In Terms of Grilles, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS Remains Distinctive | Carscoops

      Spy images of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS indicate it is set to receive new lighting and a redesigned grille.

      A prototype of the updated Mercedes-Maybach GLS has been caught during testing.

      The flagship GLS maintains its vertical grille bars, but the shape of the grille appears to be revised.

      It will also feature star-shaped front daytime running lights (DRLs) and potentially matching rear LED lights.

      While electric SUVs are making headlines, significant developments are underway in the Mercedes lineup. The brand recently unveiled the new GLC with EQ Technology at the Munich motor show, which includes an illuminated grille that Mercedes plans to implement in future models, such as the new C-Class. However, not all upcoming Mercedes cars and SUVs will have it, as evidenced by these spy images of the refreshed Mercedes-Maybach GLS.

      We have previously spotted what seems to be a GLS 580, which appears to have adopted a more conventional Mercedes grille design for the facelift, likely arriving later this year or early in 2026. This grille showcases a series of prominent horizontal bars, offering a classic aesthetic that is more refined than the thick chrome bars on the existing GLS 450 and 580.

      Distinct Maybach Styling

      The Maybach-branded GLS 600 has consistently featured its own unique grille, and this will not change with the upcoming update. Its grille bars are once again vertically aligned and will be finished in chrome for the production version. One could think that the grille, which retains the iPhone-style notch at the top displaying the Maybach name, has remained unchanged, but that is not the case.

      The design adjustment is subtle, yet noticeable. The new grille has a more heart-like shape compared to the previous version, with sides that are more sharply angled, resulting in a shorter lower edge. Referring back to the spy images of the GLS 580 from June, we can observe that it receives similar modifications.

      Lighting and Technology Enhancements

      Even if the reshaped grille is not immediately noticeable when a new GLS 600 (or any updated GLS) passes by, there will be other indicators to aid in identification. Like nearly every model in Mercedes' lineup, the GLS will receive the star-shaped front DRLs and rear LEDs that we have previously seen on models such as the GLC with EQ Technology unveiled at the Munich Motor Show. This Maybach prototype lacks rear lights, but the absence of camouflage suggests we may see the new lamps on future prototypes.

      While the dashboard of this Maybach version isn’t visible in the Nürburgring images, earlier spy photos indicate that the GLS will feature a high-tech pillar-to-pillar digital display complementing its refreshed exterior design.

      There is also a possibility that Mercedes might enhance the output of the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, currently producing 542 hp (550 PS). However, there is certainty that the current price tag of $180,000 will increase, regardless of any changes to the horsepower.