Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLE Coupé renewed

Mercedes-Benz is extremely gifted in implementing both major and subtle facelifts. Just think of the way in which the brand gave the previous generation E-class a completely new front halfway through its life. The facelift that Mercedes-Benz is now implementing on the GLE and GLE Coupé is not nearly as intense as the one on the previous E, but things are certainly changing.

Design

We find the biggest optical news in the lighting at the front and rear. We start at the front. The two hook-shaped or L-shaped elements of the daytime running lights clear the field and make way for a horizontal LED stripe in the top of the headlight with four separate horizontal stripes below. At least, if you go for the Multimbeam LED headlights. The regular viewers have two LED stripes. The rear lights of both the GLE and GLE Coupé are also arranged differently. The LED triangles in the rear lights of the GLE and the more square ones in the rear of the rear lights of the GLE Coupé are replaced by horizontal LED elements. In the new front bumper of the non-AMG versions we see chrome-colored decoration around the outer cooling openings and the thick horizontal slat of the non-AMG flavors has a different design.

Note the redesigned rear lights of the Mercedes-Benz GLE.

To emphasize that the GLE Coupé is the sportier alternative to the GLE, the AMG Line package is now standard on the GLE Coupé. That body variant therefore has a grille with an arsenal of Mercedes logos as standard. AMG decoration in the front bumper and a diffuser in the rear bumper also belong to this optical AMG party. For the GLE and GLE Coupé, Mercedes-Benz is introducing new paint colors (Sodalite Blue Metallic and Manufaktur Alpine Gray Solid) and two new sets of light-alloy wheels in 19-inch and 20-inch sizes. The AMG Line exterior package goes hand in hand with new 21-inch wheels.

Interior

The GLEs are introduced to a new steering wheel with touch-sensitive buttons with which you can control the digital instruments and infotainment system. For the detail freaks: the outlets of the ventilation grilles are now chrome-coloured and were previously black. A touch of Mercedes-Maybach GLS for the GLEs, after all, we already saw it in that. As with a facelift, Mercedes-Benz is almost obliged to add new color and material combinations for the composition of the interior. Some combinations are reserved for the GLE Coupé, others for the regular GLE.

Mercedes Benz GLE

Mercedes-Benz is expanding the functionality of the optional Burmeister audio system and adding Energizing Air Control, which monitors air quality, as a new option to the order list. More interesting is the arrival of the most recent version of the MBUX software of the infotainment system. The new software is also displayed on the same 12.3-inch displays as before. The digital assistant must be smarter than before. For example, you no longer always have to say ‘Hey Mercedes’ before you want to get something done by the system.

Mercedes-Benz is also adjusting the composition of the many option packages.

engines

Things are also changing on the motorcycle front. From now on, all powertrains are electrified. That means that now also the diesel engines are 48v mild hybrid machines. That was not the case before. In addition, the electric range of the plug-ins has been slightly increased to 109 kilometers.

We do not yet see the GLE 350e on the European delivery list. We do observe the new GLE 400e on it. It has a 252 hp and 400 Nm strong 2.0 petrol engine and a 136 hp electric motor, good for a system power of 381 hp and 600 Nm. That makes it stronger than the 333 hp 350e that this engine version will probably replace. There is also another plug-in hybrid variant with a diesel engine: the 350de. It has a 197 hp and 440 Nm strong 2.0 and the same 136 hp electric motor as the plug version with petrol engine. The system power is 333 hp and 750 Nm. This makes the GLE 350de 13 hp and 50 Nm stronger than before. From now on, all plug-ins also have an 11 kW on-board charger.

The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S has already been shown in an updated form.

Those who do not need a plug-in hybrid can also go to the Mercedes-Benz GLE, as mentioned. The SUVs are currently presented as GLE 450 4Matic and as GLE 300d 4Matic and GLE 450d 4Matic. The GLE 450 is 381 hp and 500 Nm (+20 hp and 200 Nm – EQ Boost) strong and is therefore more powerful than the 367 hp (+22 hp) strong GLE 450 it replaces. The GLE 300d 4Matic and 450d 4Matic respectively kick it up to 260 hp and 550 Nm and 367 hp and 750 Nm. These versions also benefit from the extra 20 hp and 200 Nm that the mild hybrid system can add.

At a later stage, we also expect possible new data from returning engine versions. Of course that includes the sporty 53 AMG and 63 AMG muscle bundles. After all, Mercedes-Benz is already showing it!

We don’t have Dutch prices yet.