2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Facelift Debuts

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class has been updated for 2024, though it’s difficult to tell on the surface. It does have tweaked front and rear fascias, and the interior has the new steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls. But all the noteworthy updates are buried deeper with powertrain revisions and feature changes, the biggest of which is the GLE 400 e 4Matic plug-in hybrid.
 

The Mercedes GLE is getting a revamp. Following on from the all-new GLC and ahead of the refreshed GLS that’s due later this year, the GLE has been given a series of updates to help it stay in the fight against other premium large SUVs. The new GLE models are expected in dealers from July 2023.
 
Since the current GLE was launched in 2019, an all-new Range Rover Sport has hit the market, as well as updated versions of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Maserati Levante. Audi’s Q7 and the BMW X5 will also soon receive mid-life facelifts, meaning this revised GLE is rather timely in its arrival.
 
What’s changed? It’s a case of tweaks across the board with the stand-out upgrades including a new range of diesel models with Mercedes’ 48-volt mild hybrid system and new plug-in hybrids. The MBUX infotainment system now boasts a series of improvements and Mercedes has taken steps to improve off-road and towing performance with some new technology.
 

Design changes
A facelift wouldn’t be a facelift without some tinkering with the bumpers, grille and headlights, so Mercedes has added some chrome to the grille, reshaped the front bumper and changed the running light signature on the standard LED headlamps. The rear lights also get a new look and on the GLE Coupe models, the AMG Line exterior has been made standard fit with its deeper bumper, diamond grille pattern and extended wheel arches.
 
Inside, Mercedes’ latest steering wheel design makes an appearance, with touch controls that allow access to central screen functions without having to reach across. There’s more chrome on the air vents and some new trim colour combinations are now available.
 

Updated MBUX infotainment
In addition to this, the new Mercedes GLE gets the latest version of the MBUX infotainment system that brings more of the controls inside the remit of the twin 12.3-inch screens. There are ‘classic’, ‘sporty’ and ‘discreet’ display styles to choose from along with additional modes that prioritise different information on the screens. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard and the GLE is capable of receiving over-the-air software updates.
 
The ‘Off-Road Mode’ in the MBUX system displays extra information including the gradient, roll angle and steering angle to aid drivers. When combined with the Parking Package, there’s also a 360-degree camera that creates a ‘transparent bonnet’ effect on the screen, allowing a better view of what’s immediately ahead of the vehicle.
 
These upgrades are designed to boost the GLE’s capability in off-road situations and provide it with an answer to the similar technology on rival Land Rover and Range Rover products. On the purely combustion engined versions, it’s possible to specify the Off-Road Engineering Package that adds air-suspension, under body protection and 30mm of extra ground clearance.
 
Mercedes has even paid attention to the GLE’s capabilities as a tow car with a 3.5-tonne braked trailer towing capacity in models fitted with air suspension and the E-Active Body Control system. It’s backed up by updated Trailer Manoeuvring Assist software and even a trailer route planner in the sat-nav to help drivers avoid pinch points for tall or long vehicles.
 

Updated engine range
Thanks to this facelift, the whole of the GLE and GLE Coupe engine range is now electrified. With all models featuring 4MATIC all-wheel-drive, buyers can choose from the 375bhp GLE 450 petrol or the new 300d and 450d diesel mild hybrids with 265bhp and 361bhp respectively.
 
Then you have the plug-in hybrids which both benefit from extended electric-only ranges and power boosts. The GLE 400 e has a 276bhp combined system output and an impressive WLTP electric range of up to 65 miles. The 350 de diesel plug-in has a total of 241bhp on tap, more torque (750Nm rather than 600Nm in the 400 e) and the same electric range potential.
 
Mercedes-AMG GLE models
All of which only leaves the Mercedes-AMG GLE performance range that comprises the GLE 53 with its turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six and the GLE 63 S with its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8. The 53 pumps out 429bhp with a potential 22bhp boost from its electric starter generator system while torque is increased to 560Nm with a potential for a 200Nm boost. It will get from 0-62mph in 5s.
 
The formidable 63 S has 603bhp with the same extra power boost potential as the 53 and a 850Nm torque output that can be boosted by 250Nm. That makes for a 3.9s 0-62mph time.
 
The AMG variants receive their own design tweaks, including an AMG badge in place of the three-pointed star, with equipment upgrades, too. The AMG Performance suspension system has come in for some fine tuning to improve the driving experience.