Changes across the board keep the Mercedes-Benz GLE range up to date in the face of tough premium SUV competition.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is getting a revamp. Following on from the all-new GLC and ahead of the refreshed GLS that’s due later this year, the GLE has been given a series of updates to help it stay in the fight against other premium large SUVs.
The facelifted GLE will launch in Europe later this year but Australian timing, pricing and specifications are yet to be announced.
Since the current GLE was launched in 2019, an all-new Range Rover Sport has hit the market, as well as updated versions of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Maserati Levante. Audi’s Q7 and the BMW X5 will also soon receive mid-life facelifts, meaning this revised GLE is rather timely in its arrival.
What’s changed? It’s a case of tweaks across the board with the stand-out upgrades including a new range of diesel models with Mercedes’ 48-volt mild hybrid system and new plug-in hybrids. The MBUX infotainment system now boasts a series of improvements and Mercedes has taken steps to improve off-road and towing performance with some new technology.
A facelift wouldn’t be a facelift without some tinkering with the bumpers, grille and headlights, so Mercedes has added some chrome to the grille, reshaped the front bumper and changed the running light signature on the standard LED headlamps. The rear lights also get a new look and on the GLE Coupe models, the AMG Line exterior has been made standard fit with its deeper bumper, diamond grille pattern and extended wheelarches.
Inside, Mercedes’ latest steering wheel design makes an appearance, with touch controls that allow access to central screen functions without having to reach across. There’s more chrome on the air vents and some new trim colour combinations are now available.
In addition to this, the new Mercedes GLE gets the latest version of the MBUX infotainment system that brings more of the controls inside the remit of the twin 12.3-inch screens. There are ‘classic’, ‘sporty’ and ‘discreet’ display styles to choose from while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard and the GLE is capable of receiving over-the-air software updates.
Thanks to this facelift, the whole of the GLE and GLE Coupe engine range is now electrified. With all models featuring 4MATIC all-wheel-drive, buyers can choose from the 280kW GLE 450 petrol or the new 300d and 450d diesel mild hybrids with 198kW and 269kW respectively.
Then you have the plug-in hybrids which both benefit from extended electric-only ranges. The GLE 400 e has a 206kW combined system output and an impressive WLTP electric range of up to 105km. The 350 de diesel plug-in has a total of 180kW on tap, more torque (750Nm rather than 600Nm in the 400 e) and the same electric range potential.
All of which only leaves the Mercedes-AMG GLE performance range that comprises the GLE 53 with its turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six and the GLE 63 S with its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8. The 53 pumps out 320kW with a potential 16kW boost from its electric starter generator system while the formidable 63 S has 450kW with the same extra boost potential.