The GLE is part of Mercedes’ class of 2018, just like the A-Class, B-Class and all but the CLA. However, the latter three have already been treated to a facelift, while the GLE was still hiding its almost 5-year-old outfit in the showroom. So it’s high time for a change and while you’re at it, Mercedes, just take the slightly more recent GLE Coupé with you.
Subtle signature
For example, both body variants will now be in the new, with the lighting in particular drawing attention. At the front, the two characteristic LED strips in the daytime running lights are replaced by a continuous strip at the top of the headlight, while the illuminated pizza slices at the rear also have to make way for a more subtle signature. However, the shape of the light units remains virtually unchanged, as does the rest of the body.
Apart from a more modern front bumper, the rims are the only thing you might notice, because Mercedes adds new 19 and 20-inch copies for the regular versions and 21-inch slippers for the AMG-Lines. The latter trim level is now standard on the GLE Coupé, because the eye especially wants something there. It then gets a new radiator grille with the grille itself consisting of a maze of small Mercedes stars.
Technology on point
Inside, too, the changes are rather detailed, except for one element. For example, the GLEs will now receive the new Mercedes steering wheel, which can be operated by means of touch-sensitive buttons. The connoisseur also notes that the ventilation grilles are now chromed and that the rest of the cabin also has some new materials, but that is about it. Even the screens have not changed with their 12.3 inches, although the latest MBUX system is hidden behind it.
The most interesting modernizations are therefore hidden under the skin, because that is where the complete engine range is now under power. Of course you do not have to expect a purely electric GLE — that honor remains for the EQE SUV — but you will no longer find a GLE without at least mild hybrid support. Thus, the GLE 450 4MATIC will be the only regular petrol variant, which brings 381 hp and 500 Nm of torque to the fell wheels thanks to a 3.0-liter six-in-line engine with starter alternator. Dieseling is done with the GLE 300 d, a mild hybrid 2.0-liter block with 269 hp, or the GLE 450 d, a mild hybrid 3.0-liter six-in-line with 367 hp.
Stronger plug versions
Prefer less mild hybridisation? Then you can go to one of the two plug-in hybrids as usual, but they are also getting a big growth spurt. For example, the GLE 350 de and GLE 400 e in a new form get up to 109 kilometers of electric range from their 31.2 kWh batteries. If the name of the latter version confused you for a moment, it is no coincidence: until recently, the petrol plug-in hybrid was known as the GLE 350 e, but thanks to 41 hp more power than before, the model can bear a more prestigious name . For example, the 400 e version after the facelift is 381 hp strong, while the GLE 350 with diesel engine keeps it at 333 hp.
For even more power you have to go to AMG, because those sportier versions are also back. As usual, Mercedes promises them in two flavors: as a Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 and as a GLE 63 S. The first uses a 3.0-liter six-cylinder with 435 hp and the second of the iconic 4.0-liter biturbo V8 good for 612 hp , both with mild hybrid support. We do not yet know what you have to pay for a new GLE, but we suspect that the prices will not differ far from those of the model before the facelift. Then you paid for the cheapest, a GLE 300 d, just under 75,000 euros.
