- New GLS showcased in Tuscaloosa, its long-time production home
- Alabama plant highlighted as global hub, now past 5 million SUVs
- Focus on luxury, off-road capability and E-Active Body Control
Mercedes-Benz has revealed the new GLS in a fittingly personal way, sending CEO Ola Kallenius back to Tuscaloosa, Alabama: the home of the brand’s large SUV production and a key stop in his own career.
The debut comes through a new Mercedes-Benz YouTube episode, with Kallenius joined by presenter Sarah Harman for a road trip through the city, the factory site and the company’s own off-road course. It’s part vehicle showcase, part corporate homecoming, with the GLS placed firmly at the centre.
Luxury SUV, local roots
Tuscaloosa carries serious weight for Mercedes-Benz. It was the company’s first major plant outside Germany, and Källenius worked there in the mid-1990s during his early years in factory controlling. Today, the site serves as a global competence centre for Mercedes-Benz SUVs and recently built its five-millionth vehicle.
That makes it a natural stage for the new GLS, which remains one of Mercedes-Benz’s most important luxury models. The brand describes it as its best-selling luxury SUV globally, with this latest version pitched around comfort, digital intelligence and all-round capability.
Big SUV, bigger expectations
The video puts the GLS through a mix of environments, from city streets to the production site and finally onto rougher terrain. There, Kallenius demonstrates the model’s off-road ability and highlights chassis technology including E-Active Body Control.
Mercedes-Benz has not disclosed detailed powertrain specifications, pricing or market timing in this release.
A cameo with clout
The episode also brings in a surprise appearance from US football figure Nick Saban, adding a distinctly Alabama flavour to the reveal. It’s a clever touch, even if the GLS hardly needs help looking at home in big-space, big-comfort territory.
The film follows earlier Mercedes-Benz video showcases featuring models such as the electric CLA, electric G-Class and S-Class. This one, though, leans more heavily on place and personal history.
For Mercedes-Benz, the new GLS is not just another luxury SUV launch. It is a return to the factory, roads and people that helped shape the model’s identity in the first place.
