Mercedes GLS in Context
Mercedes introduced the GLS name when it renamed the GL-Class to align its SUVs with the sedan hierarchy: GLA for the A-Class tier, GLC for the C-Class and GLS for the S-Class. A Mercedes GLS overview should keep that lineage in mind, because the model serves as the three-row flagship intended for families who want limousine-grade refinement with high seating and towing ability. The second generation, launched some years earlier, established the current platform, air suspension philosophy and the emphasis on rear-seat comfort. The only body style is the five-door SUV, which is typical for full-size luxury vehicles built primarily in the United States for global markets.
Understanding 2 generation, restyling 2
Among Mercedes GLS generations, a second restyling is unusual and indicates that the manufacturer chose to extend the second generation's lifespan rather than replace it. Refreshes of this kind usually concentrate on the front fascia, lighting, infotainment software and the mix of engines, while the body shell and interior architecture carry over. For the buyer, that means the 2026 car should be viewed as a refined evolution of the earlier second-generation and first-restyling models, not a new design. When the modification table for this restyling is published, it will show which engine and drivetrain variants apply to this stage specifically.