2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs. 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS in Normal, IL

Compare the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS VS 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

What's New for Your Full-Size Luxury SUV

Finding the ultimate flagship 3-row luxury SUV for your family in McLean County requires looking at full-size comfort, advanced MB.OS/MBUX technology upgrades, premier towing performance, and first-class safety innovations. We compare the refreshed 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS with the renowned 2026 model to help you find your ideal luxury SUV at Mercedes-Benz of Bloomington in Normal, IL.

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New Mercedes-Benz GLS - Mercedes-Benz of Bloomington
Image is of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS. 2027 specs may vary.

Mercedes-Benz GLS Model Year Side-by-Side

Comparison Feature 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS
Seating Capacity & Versatility Standard 7-passenger seating (or 6-passenger with 2nd-row Captain's Chairs) with upgraded Executive Rear Seating Package PLUS & enhanced 5-zone climate control Standard 7-passenger seating or optional 6-passenger configuration, standard power-folding 3rd row, & premium MB-Tex or Nappa leather seating
Infotainment Display & Interface Next-gen MBUX software architecture with upgraded AI personal assistant, supercharged 5G connectivity, faster cloud navigation rendering, & updated zero-layer UI Dual 12.3-inch widescreen cockpit displays with standard MBUX voice assistant, wireless smartphone integration, & augmented reality navigation
Instrument Gauge Cluster Reconfigurable 12.3-inch high-resolution digital cluster with dynamic 3D graphic themes, expanded AR HUD options, & driver facial recognition profiles 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with multiple display styles, customizable driver profiles, & available Head-Up Display
Driver Assistance Package Updated Driver Assistance Package with enhanced Automatic Lane Change, refined Route-Based Speed Adaptation, & next-level PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side Standard Driver Assistance Package featuring Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC®, Active Steering Assist, & Evasive Steering Assist
Powertrain Options & Towing 3.0L Turbo I6 with 48V mild-hybrid (GLS 450) or 4.0L Biturbo V8 (GLS 580) with enhanced ISG boost, offering up to 7,700 lbs towing capacity 3.0L Turbo I6 (GLS 450) or 4.0L Biturbo V8 (GLS 580) with integrated starter-generator mild-hybrid system, towing up to 7,700 lbs
Drivetrain & Suspension Standard 4MATIC® Fully Variable All-Wheel Drive with upgraded AIRMATIC® Air Suspension & optional E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL with refined damping Standard 4MATIC® Fully Variable All-Wheel Drive with AIRMATIC® Air Suspension & Adaptive Damping System (ADS PLUS)

Key Upgrades & Differences

Explore these key performance, technology, and luxury distinctions to discover how the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS elevates your family road trips along I-55, daily carpools in Bloomington-Normal, and weekend excursions across Central Illinois.

MBUX & Digital Cockpit

Next-generation digital cabin technology created to offer effortless control for both front and rear passengers.

  • 2027 GLS: Upgraded MBUX hardware with available MBUX Hyperscreen glass panel, faster cloud computing, and intelligent AI voice responses.
  • 2026 GLS: Dual 12.3-inch touchscreens with standard "Hey Mercedes" voice activation, augmented video, and wireless Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™.

First-Class Cabin Luxury

Flagship craftsmanship using high-end appointments, multi-contour seats, and ambient lighting choices.

  • 2027 GLS: Expands ultra-luxury MANUFAKTUR trim themes, refined leather stitching options, and customizable energizing comfort routines.
  • 2026 GLS: Standard heated and ventilated front seats, power second-row executive seating, and available multicontour massage functions.

Acoustic Engineering & Ride

Industry-leading noise isolation combined with adaptive air suspension for smooth, whisper-quiet travel.

  • 2027 GLS: Enhanced Acoustic Comfort Package with thicker double-laminated glass and additional floor pan sound deadening.
  • 2026 GLS: Standard AIRMATIC® air suspension with Adaptive Damping System delivers exceptional road-smoothing performance.

Three-Row Space & Utility

Generous three-row seating configurations engineered to comfortably transport up to 7 adults plus cargo.

  • Both Model Years: Choice between 7-passenger bench or 6-passenger layout with second-row individual Captain's Chairs.
  • Cargo Space: Expands up to 84.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity with second and third rows folded flat.

Engine Performance & Towing

Commanding turbocharged powertrains coupled with 48-volt mild-hybrid efficiency and standard 4MATIC® AWD.

  • 2027 GLS: Fine-tuned Integrated Starter-Generator (ISG) providing smoother auto start-stop and instant torque boost.
  • Towing Capacity: Both model years offer robust towing capabilities reaching up to 7,700 lbs with factory hitch package.

Exterior Presence & Design

Unmistakable full-size stance with refined grille louvers, distinctive LED signatures, and elegant body lines.

