The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS is the epitome of luxury SUVs, offering a perfect blend of powerful performance, advanced technology, and sophisticated design. While the GLS already boasts an impressive exterior, adding the right accessories can elevate its presence even further, reflecting your personal style and enhancing functionality. Whether you seek a sportier look, additional utility, or a unique flair, these top 7 exterior styling accessories are essential upgrades for your GLS that combine elegance with practicality.

1. AMG Sport Package

The AMG Sport Package is arguably the most transformative upgrade for the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS, instantly giving it a more dynamic and aggressive stance. Designed by Mercedes-AMG, this package emphasizes sportiness without compromising the luxury and refinement the GLS is known for.

Key Features of the AMG Sport Package

  • Signature AMG Front and Rear Bumpers: These bumpers feature larger air intakes and sculpted contours that enhance aerodynamics and create a bold, athletic look.
  • Distinctive Side Skirts: The AMG side skirts add visual length and a lower profile, reinforcing the sporty character of the SUV.
  • Exclusive AMG Wheels: Typically ranging from 21 to 23 inches, these lightweight alloy wheels come in striking designs and finishes, improving both aesthetics and performance.
  • AMG Sport Suspension: Often paired with the package, this suspension lowers the ride height slightly for improved handling and road grip.
  • AMG Badging: Subtle AMG logos on the exterior signal the enhanced performance pedigree.

Beyond the visual upgrades, the AMG Sport Package can also include sportier exhaust tips for a more aggressive sound, and enhanced brake calipers that add a pop of color behind the wheels. This package is perfect for owners who want their GLS to stand out with a commanding and athletic presence.

2. Roof Rails and Crossbars

Adding roof rails and crossbars to your GLS dramatically increases its utility, allowing you to transport large or bulky items such as bicycles, kayaks, skis, or luggage with ease. Mercedes-Benz offers OEM roof rails that seamlessly integrate with the vehicle’s design, ensuring minimal wind noise and maintaining the SUV’s sleek profile.

Benefits and Options

  • Material and Finish: Available in brushed aluminum or black finishes, roof rails complement the GLS’s exterior styling while providing durability and resistance to the elements.
  • Quick-Release Crossbars: These facilitate easy mounting and removal of accessories, making the GLS adaptable for various outdoor adventures.
  • Load Capacity: Designed to support significant weight, these rails and crossbars safely carry your gear without compromising vehicle stability.
  • Compatibility: Fully compatible with Mercedes-Benz and third-party cargo boxes, bike racks, and ski holders, expanding your transport options.

Roof rails and crossbars not only add practical storage solutions but also contribute to a rugged yet refined appearance, reinforcing the GLS’s versatility as both a family SUV and an adventure-ready vehicle.

3. Chrome or Black Exterior Trim

Personalizing your GLS with chrome or black exterior trim accents is a subtle yet impactful way to tailor the SUV’s look to your taste. These trim upgrades typically include the window surrounds, door handles, side mirror caps, and sometimes the lower body moldings.

Styling Considerations

  • Chrome Trim: Offers a timeless, luxurious aesthetic that highlights the vehicle’s contours and adds brightness to the exterior. It pairs well with lighter paint colors and classic design preferences.
  • Black Trim: Creates a sleek, modern, and sporty vibe. Matte or gloss black finishes emphasize contrast, especially on lighter-colored vehicles, and are popular for a more aggressive, stealthy look.
  • Combination Options: Some owners opt for mixed finishes, such as black trims with chrome accents, to achieve a customized appearance that balances elegance with sportiness.

Upgrading the trim is a cost-effective way to refresh the exterior without extensive modifications. It also offers protection against minor scratches and wear around high-contact areas like door handles.

4. Running Boards

Running boards are both a functional and stylistic accessory for the Mercedes-Benz GLS, making it easier for passengers to enter and exit the tall SUV, especially for children, elderly riders, or those wearing formal footwear.

Design and Functional Benefits

  • Material Choices: Available in polished aluminum, stainless steel, or durable composites, running boards are built to withstand weather and road conditions while maintaining a premium look.
  • Illuminated Running Boards: Many modern designs feature integrated LED lighting that illuminates the step area at night, increasing safety and adding a luxurious touch.
  • Enhanced Vehicle Profile: Running boards visually lower the vehicle’s stance and add a rugged, off-road-ready character without compromising its refined styling.
  • Slip-Resistant Surfaces: Most models incorporate textured surfaces or rubber inserts to prevent slipping, ensuring safe footing in wet or icy conditions.

Beyond convenience, running boards protect the lower body panels from road debris and can help shield the paintwork from mud and stones, preserving the GLS’s pristine appearance.

