Mercedes-Benz GLS 2026 News
Mercedes-Benz responds to China SUV threat
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By Tim Gibson · 24 Jul 2026
Mercedes-Benz is preparing to stave off the impending onslaught of China's large luxury SUVs by updating its range in Australia. The brand has shuffled around its GLE and GLS model lineup Down Under, introducing new engine choices and pricing.The GLS is the German giants’ flagship three-row SUV that directly competes with the BMW X7 in the ultra-luxury high-riding space.It will soon have some serious, and much cheaper, Chinese competition in Australia.The GLS is facing an impending battle against electrified rivals such as the XPeng GX and highly-anticipated Zeekr 8X and 9X duo, among others coming in the next months. These cars boast powerful fully-electric and plug-in hybrid set-ups that will give the petrol- or diesel-powered GLS a run for its money. The GLS range now kicks off with a new petrol-powered 450 grade that starts from $181,900, before on-road costs. This makes it $7000 cheaper than its diesel-powered sibling that used to occupy the entry level position in the lineup.The GLS 450 has a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol engine, producing 280kW and 560Nm, representing more power but less torque than the diesel unit.The AMG 63 S high-performance grade has experienced a price hike of more than $6000, now starting from $313,900.The range-topping Maybach 680 has seen its price boosted by $5000, with a starting price of $424,900. Both variants receive a 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo petrol engine that pumps out 450kW and 850Nm.2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS pricing Australia (before on-road costs)The smaller GLE two-row SUV has also undergone a reshuffle in Australia as it continues to take on the BMW X5.The range kicks off with a new, more expensive 350d grade, replacing the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with a more powerful 3.0-litre six-cylinder (210kW/650Nm) unit. It will cost nearly $6000 more than the outgoing 300d, starting from $142,300. Next up, the GLE 450 now costs $160,400, which is more than $3000 cheaper than it was before, but it will only be available with petrol power.The AMG 53 and V8-powered AMG 63 S have both increased in price by nearly $4000, with starting prices of $187,900 and $277,900, respectively. 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE pricing Australia (before on-road costs)These cars show-off the luscious and supremely comfortable interiors you'd expect for their price points, including Mercedes-Benz new 'Superscreen' multimedia system, comprising of three connected 12.3-inch displays.Pre-orders have opened for the GLE and GLS models, with the AMG range and the Maybach GLS expected to arrive early next year.