Update (May 14, 2025): ‘Design updates’ section revised with exclusive rendering and further details.
Mercedes-Benz is preparing a second facelift for the GLE, which will arrive in the U.S. in 2026. As it is the brand’s best-selling model here, the U.S. would be one of the first markets to receive the refreshed SUV. The midsize SUV comes only as a mild-hybrid or plug-in hybrid here, and is set to incorporate new technologies, design updates, and an improved powertrain.
Here’s everything that’s official, and has been reported on the new GLE:
Confirmation
At the company’s Capital Market Day in February, Mercedes boss Ola Kaellenius confirmed that the midsize SUV will undergo changes, including receiving a long-wheelbase variant for China. While this isn’t a generational change, the updates won’t be just about fresh lights and bumpers either.
Also next year, another important car, GLE, or GLE car family (GLE and GLS), super popular..that gets a complete remake next year as well, including an even longer-wheelbase version for the Chinese market.
Ola Kaellenius, Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, at the Capital Market Day on Feb 20, 2025
Design updates
Digital Light
Going by recent spy photos of test prototypes, it’s evident that the new GLE Hybrid will feature a revised grille and bumper. As shown in our exclusive illustrations, it is also expected to have headlights equipped with digital light technology. This system should be available with and without a projection function, which Mercedes could offer as an on-demand software upgrade even after purchase.
Illuminated grille
This confirmed feature is already present in the E-Class, where a tube of light runs along the perimeter of the grille. While it’s not to everyone’s taste, the additional lighting does make a unique impression in the dark.
New wheels & Star motif
The side profile is expected to be largely unchanged, with changes observed to the alloy wheel design. At the rear, new taillights should adopt the star motif seen in the latest E-Class. This update, along with a restyled bumper, should align the GLE with Mercedes’ current design language.
Interior upgrades
We will proliferate the tech in terms of ADAS, in terms of the infotainment, and all those different things that are relevant to the customers from BEV to ICE.
Ola Kaellenius, Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, while discussing the planned updates for the new GLE, at the Capital Market Day on Feb 20, 2025
MBUX Superscreen
Inside, the biggest change would be the MBUX Superscreen, as the Mercedes has confirmed a “New cockpit with enlarged display concept” for the 2026 GLE. The MBUX Superscreen is an optional full-width digital dashboard display extending from pillar to pillar. This feature, which has already debuted in the S-Class and E-Class, provides a more immersive infotainment experience.
Ambient Lighting
Mercedes is also expected to introduce active ambient lighting in the new GLE, enhancing the cabin’s atmosphere by dynamically adjusting lighting based on driving conditions or the music.
Level 2++ Autonomous Driving
Mercedes has also confirmed “Latest-generation ADAS technology & MBUX update” which can only mean that the GLE is upgrading to the next-gen Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), its new purpose-built chip-to-cloud architecture which will debut in the all-electric CLA this year.
Powered by the NVIDIA DRIVE Orin, it is expected to enable Level 2++ autonomous driving capabilities, offering enhanced driver assistance features. The point-to-point navigation system can handle complex urban traffic.
Rear seat upgrade
Mercedes has confirmed “Best in class rear seat spaciousness and comfort” for the new GLE, but we’re certain that this isn’t describing the U.S.-spec model. The company is working on an extended wheelbase model for China, which it is likely describing here.
Regardless, we expect improvements or expanded availability of rear entertainment screens (running the latest MBUX OS), ventilated and massaging rear seats, four-zone climate control, and better charging options for rear passengers.
Burmester 4D surround sound system
We’re also expecting the upgraded Burmester sound system in the GLE. In the case of the E-Class, it comes with 17 speakers and sound transducers installed in the front seat for depth, clarity, and space in the music.
Specifications
The new GLE has been confirmed with “Updated EU7 powertrain portfolio” which should bring improvements under the hood.
Advanced mild-hybrid system
JESMB has speculated that a significant upgrade for the new GLE Hybrid could be the introduction of a 48-volt full hybrid system, evolving from Mercedes’ current 48-volt mild-hybrid setup. This ‘P2’ hybrid system will allow the GLE to operate in all-electric mode for short distances, similar to a hybrid SUV.
Mercedes has not confirmed final specifications for the U.S. model, but globally, the German report speculates that it would be the M256M 3.0-liter inline-six engine that could be paired with the P2 hybrid system. This upgrade should result in better fuel economy and reduced emissions.
PHEV
With respect to the plug-in hybrid system, Mercedes may not be considering improvements, as the current system was upgraded for the 2024 model year (GLE 450e), and is capable of 49 miles of pure-electric driving.
Price & Release Date
Mercedes is expected to launch the revised GLE Hybrid in mid-2026, with deliveries beginning later that year. Pricing is expected to remain close to the current model’s starting price of USD 62,000, with production set to continue in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
AMG GLE 53 Hybrid arrives at U.S. dealerships in 2026
Mercedes-Benz USA on October 24, 2023
Interestingly, Mercedes-Benz USA confirmed the AMG GLE 53 Hybrid (PHEV) for 2026 as early as October 2023. The current AMG-spec GLE in the U.S. is only available with a mild-hybrid system.
Featured image: Current U.S.-spec GLE
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
