 2017 model year roughly coincides with the full-size SUV’s mid-cycle. Prototypes for the updated version have just been spotted again.

The brochure-sourced shots of the GLS come courtesy of Worldscoop and provide us with our first uncluttered view of what is essentially, an application of what we saw being introduced on the ML-replacing GLE on the elongated, 7-seater GL.

On the outside, while the profile survives unchanged, there’s a tweaked face with a new front grille, headlamp clusters and bumper, with similar revisions at the rear that gains fresh tail lamp graphics and a re-trimmed bumper.

We don’t get any interior shots this time around, but we already know what to expect from the GLE, such as the new floating seven- or optional eight-inch display screen and revamped center console housing the COMAND controller and touchpad, plus fresh color offerings.

Similarly, the GLE should tell the story about the GLS’ powertrain lineup with the usual V6 and V8 mills topped off by the 577hp (585PS) AMG model, while it’s very likely that Mercedes will also offer a 500e 4MATIC plug-in hybrid version with 328hp (333PS).

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