Like the world of high fashion, car design has trends. And, like the world of high fashion, the trendy styles can show up most prominently at the highest price points.
Mercedes has given its top-of-the-line SUV a makeover for 2024. It’s embracing trends like a New York socialite going through a high-profile breakup.
More Muscle, Improved Balance
The changes for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS are apparent inside and out. It’s been hitting the gym, too, working on its core, er, its suspension.
Pricing hasn’t been announced. The current model starts at $81,800.
Under the hood, AMG models get the same 603-horsepower 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 as last year, while the ultra-luxurious Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 continues with 550 horsepower from its version of that engine.
But the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6-cylinder engine now found in the base GLS 450 makes 375 horsepower, which is 13 more than last year. The 4.0-liter V8 under the hood of the GLS 580 is bumped up to 510 horsepower — 27 more than last year.
The air suspension setup is the same as before but has been reprogrammed. So has the roll stabilization system. Together, Mercedes says, they “increase the spread between dynamic handling and comfort.” So, if you change driving modes, you should feel the difference in the new car.
But the changes likely to get the paparazzi’s attention are the cosmetic ones.
Chrome and High-Gloss Black
Up front, that means embracing this year’s biggest design trend — a huge, flashy grille. The new schnozz of the GLS has a tighter set of chrome slats to ensure you notice it. The bumper below has been reworked and also features thicker chrome. Pricey Maybach editions get their own grille with — you guessed it — added chrome slats.
Sometimes designers ride a rising wave. Sometimes, they grab a receding one. We’ve talked to more than one automotive designer this year who told us that glossy black interior trim is over. Mercedes disagrees.
A new flat-bottom steering wheel makes prominent use of piano black capacitive touch buttons. Other designers have been moving back to mechanical buttons and weighty knobs so you can feel the clicks, but Mercedes has gone with 80s-touch-lamp-style clickless controls in glossy black. Sometimes, you can make a statement with a retro piece.
If you want to lean hard into glossy black, AMG buyers can choose an interior trim called MANUFAKTUR Piano Lacquer Flowing Lines that puts it everywhere.
The latest version of the MBUX infotainment system powers the central touchscreen and offers voice commands for most functions. The driver’s display screen has three settings — Classic, red-backlit Sporty, and minimalist Discreet.
AMG editions get a significantly longer standard equipment list, including a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated seats, and a Burmester sound system.
