The first facelift of Mercedes’ largest SUV, the GL, will not only bring styling updates but a new name as well. In tune with the brand’s new naming nomenclature, the mammoth SUV will be renamed GLS, highlighting its direct relationship with the S-Class flagship model.

A Mercedes-Benz GLS prototype wearing very little camouflage has recently been caught on video in Germany, allowing us to get a better look at the styling changes the big SUV will display. While the overall shape of the car remains unchanged, Mercedes-Benz designers have given it refreshed headlights and a bigger grille to bring it in line with the brand’s latest models.

The GLS also features oversized rear wheel arches that give it a more muscular look and possibly an increased boot volume.

Since the GLS shares the interior with the new GLE (the former M-Class), it should get a similarly styled steering wheel and a refreshed center console with a 7.0-inch free-standing screen for the updated infotainment system, plus new colors and trimmings.

As for engines, the mother of all Mercedes-Benz SUVs is expected to get a plug-in hybrid version sporting a 328hp V6 and 114hp electric motor producing a combined system output of 436hp. That’s in addition to the rest of the V6 and V8 lineup topped by the Mercedes-AMG GL63 S model with 577hp (585PS).

Video courtesy of Jens Walko-Kunst/ART

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