Mercedes GLE SUV Facelift Caught Dashing Through The Snow

Mercedes-Benz has taken its upcoming GLE facelift up north once again. The Mercedes-AMG GLE models are due for a makeover that includes some styling changes and interior upgrades, along with the possibility of more power. The German automaker is now finding out how they cope with the cold and the snow as they do the rounds in Sweden.
 

More Stars On Every Benz
The external changes are obvious. Benz’s BMW X5 competitor will get a new front bumper sporting a new grille. It will also get new headlights, with the Benz logo accent lighting we’ve seen popping up everywhere since it was introduced a few years back on the Concept CLA.
 
At the back, Benz is tweaking the bumper. Expect a redesigned lower fascia as well as changes to the shape of the hatch, especially the license plate surround. We’ve also spotted this SUV with star-shaped taillamps. But don’t expect the lights to look like what you can see here hidden under the snow. The GLE won’t get lights that look like they’re snagged from an old VW Touareg, that’s just a clever blend of tape and snow.
 
This set of photos doesn’t show the interior, but we’ve seen it up close already. The next GLE AMG will get two large screens, joined within one bezel. They look larger than the current model’s pair, and don’t appear to try and integrate an air vent like before.
 

Mercedes-Benz will still give the new model plenty of physical buttons, along with beefy center console grab handles. But the four square dash vents of the old one will be replaced by a pair of much larger units.
 
AMG Offers I6 Or V8 Power
Based on the wheels, this is a GLE 53 model, not the V8-powered GLE 63. Both performance SUVs are expected to make a return, though, and should get similar small differences to exterior and interior trim.
 
Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 models get a 3.0-liter turbocharged I6 that makes 429 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. The engine is augmented with a 48V starter-generator that adds 21 horsepower and 148 lb-ft. It’s the most powerful version of this engine currently available, so while Mercedes-AMG might boost power for the new year, we wouldn’t count on it.
 

The V8 GLE 63 makes 603 horsepower from a 4.0-liter unit and 627 pound-feet, adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft from its 48V electric assist system. Both are available as the GLE SUV pictured, and as the GLE Coupe with a slightly more stylish roofline.
 
This generation of the GLE is becoming one of the oldest vehicles on sale at the moment. It first entered production in late 2018 after a reveal at the Paris show earlier that year. The model got a facelift in 2023, and with this one expected sometime in 2026, this generation GLE will likely remain on sale until 2029.
 
BMW’s X5 is similarly old, and got a facelift at around the same time. But we’ve already spotted an all-new chassis testing, unlike this second refresh for Benz. Audi launched an all-new Q5 SUV earlier this year.