2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS Gets More Power, Smarter Tech And A Revised V8

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS brings more power, smarter tech and subtle design upgrades and that matters because it strengthens an already dominant luxury SUV in India. At first glance, it looks like a routine facelift, but the real story sits beneath the surface. The familiar V8 stays, now reworked with a flat-plane crank for sharper performance while new suspension tech promises a smoother and more controlled ride. Add in updated lighting and a richer cabin and the GLS quietly moves further upmarket. For buyers, this isn’t just an update, it’s a signal that the segment benchmark isn’t stepping back anytime soon.

Design Updates

The facelift includes several premium visual details inspired by S-Class. For the first time, an illuminated standing Mercedes-Benz

star is offered on the hood as an optional feature. The front grille is now illuminated. The headlights and taillights have new "starry" designs. The headlights also adorn a new "triple star" arrangement in a vertical alignment. Dark Petrol and MANUFAKTUR Patagonia Red Metallic are two new paint finishes accompanied by new 22- and 23-inch wheels.

The V8 Is Now More Interesting

The Mercedes-Benz GLS continues with its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, but the big change lies in how it works. It now uses a flat-plane crankshaft instead of the earlier cross-plane setup, along with internal revisions that push output higher. Power has increased to around 530 hp and 553 Nm, up from the earlier version.

That might sound incremental, but the engineering shift is significant. A flat-plane crank typically allows the engine to rev more freely and respond quicker even if Mercedes says the move is partly driven by future emissions requirements.

Alongside this, the car also gets an upgraded 3.0-litre inline-six unit which produces 375 hp and the SUV retains standard air suspension, now enhanced with a cloud-based system that can anticipate road imperfections and adjust in advance.

What this really means is that Mercedes isn’t replacing the V8 but it’s refining it to stay relevant.

Also Read: Mercedes-Benz CLA EV India Launch On April 24 - A New Entry Point Into Luxury EVs

More Tech, Smarter Ride And A Clear India Impact

Inside, changes are subtle but targeted. New trims, updated materials and a more advanced digital interface build on what was already one of the strongest cabins in the segment. The focus is clearly on layering more tech into an already luxurious environment and not reinventing it.

The MBUX Superscreen which is a standard glass unit extending from pillar-to pillar includes three 12.3-inch screens for driver, centre as well as front passenger. You also get standard features in the form of a new AI assistant and in-built Google Maps. The steering wheel has switches in place of earlier touch-based sliders. If we talk about the material, you can see wooden interior trims. The Rear Comfort Package Plus gives you the luxury of massage and entertainment functions. The safety quotient is enhanced by 12 ultrasonic sensors, 10 cameras on the exterior along with 5 radar sensors.

The suspension update is particularly notable. The system doesn’t just react, it learns, shares data and adapts in real time, improving ride quality over time.

For India, this matters. The GLS is widely seen as the default full-size luxury SUV, especially among buyers who prioritise rear-seat comfort and brand value. With more tech and a slightly sharper performance edge, that positioning only gets stronger. But there’s a catch -more hardware and engineering usually mean higher prices. Expect the next GLS to widen the gap not just in features, but also in cost.