Extensive updates for SUV and Coupé include upgraded tech, near-complete interior redesign and new powertrains
The Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV and GLE Coupé have been extensively updated with a fresh look, upgraded tech, a near-complete interior redesign and new powertrains – including a 577bhp AMG 53 range-topper.
Officially a late-life refresh for the seven-year-old pair, the updates are so extensive that those inside the company have likened it to a new generation.
This is the second update the cars have received since they were launched in 2019, the GLE SUV in its fourth generation and the GLE Coupé in its second.
The biggest change is inside, where the cabin is almost totally new. The dashboard-wide Superscreen is now standard, along with an 18in augmented-reality head-up display.
The Superscreen combines a 14.4in touchscreen with a 12.3in display for the instruments and another 12.3in touchscreen for the front passenger.
The steering wheel is taken from the new electric GLC and features physical rocker controls. There are also new seats.
In the GLE SUV’s seven-seat configuration, the second bench can now be electronically moved forward to increase leg room in the third row.
At the top of the range sits the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53, updated to put out 577bhp in its most powerful, plug-in hybrid form.
Both the petrol and PHEV variants of the GLE 53 are centred on Mercedes’ updated ‘M256 Evo’ 3.0-litre turbo petrol straight six, which features a new cylinder head, larger intakes and new exhaust ports.
In pure-petrol form it puts out 443bhp, and its redline has been extended in the interests of improving performance.
In the plug-in hybrid, the engine combines with a rear-mounted 181bhp electric motor (48bhp more than its predecessor) for 577bhp and 553lb ft of torque.
Despite the extra weight of a 31.2kWh battery, which offers 58 miles of electric-only range, the PHEV can hit 62mph in 4.5sec – 0.3sec quicker than its petrol sibling, partly thanks to the extra 61lb ft of torque.
The standard GLE will no longer be offered in the UK with four-cylinder engines, although four-pot versions will remain on sale in the US and China.
As a result, the UK line-up now starts with the six-cylinder diesel 350d, tuned for 282bhp; 450-badged variants use the same M256 Evo six as the AMG 53s but downrated to 375bhp.
That engine also serves as the base for the 450e PHEV, where it is again slightly detuned to improve efficiency.
Paired with the same 181bhp motor and 31.2kWh battery as before, the set-up produces a combined 322bhp and an unchanged electric range of 65 miles.
The standard GLE range tops out with the 530bhp 4.0-litre V8 turbo petrol 580, which enables both the SUV and Coupé models to cover 0-62mph in 4.5sec.
All powertrains have an automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive. Because of its additional reserves, the 53 gets specific AMG-tuned adaptive suspension and its 4WD system places a greater focus on handling.
Externally, the GLE gains a bespoke new bumper design and bigger grilles that are now integrated with the headlights.
In AMG Line trim the grille is illuminated and in non-European markets the three-pointed star lights up too.
At the rear, the Mercedes logo is enclosed in the light bar, where previously it sat above it.
The more potent AMG 53s are marked out by vertical grille struts, bigger front intakes and a more aggressive rear bumper with four large exhausts.
Pricing has yet to be announced but will increase over today’s £78,050 GLE and £81,490 GLE Coupé. The new models will go on sale later this year.
