Mercedes-Benz has revealed mid-life facelifts for its GLE and GLE Coupe large SUV range, bringing refreshed looks inside and out, plus some tech and powertrain upgrades.
The facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLE range is due to arrive in Australia in August this year. Further details on local pricing, lineup and specification will be detailed closer to its launch.
However a Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesperson did confirm that it still doesn’t plan on offering either of the European plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants here.
On the outside, the updated GLE and GLE Coupe range gets new front bumpers, and updated LED headlight and tail light signatures. There are also new-look alloy wheels and exterior paint colours including sodalite blue metallic and Manufaktur alpine grey solid.
Inside the GLE range gets the latest-generation MBUX infotainment on a pair of 12.3-inch screens, the centre one with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant has been improved and is capable of learning using online services.
There’s also a new trailer route planner in the navigation system, through which you can plan routes more suitable for driving with a defined trailer size. Furthermore the clever Trailer Manoeuvring Assist function (in Europe at least) can be unlocked over-the-air.
Other interior changes on regular GLE models include a new steering wheel with touch-sensitive buttons, chrome dash highlights, and more interior upholstery colour combinations.
In Europe the updated GLE and GLE Coupe engine range uses either a 48V mild-hybrid system with integrated starter-generator (ISG), or a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system.
Mild-hybrid engine options listed in Europe include the GLE 450 3.0-litre inline-six petrol with 280kW and 500Nm (up 10kW); GLE 300d 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel with 198kW and 550Nm (up 18kW); and GLE 450d 3.0-litre diesel six with 270kW and 750Nm (up 27kW).
These 48V and ISG-toting models have an integrated starter-generator and offer an electric boost of 15kW and 200Nm for brief periods, and come with 4Matic variable AWD.
Petrol and diesel PHEV variants get a “fourth generation” system using a 100kW and 440Nm electric motor and sizeable 31.2kWh battery, allowing a claimed electric driving range of up to 109km WLTP before the engines need to kick in.
Seeing Mercedes-Benz Australia won’t be offering a GLE PHEV in updated form, it’s likely buyers seeking greater electrification will be directed to the electric EQE SUV instead.
In 2022, Mercedes-Benz sold 3093 examples of the GLE wagon and 781 of the GLE Coupe. That put the GLE neck-and-neck with the X5 (3111 sales) and the GLE Coupe almost lineball with the X6 coupe SUV (690 sales).
Lump all GLE sales together and it was the segment’s best-seller, albeit just 73 sales ahead of the combined X5/X6 tally. Updates for the larger GLS are expected to follow.
