After heavily updating its sedan lineup, Mercedes’ focus now turns toward its popular (and profitable) SUVs like the GLE-Class.
These days, most automakers tend to update their SUVs with almost stunning speed, while their sedans, if they still even make sedans, sort of wither on the vine. The European automakers still tout the development and advancements of their executive cars, though, with Mercedes-Benz giving the C, E and S-Class models thorough updates over the past couple years. It gave its SUVs some styling facelifts, sure, but now the automaker is homing in on both the volume-selling GLC as well as the larger GLE and GLS-Class models as we roll toward the 2027 model year.
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE lineup is impactful, in itself, since this model draws a through line straight back to 1997. That’s when Mercedes built the original M-Class, and began building its SUVs in the U.S. (Alabama, specifically, and it’s done so ever since). Now, the company touts an extensive redesign of the GLE-Class, with more than 3,000 new or revised components since the W167 generation first debuted back in 2018. This latest model brings updated styling, a range of powertrains (including AMG variants like the GLE 53 Hybrid and a new V8 at the top end of the normal GLE stack) and, of course, Mercedes’ now-widespread Superscreen infotainment arrangement with cloud-based AI features.
Styling updates
Both the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLS lineups get moderate exterior updates. That includes your typical front and rear fascia changes, with the GLE particularly getting a distinctive new grille with three-pointed stars throughout the design, as well as the same symbol in the front and lights. It’s not a radical departure from the outgoing GLE-Class, but then again neither were any of the updates to the automaker’s sedan lineup, either. We’re looking at an evolution toward a new era for the Mercedes corporate look, and that continues in the cabin as well.
Much like the new GLC-Class, the updated 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE also forgoes a lot of the switchgear for screen space, whether you like it or not. In place of the old dashboard setup and instrument panel, you get a MBUX Superscreen. While it’s not a single continuous screen element, this setup comprises three 12.3-inch displays under a single bezel — one for the driver information, one as your central infotainment hub and one for the front passenger.
In addition to the infotainment update, the new GLE also brings in the MBUX Virtual Assistant, better route guidance for the built-in navigation system and there’s also a new steering wheel design with what Mercedes says is more intuitive control for the driver assistance systems (like Distance Assist Distronic) and the media features. The navigation system is Google-based, and uses the brand’s augmented reality tech to display three-dimensional traffic cues in the center display.
Like the system that first debuted on the new E-Class, the GLE also gets an in-car camera for video conferencing, while apps for the task are available in the app store.
Powertrain options
The actual physical dimensions of the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE change little from the outgoing model. The SUV still manages about 72.6 cubic feet of cargo volume with the seats folded, and up to a 7,700-pound towing capacity when properly equipped. Like the old GLE, this new model also comes with a range of powertrains (and model numbers, as a result).
On the entry-level side of the range, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is available for the base GLE350 4Matic. That powertrain makes 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, same as before. The GLE450 adds two extra cylinders to the equation, with the 3.0-liter inline-six putting out 375 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. This model also brings in an integrated starter-generation and a 48-volt electrical system, which helps with power delivery at slow speeds and recuperating energy while on the move.
The mid-range 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE500e is a plug-in hybrid, offering up a 74-horsepower bump over the previous four-cylinder model. Now, the 3.0-liter I6-backed model manages 429 horsepower and 402 lb-ft of combined torque. Finally, at the top of the non-AMG GLE range, the GLE580 packs a new 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8, kicking out 530 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque.
All the standard GLE models bring standard all-wheel drive, as well as a 9-speed automatic transmission. Top speed is limited to 130 mph, while the 0-60 time ranges between 4.4 seconds and 6.8 seconds, depending on which model you choose. A new transfer case allows for greater torque to the wheels than before.
On Tuesday, Mercedes also debuted an AMG model: the GLE53 hybrid. That packs a 3.0-liter inline-six like the other plug-in hybrids, but ups the power to 577 horsepower (in other words, as much as the older V8 AMGs).
Pricing?
While Mercedes-Benz offered a host of information on the new GLE range, one thing we don’t know yet is how much they will cost. The new range is available as both SUV and coupe, with existing 2026 GLE prices running between about $62,250 to $91,350 for the GLE350 to GLE580-spec versions. AMG models, when they do arrive, will most likely run from the lower-to-mid-$90,000s to well over $100K for the inevitable 63 variants.
The updated 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE lineup will start rolling into showrooms in the second half of this year.
