When it comes to full-size luxury SUVs in India, nothing quite commands the road like the Mercedes-Benz GLS. Often called the “S-Class of SUVs,” the GLS is the German brand’s flagship three-row offering, a machine that combines cathedral-like interior space with genuine performance and a presence that turns heads effortlessly.
The 2026 model brings a meaningful facelift, with a refreshed exterior, an upgraded triple-screen MBUX Superscreen setup, and enhanced ADAS capabilities, making it one of the most compelling luxury SUVs money can buy in India. It sits above the GLE in the Mercedes lineup and goes head-to-head with the BMW X7, a rivalry it competes in with quiet confidence.
Mercedes-Benz GLS Price in India
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS is priced from ₹1.32 crore (ex-showroom) for the base petrol variant, going up to ₹1.43 crore (ex-showroom) for the flagship GLS 450d 4MATIC AMG Line diesel.
A newly launched Night Edition is also available, priced from ₹1.41 crore onwards. On-road prices in Delhi start at approximately ₹1.51 crore. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600, an ultra-luxury derivative, is positioned separately at ₹2.75 crore (ex-showroom) for buyers who want to go all the way.
Mercedes-Benz GLS Variants
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS is available in the following variants:
- GLS 450 4MATIC: ₹1.32 Cr (ex-showroom)- Petrol
- GLS 450d 4MATIC: ₹1.35 Cr (ex-showroom)- Diesel
- GLS 450 4MATIC AMG Line: ₹1.40 Cr (ex-showroom)- Petrol
- GLS 450d 4MATIC AMG Line: ₹1.43 Cr (ex-showroom)- Diesel
- GLS 450d Night Edition: ₹1.41 Cr (ex-showroom)- Diesel (Limited Run)
- Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC: ₹2.75 Cr (ex-showroom)
Engine and Performance
The GLS 2026 offers two powertrain options. The petrol GLS 450 4MATIC uses a 3.0-litre inline-6 turbocharged engine producing around 367 hp and 500 Nm of torque. The diesel GLS 450d 4MATIC runs a 3.0-litre inline-6 turbo diesel, pumping out an impressive 362 hp and 750 Nm of torque, a number that gives this full-size SUV remarkable pull in any situation. Both engines are paired with a 9-speed automatic gearbox and the brand’s 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.
A 48-volt mild-hybrid system with an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) is standard across the lineup, cutting turbo lag and improving fuel efficiency. The petrol variant returns around 10-11 kmpl while the diesel manages approximately 12-12.5 kmpl (ARAI). On the road, both feel effortlessly powerful. The GLS surges ahead smoothly, and the AIRMATIC adaptive air suspension with ride-height adjustment makes it float over bad roads with a composure that’s hard to find in this segment.
Exterior Design
The 2026 GLS facelift is an evolution rather than a revolution, and that’s exactly right for a car with this presence. Up front, the bold upright grille with the three-pointed star commands attention, flanked by revised Multibeam LED headlamps for a sharper face. The bumpers are new, lines are crisper, and the 21-inch AMG alloy wheels on the AMG Line variants fill the arches with purpose.
Side-on, the GLS’s 5.2-metre length and 1.96-metre width make its scale obvious; this is a proper full-size SUV. At the rear, updated LED taillamps and a sculpted tailgate complete a profile that looks authoritative without being flashy. Six colour options are available: Sodalite Blue, Selenite Silver, Polar White, High-tech Silver, Obsidian Black, and Cavansite Blue.
Interior and Seating Comfort
Step inside the GLS 2026, and the cabin immediately justifies the price. Nappa leather upholstery, gloss black panels, real wood inlays, and chrome accents create a genuinely premium environment. A new, intuitive steering wheel and revised ambient lighting with 64 colours make every drive feel special. The front seats offer ventilation, heating, and memory functions.
The second row is the star of the show, power-adjustable recline and slide, plus a “chauffeur mode” that pushes the front passenger seat forward to liberate extraordinary legroom for rear occupants. The third row is genuinely usable for adults up to 194 cm tall, with its own climate zone and heated seats, a rare touch in this class. Soft-close doors and acoustic glass keep the cabin library-quiet at all speeds.
