Mercedes-Benz has revealed the facelift for the GLE and GLE Coupe SUVs. With the update, the GLE series receives a series of subtle stylistic changes, along with reworked petrol and diesel powertrains – all of which are now electrified to some degree.
- GLE plug-in hybrid has an EV-only range of up to 109km
- Gets updated MBUX infotainment system
- India launch likely this year
Other changes to the facelift include an updated Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) operating system with over-the-air software update functionality and new driver assistance systems.
Mercedes-Benz GLE facelift: exterior design changes
As far as the design goes, the Mercedes-Benz GLE gets a revised front bumper, tweaked LED headlights, a new design for the alloy wheels and refreshed tail-lights.
The GLE Coupe receives an updated AMG Line styling package as standard. The Coupe also features subtle changes to the front bumper, a diamond-patterned front insert, uniquely styled sills and similarly altered headlights and tail-lights.
Mercedes-Benz GLE facelift: interior, tech and features
On the inside, the GLE facelift gets a multifunction steering wheel from the S-Class with touch-sensitive controls, and buyers can choose new colour and trim combinations. The MBUX infotainment system has also been updated with new software bringing more contemporary functions, including new camera views and information graphics for models equipped with the optional off-road package.
New among the driver assistance systems is a more advanced version of Mercedes’ Distronic Plus active cruise control system and a new Parking Package with a 360-degree camera.
Mercedes-Benz has also added the Smart Home function, which networks the new SUV with a selected address using WLAN and sensors, allowing occupants to check if anyone is at their home via “Hey Mercedes, is anyone at home?” spoken instruction. Additionally, it allows lights, blinds, heaters and other appliances to be operated remotely from the SUV.
Mercedes-Benz GLE facelift: mild-hybrid powertrain details
Internationally, the facelifted GLE will be available with a trio of mild-hybrid petrol and diesel engines, as well as petrol-electric and diesel-electric plug-in hybrid drivetrains, and an AMG powerplant in the successor to the range-topping GLE 63 S.
Globally, the GLE range starts with the GLE 300d, which makes 269hp and 550Nm of peak torque. Like before, it is supported by a 48V integrated starter-generator (ISG), giving it an additional 20hp and 200Nm.
The turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder diesel engine (OM656) in the GLE 400d adopts a 48V electrical system and mild-hybrid tech, giving rise to a new GLE 450d model. The GLE 450d makes 367hp and 750Nm of peak torque. Like the four-cylinder diesel engine, the ISG provides the revised six cylinder motor with an additional 20hp and 200Nm. It also gets engine-off functionality during extended periods of trailing throttle for additional fuel savings.
The GLE 450 retains the same turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol engine (M256) as before, but it now makes 381hp and the torque figure remains unchanged at 500Nm. The GLE 450 also benefits from 48V mild-hybrid tech, with an ISG delivering the engine an additional 20bhp and 200Nm.
Mercedes-Benz GLE facelift: plug-in hybrid details
The new GLE 400e PHEV receives Mercedes' latest turbocharged 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine. The M254 unit replaces the 11-year-old M272 used by the old GLE 350e. Delivering 252hp and 400Nm of torque, it's supported by a gearbox-mounted electric motor developing 136hp and 440Nm for an overall system output of 380hp and 600Nm.
The GLE 350de retains the same turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine (OM654) like before. It makes 197hp and 440Nm of torque, together with 136hp and 440Nm from the electric motor, for an overall system output of 334hp and 750Nm.
Both PHEVs receive a 31.2kWh lithium-ion battery. This is claimed to provide the GLE 400e with an electric-only range of between 92-105km and the GLE 350de between 89-105km.
The more aerodynamic properties of the GLE 400e Coupé and GLE 350de Coupé enable them to deliver even more impressive electric-only ranges of between 94km and 109km on the WLTP test cycle. Additionally, the maximum charging rate of the PHEVs has been increased from 7.4kW to 11kW. As before, Mercedes also offers 60kW DC charging as an option.
Mercedes-AMG GLE 53, 63 S details
There are two AMG models in the facelifted GLE line-up: the GLE 53 and GLE 63 S. The former runs a more powerful version of the GLE 450’s turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol engine (M256) with the same 435hp, but an additional 41Nm of torque at 560Nm as its predecessor. This is claimed to contribute to a 0.3sec lowering in the 0-100kph time to 5.0sec, along with a governed top speed of 250kph.
The 63 S comes with AMG’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine with the same 612hp and 850Nm as the model it replaces, providing it with a 0-100kph time of 3.9sec and a governed top speed of 280kph.
Both AMG models feature 48V mild-hybrid properties with a gearbox-mounted electric motor providing an additional 20hp and 200Nm of torque in the GLE 53 and 21hp and 249Nm in the GLE 63.
10 new Mercedes models India bound
Mercedes-Benz is set to launch 10 new models in India this year, including the new-gen GLC. The updated A-Class sedan and more all-electric models from Mercedes’ EQ line-up are also expected. It is likely that the updated GLE and GLE Coupe could also be on the list of new Mercedes-Benz models headed our way in 2023.
When launched, the Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV will take on the likes of the BMW X5 and Audi Q7, while the GLE Coupe will rival the BMW X6.
Also see:
Mercedes-Benz GLE facelift image gallery
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