5. Front and Rear Splash Guards

High-quality splash guards are essential for protecting your GLS’s paint and lower body panels from dirt, rocks, and other debris kicked up by the tires. They are particularly useful if you frequently drive on gravel roads, in wet conditions, or through urban environments with loose debris.

Advantages of Splash Guards

  • Durable Materials: Typically made from impact-resistant rubber or flexible plastic, splash guards absorb road impacts while resisting cracking or fading.
  • Custom Fit: Designed specifically for the 2022 GLS, these guards fit snugly without interfering with wheel movement or suspension travel.
  • Paint Protection: By preventing stones and mud from hitting the lower panels, splash guards help maintain the vehicle’s showroom finish and reduce the need for frequent touch-ups.
  • Sporty Appearance: Often styled with subtle logos or textured finishes, splash guards add an aggressive, off-road-ready detail to the GLS’s exterior.

Installing splash guards is a relatively simple upgrade that offers long-term benefits, especially if you want to keep your GLS looking new and reduce maintenance expenses.

6. Custom Grille Inserts

The front grille is one of the most defining elements of the GLS’s exterior, and upgrading it with custom grille inserts is an excellent way to create a unique and personalized look. These inserts come in a variety of styles and finishes, allowing you to tailor the SUV’s front-end appearance to your preferences.

  • Mesh Inserts: Available in black, chrome, or carbon fiber finishes, mesh patterns provide a sporty and aggressive look, improving airflow and cooling efficiency.
  • Vertical Slats: Replacing the standard grille with vertical slats can evoke a classic yet modern aesthetic, reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz’s iconic design language.
  • Custom Emblems and Badges: Some grille inserts allow for personalized emblems or badges, offering a one-of-a-kind front fascia.
  • Material Upgrades: High-end grille inserts often use stainless steel or aluminum for durability and corrosion resistance.

Custom grille inserts not only enhance visual appeal but can also improve the vehicle’s aerodynamics and airflow, contributing to engine cooling and overall performance. Installation is generally straightforward and reversible, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts wanting to make a statement.

7. LED Lighting Upgrades

Lighting plays a crucial role in both safety and style, and upgrading the 2022 GLS’s exterior lighting with advanced LED options can make a significant difference. Mercedes-Benz already equips the GLS with sophisticated lighting systems, but aftermarket or OEM LED upgrades can further enhance brightness, color temperature, and design.

Types of LED Lighting Enhancements

  • Headlight Upgrades: Higher-intensity LED bulbs or projector modules improve nighttime visibility and reduce eye strain, ensuring safer driving conditions.
  • Accent and Daytime Running Lights (DRLs): Adding or customizing LED strips around the grille, mirrors, or underbody can give your GLS a distinctive look that turns heads.
  • Tail Light Enhancements: LED tail light upgrades offer quicker illumination and a sharper design, improving rear visibility and adding a modern flair.
  • Side Marker and Turn Signal Lights: Upgrading to LED versions increases brightness and responsiveness, enhancing signaling effectiveness.

Many LED kits feature plug-and-play installation and are designed to be compatible with the GLS’s existing electrical system, avoiding flickering or error messages. Additionally, some lighting upgrades include customizable colors and patterns, allowing you to express your individuality while maintaining legality and safety.

Additional Lighting Accessories

  • Welcome and Puddle Lights: Project logos or ambient lighting near the doors provide a luxurious and practical touch when entering or exiting the vehicle in low light.
  • Underbody Lighting: Creates a dramatic effect during nighttime, perfect for car shows or making a visual statement.

Summary: Enhance Your GLS’s Exterior with Style and Functionality

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS is a magnificent vehicle in its own right, but these exterior styling accessories enable you to tailor it to your individual lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. Whether you want the aggressive sportiness of the AMG Sport Package, the practical utility of roof rails, or the refined detail of custom trim and lighting, each accessory adds value and personality to your GLS.

  • AMG Sport Package: Transforms the GLS into a performance-inspired luxury SUV with distinctive bodywork and wheels.
  • Roof Rails and Crossbars: Expand cargo options for outdoor adventures while preserving sleek styling.
  • Chrome or Black Exterior Trim: Offers elegant or modern personalization for a unique look.
  • Running Boards: Provide convenience and rugged appeal, with illuminated versions adding nighttime flair.
  • Front and Rear Splash Guards: Protect paintwork from debris and add subtle sporty accents.
  • Custom Grille Inserts: Customize the front fascia with unique designs and finishes for standout presence.
  • LED Lighting Upgrades: Enhance safety and aesthetics with brighter, modern lighting solutions.

By selecting and combining these accessories thoughtfully, you can create a GLS that perfectly fits your tastes and needs, ensuring you turn heads wherever you go while enjoying added practicality and protection. Whether cruising city streets or exploring off-road trails, your enhanced 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS will truly embody luxury and performance in every detail.