First-Class Travel for Seven: Inside the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS in Ontario
April 16 2026,
Ontario families and executives share a common need - a vehicle that turns long drives into moments of calm. The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS delivers exactly that, with three rows of power-adjustable seats, a 123.4-inch wheelbase, and an interior designed to feel like a sanctuary.
Mercedes-Benz calls the GLS the "S-Class of SUVs," and the comparison holds. The 2027 refresh brings meaningful updates - a new MBUX Superscreen, cloud-based suspension damping, and a more powerful V8 engine - but the core appeal remains the same: a vehicle that makes every journey feel effortless.
Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 5.6 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 209 km/h (209 km/h).
What's New for 2027
The 2027 GLS receives a comprehensive refresh focused on technology, powertrain refinement, and interior comfort. The MBUX Superscreen is now standard equipment - a smooth glass surface spanning the width of the dashboard with three 12.3-inch displays.
Under the hood, the V8 in the GLS 580 4MATIC gains 20 hp (now 530 hp) and adopts a flat-plane crankshaft for sharper throttle response. The inline-six in the GLS 450 4MATIC benefits from a more powerful electric auxiliary compressor, improving torque delivery in the partial load range.
The suspension also gets smarter. Cloud-based damper regulation with AIRMATIC - standard on all models - adjusts the damping before the vehicle encounters a bump. The system reads the road ahead and prepares the suspension accordingly, so speed bumps and rough pavement feel like minor interruptions rather than jolts.
An optional illuminated standing Mercedes-Benz star on the hood adds a subtle touch of prestige, while the new grille design features a chrome frame, contour lighting, and a shimmering star pattern. Two new paint finishes - Dark Petrol and MANUFAKTUR Patagonia Red Metallic - expand the exterior colour palette.
Performance and Powertrain
The GLS lineup offers two powertrains, both equipped with 4MATIC all-wheel drive and a 9G-TRONIC transmission. The GLS 450 4MATIC uses a 3.0L inline-six producing 375 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque.
The GLS 580 4MATIC steps up to a 4.0L V8 biturbo delivering 530 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. The V8 now features a flat-plane crankshaft - a departure from the traditional cross-plane design - which allows for quicker throttle response and smoother power delivery.
Mercedes-Benz estimates this model reaches 96.6 km/h in 4.6 seconds, matching the top speed of the GLS 450 at 209 km/h.
Both engines feature an integrated starter generator (ISG 2.0) that supports the powertrain at lower engine speeds. The system operates on a 48-volt electrical architecture, enabling functions like coasting, boost, and recuperation.
The 4MATIC all-wheel drive system continuously adjusts torque distribution between the front and rear axles based on driving conditions. A low-range reduction gear (1:2.93) is included for off-road situations, though most GLS owners will appreciate the system's ability to handle snowy Ontario highways without drama.
Interior, Comfort and Technology
The GLS measures 5207 mm in length and 1956 mm in width, creating an interior that feels genuinely spacious. The 123.4-inch wheelbase - 61 mm longer than the GLE - translates to strong legroom in the second row.
All three rows of seats are power-adjustable, and even the third row provides two full-size seats that comfortably accommodate passengers up to 6'4".
Access to the third row is simplified by the power Easy Entry function, which moves the second-row seats forward at the touch of a button. Third-row passengers benefit from USB charging ports and available seat heating. With the optional five-zone climate control, third-row occupants get their own dedicated climate zone with roof-mounted air vents.
The MBUX Superscreen, now standard, spans the entire dashboard with three 12.3-inch displays under a single glass surface. The MBUX Virtual Assistant can engage in multi-turn conversations and features expressive avatars for more personal interaction.
The optional Rear Seat Entertainment Package transforms the rear cabin into a first-class lounge. Two elegant 11.6-inch displays give rear passengers access to entertainment and connectivity features. New MBUX remote controls, included with the available Executive Rear Seat Package Plus, allow rear passengers to adjust comfort settings and personalized entertainment without reaching forward.
The Executive Rear Seat Package Plus enhances the rear cabin further with multi-contour seats, Pro massage function, and electric sun blinds in both rear doors.
The occupant seated behind the front passenger can move the front seat forward at the touch of a button for even greater legroom. Heated third-row seats, luxury headrests, wireless charging, and adaptive lighting complete the package.
New interior colour options include Beech Brown/Black, available in MB-Tex and leather. Two new trim finishes - Natural Grain Dark Brown Birch Wood and Natural Grain Brown Walnut Wood - offer additional personalization.
Safety Features
The GLS is equipped with ten exterior cameras, up to five radar sensors, and 12 ultrasonic sensors. These sensors work together with a water-cooled supercomputer running MB.OS, the Mercedes-Benz Operating System.
Digital Extra: MB.DRIVE ASSIST and Digital Extra: Distance Assist DISTRONIC are standard. The system can better detect parking spaces on both sides of the vehicle, even those not marked by white lines.
The Digital Extra: Reverse maneuvering function enables the vehicle to automatically reverse part of the route most recently driven, with system support available under certain conditions. Digital Extra: MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST 360 with its 360-degree camera is standard and offers improved surround view displays.
Optional MB.DRIVE ASSIST PRO offers expanded features, with the "CITY PRO" feature - enabling a smooth point-to-point driving experience in dense city traffic - available at a later date.
Fuel Economy
Both the GLS 450 4MATIC and GLS 580 4MATIC feature a 48-volt electrical system with integrated starter generator (ISG 2.0), which enables coasting, boost, and recuperation to maximise efficiency.
The GLS Delivers on the Promise of First-Class Travel
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS is built for people who expect their vehicle to be a sanctuary. The three rows of power-adjustable seats, 123.4-inch wheelbase, and cloud-based suspension damping create an environment where every passenger travels in comfort. The MBUX Superscreen and optional Rear Seat Entertainment Package ensure that technology works intuitively, without demanding attention.
For Ontario families heading to Muskoka or executives navigating the 401, the GLS makes every journey feel effortless. Explore the 2027 GLS at Mercedes-Benz Ottawa Downtown and explore how first-class travel translates to the road.