  • 2027 GLS: Refreshed front fascia accents, updated light-alloy wheel styles, and subtle redesigns to the LED tail lamp clusters.
  • 2026 GLS: Bold quad-louver grille design, prominent air intakes, high-gloss accents, and iconic rear LED tail lamps.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS Advantage

While the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS continues to set the standard for 3-row luxury SUVs, the 2027 GLS elevates full-size refinement even higher. Incorporating advanced MBUX infotainment software, available Hyperscreen technology, enhanced cabin noise insulation, and subtle exterior design refinements, the 2027 GLS ensures that every family journey across McLean County is executed with absolute comfort and distinction.

Why Choose Mercedes-Benz of Bloomington?

At Mercedes-Benz of Bloomington in Normal, IL, we are committed to offering a world-class luxury dealership experience tailored to your exact specifications. Whether you want to custom-order your brand-new 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS or explore our current collection of 2026 models, our attentive luxury specialists are dedicated to assisting you through every phase of ownership.

Conveniently situated in Normal, IL, we proudly assist clients from Bloomington, Peoria, Champaign, Springfield, Decatur, and Clinton. Visit Mercedes-Benz of Bloomington today to compare these flagship SUVs in person and experience exceptional service!

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS

Features next-gen MBUX software, available Hyperscreen display, enhanced acoustic insulation, and standard 4MATIC® AWD.

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2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

Standard 3-row seating for up to 7, dual 12.3-inch displays, AIRMATIC® suspension, and 7,700-lb towing capacity.

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See the Mercedes-Benz GLS in Person

Step inside the luxury S-Class of SUVs, explore full 3-row comfort, and take a test drive. Visit our state-of-the-art showroom at Mercedes-Benz of Bloomington in Normal, IL!

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Images are of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS. 2027 specs may vary.

Next Steps for Securing Your Mercedes-Benz GLS

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Questions and Answers About 2027 vs. 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

When is the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS release date?

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS is expected to arrive in dealership showrooms in late 2026 or early 2027. Contact Mercedes-Benz of Bloomington to get on our priority update list or to place a custom factory order.

What are the primary differences between the 2027 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS?

Key differences for the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS include updated MBUX system software with faster processing, available Hyperscreen display option, improved cabin acoustic damping, expanded luxury trim choices, and refined driver assistance features.

How has the MBUX infotainment technology improved for 2027?

The 2027 GLS introduces the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS). This architecture functions as a centralized supercomputer that unifies the infotainment, automated driving, and comfort systems under a single framework.

Is the cabin of the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS quieter than the 2026 version?

Yes. The 2027 GLS features an upgraded Acoustic Comfort Package with enhanced acoustic glass and added noise insulation along the chassis, delivering an exceptionally quiet ride when traveling at highway speeds on I-55.

What exterior design updates are featured on the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS?

The 2027 GLS displays subtle aesthetic updates including new alloy wheel patterns, updated front bumper intake detailing, revised grille accents, and tweaked LED light signature elements in the headlights and taillights.

Are driver safety systems updated in the 2027 GLS?

Yes. The standard Driver Assistance Package in the 2027 GLS benefits from recalibrated sensor software for smoother Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC®, improved Lane Keeping assistance, and more intuitive Automatic Lane Change capabilities.

Do the 2026 and 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS share the same powertrain options?

Yes, both model years utilize the turbocharged 3.0L inline-6 (GLS 450 4MATIC®) and the 4.0L biturbo V8 (GLS 580 4MATIC®), both equipped with 48V mild-hybrid Integrated Starter-Generator (ISG) systems for immediate responsiveness and smoothness. However, the 2027 model year receives performance enhancements—boosting the GLS 450's torque output to 413 lb-ft and increasing the GLS 580's total output to 530 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque.

What is the seating capacity of the 2026 and 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS?

Both the 2026 and 2027 GLS come standard with seating for up to 7 adults across 3 spacious rows. A 6-passenger configuration featuring individual second-row Captain's Chairs is available as a no-cost option on both model years.

How much can the 2026 and 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS tow?

When properly equipped with the optional factory trailer hitch, both the 2026 and 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS boast a maximum towing capacity of up to 7,700 lbs, making it easy to tow recreational trailers, boats, or camper equipment.

Why buy your new Mercedes-Benz GLS from Mercedes-Benz of Bloomington?

Mercedes-Benz of Bloomington in Normal, IL offers a tailored luxury experience with transparent pricing, personalized custom ordering services, competitive financing, and factory-trained certified service technicians dedicated to maintaining your vehicle long after purchase.

Take the Next Step at Mercedes-Benz of Bloomington

Ready to experience the ultimate in 3-row full-size luxury? Visit Mercedes-Benz of Bloomington in Normal, IL, or contact our team today to schedule a time to explore this exciting new SUV!

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