Mercedes-Benz GLE updated with new V8 & PHEV for 2027
The facelifted GLE arrives in Australia in 2027 bringing updated powertrains across seven variants, a standard MBUX Superscreen and cloud-based predictive suspension control.
Rob Leigh
Mercedes-Benz has revealed the second facelift of the GLE large luxury SUV with around 3,000 new or revised components covering the engine range, interior tech and exterior design. Australian sales are confirmed to begin sometime in 2027 with pricing yet to be announced.
Seven variants make up the GLE SUV lineup, spanning diesel, petrol, plug-in hybrid, V8 and AMG options.
| Variant | Engine | Power | Torque |
| GLE 350d 4MATIC | 3.0L I6 turbo-diesel | 210 kW | 650 Nm |
| GLE 450d 4MATIC | 3.0L I6 turbo-diesel | 270 kW | 750 Nm |
| GLE 450 4MATIC | 3.0L I6 turbo petrol | 280 kW | 560 Nm |
| GLE 450e 4MATIC | 3.0L I6 PHEV | 240 kW | 540 Nm |
| GLE 580 4MATIC | 4.0L V8 twin-turbo | 395 kW | 750 Nm |
| AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ | 3.0L I6 turbo + 48V | 330 kW + 17 kW | 640 Nm |
| AMG GLE 53 HYBRID 4MATIC+ | 3.0L I6 turbo PHEV | 430 kW (system) | 750 Nm |
Every engine in the range has been updated. The V8 in the GLE 580 gains a new flat-plane crankshaft to meet coming emission standards with power rising to 395kW and torque to 750Nm. The six-cylinder petrol in the GLE 450 picks up a more powerful electric compressor, pushing torque up 12% to 560Nm. Both diesel variants now use an electric heating catalyst for improved efficiency from cold starts with aluminium construction reducing weight over the front axle.
The plug-in hybrid GLE 450e is based on the updated six-cylinder and claims a WLTP electric range of 106 kilometres. All petrol and diesel variants use a 48-volt integrated starter-generator for boost, recuperation, and imperceptible stop-start operation.
AMG GLE 53
Two AMG variants join the lineup both built around an updated 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six producing 330kW and 600Nm. The GLE 53 4MATIC+ uses a 48-volt mild-hybrid system with an electric auxiliary compressor and integrated starter-generator, adding a short-term boost of 17kW and 205Nm. It covers 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.
The GLE 53 HYBRID 4MATIC+ pairs the same six-cylinder with a 135 kW electric motor on a 400-volt plug-in hybrid system for a combined output of 430kW and 750Nm. It dispatches 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and offers an electric-only range of 88-91 kilometres on WLTP. Purely electric driving is possible up to 140 km/h, with an optional 60kW DC fast charger able to top the battery from 10 to 80 percent in around 20 minutes.
Design
Outside, the GLE takes clear cues from the latest E-Class with a larger grille, redesigned bumpers, and new headlights. If you like stars, you're in luck - the new GLE is absolutely plastered in them. Star motifs in the headlights, star-pattern grille inserts, three-dimensional star emblems in the taillights, and an optionally illuminated three-pointed star at the centre of the grille. Even the empty front passenger seat gets a star pattern on its display. Mercedes hasn't counted them all. We're not going to either.
Optional DIGITAL LIGHT micro-LED headlights produce a lighting field 40% larger than before, while consuming up to 50% less energy. Three new 20-inch wheel designs are available.
Tech and interior
Inside, the MBUX Superscreen is now standard across the range, spanning three 12.3-inch displays under a single glass surface. The system runs on MB.OS, Mercedes-Benz's new in-house operating system, which supports over-the-air updates and integrates AI from Microsoft and ChatGPT. A new augmented reality head-up display is available as an option for the first time in the GLE.
A panoramic sliding sunroof covering more than one square metre is now standard. Cloud-based predictive damper control comes with the AIRMATIC air suspension, using data from other Mercedes-Benz vehicles to prepare for speed bumps before the wheels reach them. E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL, which adjusts each wheel individually 1,000 times per second, remains an option for those wanting the most refined ride.
GLE Coupe
The GLE Coupe is updated in parallel, sharing the same engine range, interior architecture, and tech stack as the SUV. Design differences include new star-motif taillights and a more sporting roofline. The AMG Line interior and sports seats are now standard on the Coupe. Its wheelbase is 60mm shorter than the SUV, with a more direct steering ratio. Pricing and Australian timing will follow the SUV announcement.
With 2027 local sales confirmed, buyers can expect pricing details to emerge closer to launch. This is one of the most comprehensive mid-cycle updates the GLE has received and with seven variants on offer, there's plenty to choose from.