Features and Technology
The headline tech upgrade for 2026 is the MBUX Superscreen, a triple 12.3-inch display setup spanning the dashboard, covering the digital instrument cluster, main infotainment touchscreen, and a front-passenger display. The system runs on the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) with voice assistant (“Hey Mercedes”), Google Maps navigation, Microsoft Teams integration, and a digital in-car payment app (Mercedes pay+).
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Rear passengers get two 11.6-inch entertainment screens with detachable remote controllers to manage seating, climate, media, and window shades. A 13-speaker Burmester 3D sound system elevates every journey. The panoramic sliding sunroof, 5-zone climate control, and wireless charging round out an exhaustive list of features that leave very little to be desired.
Safety Features
Mercedes-Benz has always taken safety seriously, and the 2026 GLS reflects that with one of the most comprehensive packages in its class. Standard safety includes 9 airbags, 360-degree surround view with Transparent Bonnet technology, electronic stability control, and tyre pressure monitoring.
The ADAS suite is extensive: adaptive cruise control with route-based speed adaptation, lane-keep assist, blind spot monitoring, active emergency braking, collision alert, and Active Stop-and-Go Assist that can manage stop-start traffic autonomously up to 1 minute after stopping. The system uses 10 exterior cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and 5 radar sensors. Pre-safe technology prepares the cabin during emergencies, and full autonomous parking assistance is also available.
Boot Space and Practicality
With all three rows up, the GLS offers 355 litres of boot space, usable but not cavernous. Fold the third row, and that figure expands significantly, and with both rear rows folded flat, total capacity reaches up to 1,470 litres, making it genuinely versatile for luggage-heavy trips. A powered tailgate with hands-free access (Keyless-GO) makes loading easier.
The GLS’s 500mm water-wading depth and underbody protection add a surprising dimension of go-anywhere ability for what is primarily a luxury haulier. The cabin itself is lined with practical storage door bins, a large centre console, and rear MBUX tablet docking in the second-row armrest. For daily city use in India, the sheer size can be a challenge in tight spaces, but the 360-degree camera and parking package make it manageable.
Final Verdict
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS is not just the best full-size luxury SUV in India; it is a complete statement. The combination of a refreshed, imposing exterior, the breathtaking triple-screen MBUX Superscreen interior, genuinely usable seven-seat comfort, and a comprehensive ADAS safety package puts it in a league that only the BMW X7 comes close to challenging.
The mild-hybrid powertrains are both powerful and reasonably efficient for vehicles of this size, and the AIRMATIC suspension makes the GLS feel lighter and more refined on the road than its dimensions suggest.
If you’re looking for the best chauffeur-driven or self-driven luxury SUV experience that India’s market offers under ₹1.5 crore, the GLS 450d AMG Line is the variant to pick; it delivers the sharpest styling, the most torque, and the fullest features package. Buyers prioritising a more understated presence will find the standard GLS 450d equally satisfying.
At ₹1.32 crore ex-showroom as a starting point, the GLS is aspirational but accessible within the luxury segment. It is a car that continues to define what a three-row luxury SUV can and should be.
FAQs
Is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS worth buying in India?
Yes, for buyers seeking a flagship full-size luxury 7-seater, the GLS delivers unmatched interior quality, advanced technology, and strong performance. It offers excellent value against its price in the luxury segment.
What is the mileage of the Mercedes-Benz GLS 2026?
The petrol GLS 450 4MATIC returns around 10-11 kmpl, while the diesel GLS 450d delivers approximately 12-12.5 kmpl (ARAI-certified). Both benefit from 48V mild-hybrid technology.
Does the Mercedes-Benz GLS 2026 have a sunroof?
Yes, it gets a large panoramic sliding sunroof as standard across variants.
Which GLS 2026 variant is best to buy in India?
The GLS 450d 4MATIC AMG Line at ₹1.43 crore is the sweet spot; it combines the more efficient and torquier diesel engine with sportier AMG styling and the full features package.
How does the 2026 GLS compare to the BMW X7?
Both are closely matched flagship luxury SUVs. The GLS edges ahead with its MBUX Superscreen tech, more comprehensive ADAS suite, and the 750 Nm diesel torque output. The X7 starts slightly lower at ₹1.26 crore ex-showroom. Choice largely comes down to brand preference and feature priorities.
