Mercedes-Benz has given the GLE a substantial update; the design, technology, comfort and engines have all been significantly improved. In fact, around three thousand parts have been newly designed or altered, making this one of the most extensive overhauls for this luxury SUV in years.
Externally, the revamped GLE has styling changes, a new grille, refreshed headlights and new light patterns. The headlights have a striking star design within them, and you can get an illuminated central Mercedes star and grille lighting to make the SUV much more noticeable at night.
Mercedes-Benz have also brought in the newest Digital Light technology, with micro-LEDs. This newer system is wider and brighter, but uses less power, and the high beams can reach almost 600 meters ahead, adapting to the road as you drive.
Inside, the most important change is the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS). This acts as a sort of central “supercomputer” managing many of the car’s functions, and crucially allows for wireless software updates to keep the vehicle up to date for years to come.
The updated GLE now includes the MBUX Superscreen as standard, combining three displays under a single large sheet of glass spanning the dashboard. This system now features AI, including a more sophisticated voice assistant which can understand more natural speech and learn what the driver likes. re Google Maps is now part of the Mercedes navigation system, and passengers in some countries can watch videos on the passenger’s screen.
Mercedes-Benz have also put a lot of work into how comfortable the ride is. The GLE has a new suspension system using the cloud to anticipate bumps in the road and prepare the suspension for a smoother experience. The optional E-Active Body Control can change the suspension at each wheel separately and check the road 1,000 times a second.
All versions of the GLE now come with a very large panoramic sunroof, one of the biggest in its class, which makes the cabin feel much more spacious and airy.
The GLE range has revised gas plug-in hybrid engines, all with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and a starter generator to boost efficiency and power. This system allows for things like gliding when coasting, a power boost when needed and capturing energy when slowing down.
The plug-in hybrid GLE 500e 4MATIC can now travel up to 106km (66 miles) on electric power (WLTP cycle) and also has 74 more horsepower. Mercedes-Benz has also increased the power and torque of the V8 GLE 580. The new V8’s output has increased from 510 to 530 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, up from the 538 lb-ft previously. The GLE 350 is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, while the GLE 450 4MATIC’s six-cylinder engine is more responsive with more available torque in the partial load range and peak torque increased to 413 lb-ft.
The GLE Coupe is only available in one version, the GLE 450 4MATIC with an inline-six engine with 375 horsepower.
The latest MB.DRIVE driver assistance features are also now on the updated GLE, using lots of cameras, radar and ultrasonic sensors to increase safety and the ability to drive partly by itself. New parking features can park the SUV automatically, and do so more quickly, and even get you out of a tight parking space in reverse.
In short, with its AI software, improved suspension, enhanced engines and refreshed looks, the Mercedes-Benz GLE now focuses even more on combining luxury, technology and being good to use every day. Mercedes are saying that the new system design will mean the GLE can get updates and new functions over time, keeping it modern long after you’ve bought it.
