Mercedes GL/GLS class X166 2012-2019 Facelift Kit from GL to GLS AMG

The restyling kit from GL to GLS AMG transforms the Mercedes GL X166 model years 2012–2015 into the exterior of the facelift Mercedes GLS X166 (2016–2019) in the AMG GLS63 version. The entire front and rear of the vehicle is changed: lighting, hood, grille, bumpers, diffuser, and fender flares. The body is the same — X166, so the kit parts are designed for factory mounting points.

What’s included in the kit

• front headlights for vehicles converted from GL to GLS — 2 pcs.;
• GLS aluminum hood (Taiwan);
• front grille GT Panamericana for GLS;
• AMG GLS63 front bumper;
• AMG GLS63 rear bumper and GLS63 AMG rear diffuser with chrome tips;
• GLS taillights to European spec — 2 pcs. (Taiwan);
• front and rear AMG GLS63 fender flares.

Materials vary by part; body elements are supplied for painting. Restyling kits at DD Tuning are supplied by the manufacturers GBT and 1234 Upgrade — the manufacturer of this specific kit is listed in the specifications. The kit ships in three boxes; the largest is 207 × 85 × 69 cm, so plan in advance where you will receive and store the parts before installation.

Why the conversion is done as a complete kit

GL and GLS with the same X166 body differ in the shape of the hood, lighting, grille, and bumpers. Individual GLS parts do not fit a GL directly: the GLS grille won’t fit into the GL bumper, the GLS hood won’t replace the GL hood without new headlights, and the GLS bumper requires the hood, the lighting, and the matching fender flares. That’s why all parts in the set are selected to mate with each other. For GLS X166 owners, this same set can also be useful as a repair kit — to restore the front or rear end.

How to avoid choosing the wrong kit

• Check the body: GL model years 2012–2013 can be both X164 and X166, while the kit is only for X166. The easiest way is to compare using a photo of the front end.
• Tell the manager what headlights are currently on the vehicle — halogen or xenon: this determines which headlights will be included in the kit.
• Mention the front camera, parking sensors, and headlight washers — these are checked against the new bumper and grille before installation.
• Emblems are not included in the kit list: the OEM one is transferred or selected separately, for example the front emblem with housing. Check the diameter and fitment with your grille.

Painting and installation

First, all parts are test-fitted on the vehicle without paint: hood, headlights, grille, bumpers, and fender flares. Gaps are set, mounting points and sensor openings are checked, and only then are the parts prepped and painted in body color, followed by final assembly. Near the rear bumper, trimming the fender liner may be required. After replacing the lighting, the operation of the headlights and taillights is checked on the specific vehicle. This is bodywork for a technician experienced with such conversions; the kit can be installed at the network of certified DD Tuning service centers — the manager will advise the nearest one.

Other options for X166

• Want an AMG look but keep the GL design — AMG body kit for GL in the GL63 style.
• You already have a GLS X166 — body kit with full AMG V1 bumper (GLS63); it does not fit GL.
• Need the look of the new generation — restyling kit from X166 to GLS63 X167, where the front fenders, mirrors, tailgate, and rear fenders are also changed.

All conversion kits for this body are collected on the page Mercedes GL/GLS X166 restyling kits.

The description was prepared with the help of AI based on analysis of over 1 million phone calls between DD Tuning managers and customers, and the company’s knowledge base. We compiled the questions customers ask most often and answers verified in practice.