Mercedes-Benz GLE gets facelift: stars, screens and electrification

The Mercedes-Benz GLE is one of those cars you see everywhere. At the field hockey field, on the highway towards the south of France and also with a horse trailer behind it. But standing still is not an option, so Mercedes is giving the GLE a major update.

Interior: screens, screens … and a few buttons

Inside, perhaps the most is happening. The dashboard is dominated by the new MBUX Superscreen. That consists of three screens of 12.3 inches each, which together form one big unit. And yes, the front passenger just gets his own screen.

The system runs on the latest MB.OS and is prepared for over-the-air updates. In other words: your car is getting smarter with time. Also nice: Mercedes does not completely revert to touch controls. The steering wheel gets and the center console have physical buttons. And the panoramic roof? That is now standard, so that saves ticking another option.

Design: recognizable and more modern

On the outside, it is not a revolution, but it is markedly different. The modernized design shows itself mainly at the front, where lighting details change the look.

The two horizontally positioned star logos in the headlight units play an important role in the new visual signature. In addition, an illuminated integrated star and contour lighting of the larger grille – depending on the version – create a slightly more modern nose. At the rear, the light signature has also become more recognizable.

GLE Coupe

The GLE Coupe remains the “lifestyle variant” of the two. It sacrifices some headroom and luggage space, but sets a sportier design in return. Technically, it is identical to the regular GLE, including engines and technology. So the choice between the two models remains primarily a matter of taste.

More hybrid, AMG GLE 53 comes in two flavors

Under the hood, perhaps the most changes. All GLE models come standard with 4Matic all-wheel drive and at least 48V mild-hybrid support. There will be two AMG GLE 53 variants, both bearing the same name but quite different technically. Both use an inline six-cylinder engine, but the interpretation is different.

The first is a mild-hybrid GLE 53 4Matic+ with 48V technology, which delivers an output of 330 kW (449 hp). Above that comes the new GLE 53 Hybrid 4Matic+, a plug-in hybrid with a system output of 430 kW (585 hp). This makes this version significantly more powerful. Both AMG 53 variants are available as an SUV as well as a coupe.

From M-Class to GLE: still a workhorse

While today the GLE is primarily known as a luxury SUV, its roots lie with the original M-Class. It was once introduced as a robust workhorse that had to be able to get around anywhere. That character has not disappeared. With a towing weight of up to 3.5 tons, the GLE is still ready for serious work and effortlessly tows large trailers or semi-trailers. Thus, the GLE remains not only a comfortable travel car, but also a practical powerhouse. We are still waiting for the price list with the information on all versions.