Mercedes-Benz has revealed the refreshed 2027 GLE, confirming a major mid-cycle update for its best-selling U.S. SUV. Mercedes says the new GLE has 3,000 new or revised components, and here are the 12 key updates or additions we’ve identified in the 2027 Mercedes GLE Hybrid:
1. Illuminated grille
The new GLE gets a larger grille with an illuminated central Mercedes star and available contour lighting. Mercedes has also redesigned the front bumper and added a black panel that visually links the grille and headlamps.
2. DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps
The headlamps use a twin-star motif and are available with the latest generation of DIGITAL LIGHT. Mercedes says the new micro-LED setup creates a larger high-resolution light field, uses up to 50 percent less energy than before, and brings the partial high-beam function to the U.S.-spec GLE for the first time.
3. Redesigned taillights
The taillights now feature two three-dimensional star elements framed in chrome. A trim element between the lamps presents the rear with a wider look.
4. Standard MBUX Superscreen
Mercedes has made the MBUX Superscreen standard on the new GLE. It contains three 12.3-inch displays under one glass surface and includes a passenger-side display. MB.OS powers the system and enables over-the-air updates for the vehicle software.
5. New ambient styles & cabin finishes
The cabin gets new ambient styles, new trim finishes, a new Beech Brown interior color, and redesigned outer air vents with integrated ambient lighting.
6. New steering wheel controls
The steering wheel now uses a rocker switch for Distance Assist DISTRONIC and a roller switch for volume. Mercedes says the revised layout responds to customer feedback.
7. More advanced driver assistance
The new GLE uses a new electronics architecture with a water-cooled supercomputer, ten cameras, up to five radar sensors, and 12 ultrasonic sensors. MB.DRIVE functions have expanded, and Mercedes says the ‘CITY PRO’ point-to-point urban driving feature will arrive later.
8. Revised Burmester sound system
Mercedes has confirmed a new Burmester 3D Surround Sound system with Dolby Atmos. It uses 15 speakers, including two 3D roof speakers, and a 710-watt amplifier. The audio system also adds a ‘Personalized Sound’ setup assistant.
9. Updated engine lineup
Mercedes has revised the GLE engine range completely. The GLE 350 4MATIC uses an updated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the GLE 450 4MATIC gets a revised 3.0-liter inline-six with 413 lb-ft of torque, and the GLE 580 4MATIC now produces 530 hp and 553 lb-ft from its 4.0-liter V8.
Mercedes has also added more insulation to improve NVH levels. The GLE 350, GLE 450, and GLE 580 use a 48-volt system with an integrated starter generator.
10. New plug-in hybrid system
The plug-in hybrid is now the GLE 500e 4MATIC, and it switches to a 3.0-liter inline-six engine. Mercedes says the new setup delivers 74 hp more engine output than the current four-cylinder-based system.
Combined output is 429 hp and 502 lb-ft, and the electric-only range is rated at 106 km (66 miles) in the WLTP cycle. Mercedes has also confirmed a 181-hp electric motor.
11. Smarter air suspension
The available AIRMATIC air suspension now features intelligent damping control that can adjust damping before the vehicle reaches a bump on the road. Mercedes says the function uses anonymized Car-to-X data from vehicles ahead.
Customers of the GLE 580 4MATIC can also opt for E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL, which regulates each wheel individually and analyzes the driving situation 1,000 times per second.
12. AMG Hybrid
Mercedes-AMG has also revealed the new GLE 53 HYBRID 4MATIC+ in SUV and Coupe forms, featuring a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It uses a revised 3.0-liter inline-six producing 443 hp, paired with a 181-hp electric motor for a combined 577 hp and 553 lb-ft.
Mercedes-AMG says it can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds, drive in EV mode at up to 87 mph, and charge from 10 to 80 percent in about 20 minutes with its standard 60 kW DC fast charger.
Pricing & Availability
Following the upgrades, the 2027 Mercedes GLE should begin slightly north of the current model’s price of USD 62,250, with the plug-in hybrid version costing around USD 72,250. U.S. production will continue at Mercedes’ Tuscaloosa plant in Alabama.
Deliveries of the 2027 Mercedes GLE should begin mid-year. The U.S. SUV lineup will include the GLE 350 4MATIC, GLE 450 4MATIC, GLE 500e 4MATIC, and GLE 580 4MATIC.
Also Read: New Mercedes GLE, GLS to take on bigger role in Asia, while U.S. launch nears
Images used in this story are courtesy of Mercedes-Benz
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.
