Merrcedes has unveiled a comprehensive overhaul for its large GLE model, extending to the traditionally shaped SUV variant, the GLE Coupe and the high-powered Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 hybrids. A light restyle for the exterior is complemented by a new dashboard, loads of new technology and revisions to all the various powertrains.
I'm seeing stars...
Such is the way with the latest Mercedes design - stars everywhere you look. The GLE is essentially adopting the appearance of the current Mercedes E-Class, with two large three-pointed stars in each of the headlights, a large grille made up of dozens of little stars and of course the main badge at its centre - which can be illuminated - and smooth integration of all of this.
The new front bumper features a more subtle interpretation of the three-pointed star in the air intakes, while the rear lights are also new, this time featuring 3D versions of the star and joined by a seamless strip across the tailgate.
New door mirrors, new paint colours and new designs of alloy wheel complete the visual updates.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe adopts the same exterior changes for the most part with a little more aggression in the design.
Is the interior of the new GLE as bling?
There aren't quite so many stars around the place, but all versions of the new GLE now get the so-called MBUX Superscreen as standard. This spans the width of the dashboard and features three 12.3-inch screens under a single glass surface.
The driver gets digital instruments; there's a central touchscreen for infotainment; and another touchscreen for the front-seat passenger.
Behind the fancy new screens - which can be customised to your liking - is the latest MB.OS (Mercedes-Benz Operating System), which the firm describes as a supercomputer using AI. Along with all of that cleverness, the navigation now mixes Google Maps with the native operating system and augmented reality.
At either end of this are a new design of circular air vent, while there are now oval-shaped vents in the middle instead of their squarish predecessors, plus a big panoramic glass roof is standard on all variants of the updated GLE.
It's possible to specify a seven-seat layout for the GLE as before, with electric access to the third row, while the middle row of seats can be fitted with full electrical adjustment as well.
Any other tech to mention?
Mercedes has updated its adaptive damping in the suspension to use information in 'the cloud' via 'Car-to-X' communication, notably so regarding big speed bumps. Mercedes calls it intelligent damping control and has even applied for a patent for the tech. It pairs with Airmatic air springs for variable ride height.
Optionally, GLE buyers can add the sophisticated E-Active Body Control system, using a 48-volt electrical system and a motor-pump unit for each wheel. A central control unit analyses an array of sensors 1,000 times per second and adjusts the spring and damper force accordingly to minimise unwanted body movements. It can even recuperate energy through the movement of the suspension on bumpy roads.
Which brings us to what's under the bonnet...
Well for starters, all GLEs get 4Matic four-wheel drive, using a torque-on-demand strategy to divide up the engine's output between the front and wheel axles. They also use a nine-speed automatic gearbox.
Across Europe, the Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV is offered in five variants. The two petrol models are the GLE 450 and GLE 580, the former using a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six producing up to 381hp, the latter a 4.0-litre V8 putting out up to 537hp, exclusive to the SUV body. The petrol engines use mild-hybrid technology to help with performance and efficiency but will remain of minority interest in Ireland.
The sole plug-in hybrid is the GLE 450e, using the same core 3.0-litre petrol engine as mentioned above, along with a 184hp electric motor. Its CO2 emissions rating varies from 72-91g/km, depending on specification, and on the official WLTP cycle it can cover over 100 kilometres on electric power.
At this stage, there is no mention of the old "d e”-badged plug-in-hybrid-diesel GLE, but there is a couple of diesel models using mild-hybrid assistance and a 3.0-litre, straight-six layout. The GLE 350d's engine produces up to 286hp and 650Nm of torque, while the GLE 450d improves on those numbers to 367hp and 750Nm.
Depending on specification, the GLE can tow up to 3,500kg of braked trailer.
Didn't you mention an AMG-badged GLE as well?
Yes, but there's more than one variant of the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic+. The first uses an electric turbocharger alongside a traditional exhaust turbo, plus a 23hp electric motor in the transmission that can also produce as much as 205Nm of torque to start up the engine and help with manoeuvring.
It's an advanced mild-hybrid in essence, as the peak power and torque figures quoted are those of the engine - 449hp and 600Nm (though the latter can be boosted to 640Nm for short periods of time by the electrical system). A 0-100km/h time of 4.9 seconds is quoted, though CO2 emissions are no lower than 238g/km.
The Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Hybrid 4Matic+ (we're not making this up...), meanwhile, uses the same basic six-cylinder engine (though with just the one, regular turbo) and is actually a plug-in hybrid, featuring an 184hp motor in its transmission for system peaks of 585hp and 750Nm of torque.
This allows for a 0-100km/h time of 4.5 seconds and an electric range of up to 93 kilometres, depending on specification and body shape (as these '53' models can be had as SUVs or Coupes).
Naturally, the AMG 53 cars are marked out by sportier styling, most obviously at the back, where there are four prominent exhaust outlets.
When does the new Mercedes GLE arrive in Ireland?
We'd expect the revised GLE to go on sale in time for the new "271” registration plate in early 2027. Up to now, diesel SUVs have accounted for the lion's share of GLE sales in Ireland, and we don't see that changing quickly unless the plug-in-hybrid version is significantly cheaper to buy.