U Spy Our Best Look Yet At 2020 Mercedes GLS

Just hours after spy photographers provided us with our best look yet at Mercedes’ upcoming 2020 GLS, one of our readers, Matthew, spotted one wearing very little camouflage on the streets of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where the German automaker has a production plant.

He chased after it and managed to snap a couple of really good shots of the rear end, helping us understand exactly what the full-size luxury SUV looks like.

Light bar or chrome bar?

Your guess is as good as ours. Even though that thin horizontal section between the taillights is covered in camo foil, we can’t see any reason why Mercedes would keep it from view unless it served a purpose. It also makes sense as a design statement, seen as how the next-gen S-Class will also feature some type of horizontal element on its rear fascia.

If it turns out to be a light bar, then we could safely describe the 2020 GLS’ taillight design as a mix between those of the latest GLE and what the EQC has going on for itself back there.

Cleaner, more elegant design

The aggressive profile styling of the current GLS will be a thing of the past, as this all-new model features a much simpler and arguably more stylish design, with fewer creases in the bodywork. This means no more flared fenders at the rear, more elegant door handles and less angular surfaces throughout.

As for the front end, it’s still under camouflage, but now at least we can see the actual shape of the grille, which is properly massive.

The all-new 2020 Mercedes GLS is based on the automaker’s MHA (Modular High Architecture) platform, also used by the new GLE. We also know that it will be larger and more lightweight than its predecessor, and that its seven-seat configuration will lock it in battle with the BMW X7.

Interior tech will of course be state of the art, meaning the latest MBUX infotainment system, large displays and a wide array of advanced driver assistance systems.

With regards to power units, we know to expect both six- and eight-cylinder engines, as well as hybrid or plug-in hybrid variants. The performance-oriented GLS 63 model will probably ditch the old 5.5-liter V8 in favor of a newer 4.0-liter twin turbo option, meaning 612 PS (603 HP) instead of 585 PS (577 HP).

Mercedes will unveil the 2020 GLS at this year’s New York Auto Show, next week.

Thanks to Matthew for the scoop!