5 Minutes
Mercedes didn’t just tweak a lineup—it went all in. Four SUVs, refreshed in one sweep, each carrying a surprisingly bold theme: stars, everywhere. Not the subtle kind either. Illuminated grilles, patterned lighting, even tiny design flourishes hiding in plain sight.
The updated GLE, GLE Coupe, GLE 53 Hybrid twins, and the larger GLS arrive with what the brand calls an “extensive” overhaul. That’s not marketing fluff—there are thousands of revised parts in the GLE alone. And yet, the real story isn’t just what changed, but how Mercedes is reshaping the feel of its core SUVs.
Design That Leans Into Drama
The front end does most of the talking. A larger grille now frames an illuminated central star, with optional lighting stretching around it like a signature at night. The headlights follow the same theme, embedding star-like graphics that give the SUVs a distinctive glow after dark.
From the side, things calm down. The silhouette is familiar—arguably showing its age—but subtle updates like new mirrors and wheel designs keep it from feeling stale. Around the back, slimmer taillights introduce a three-dimensional star motif, linked by a dark trim panel and a strip of chrome that adds just enough flash.
Inside, It’s All About Screens—and Then Some
Step inside and the transformation is far more obvious. Mercedes has fitted its new MBUX Superscreen as standard, stretching three 12.3-inch displays across the dashboard. It changes the entire architecture of the cabin, forcing a redesign that now includes sharper air vents and cleaner lines.
The materials game gets an upgrade too. Buyers can choose from fresh trim options like dark brown birch wood, walnut, or a polished aluminum finish with flowing patterns. A new steering wheel and upgraded upholstery round things out, but the tech is what really defines the experience.
The latest Mercedes-Benz Operating System powers everything, alongside an AI-enhanced virtual assistant that aims to feel less robotic and more intuitive. And if sound matters, the optional Burmester 3D system—now with 15 speakers, including roof-mounted units—pushes audio immersion further than before.
Engines: From Efficient Four-Cylinders to a Wild V8
Under the hood, the range spreads wide. The entry point is a revised 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with 255 hp, while a smoother 3.0-liter inline-six delivers 375 hp for those wanting more punch without going overboard.
Then there’s the headline act: a new twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with a flat-plane crank, churning out 530 hp. It’s an unusual move for a luxury SUV, hinting at sharper performance and a more aggressive character.
Electrification hasn’t been ignored. The GLE 500e plug-in hybrid pairs the inline-six with an electric motor, offering up to 66 miles (WLTP) of electric-only driving—enough for many daily commutes without burning fuel.
The AMG GLE 53 Hybrid models push things further, combining electric assistance with a tuned inline-six for a total of 577 hp. That’s enough to hit 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds—serious speed for something this size. Even better, fast charging can take the battery from 10 to 80 percent in around 20 minutes.
The GLE Coupe keeps things simpler, sticking with the 375 hp inline-six, good for a 0–60 mph sprint in roughly 5.2 seconds. Meanwhile, the larger GLS offers both six- and eight-cylinder options, with an AMG GLS 63 expected to follow.
Quietly Introducing Hands-Free City Driving
Almost hidden beneath the headline features is a significant tech step: MB.Drive Assist Pro. This Level 2+ system brings hands-free driving capability into urban environments, not just highways. It’s a notable shift, suggesting Mercedes is serious about pushing semi-autonomous tech into everyday scenarios.
Details remain limited, but early indications point to a subscription model—potentially just under $4,000 for three years, or a monthly option for flexibility.
All told, this isn’t a radical reinvention. It’s something more calculated. Mercedes has taken familiar SUVs and layered them with sharper design cues, heavier tech, and broader powertrain choices. The result feels less like a facelift—and more like a quiet repositioning of what these vehicles are supposed to be.
Comments
clutchy
LED grille and stars everywhere, cmon Mercedes. Nice tech, but cabin looks like a tablet showroom. too much flash, not enough character imo
nodeflux
Wow, Mercedes went full spectacle with those illuminated stars, kinda love it, kinda tired of the bling. Tech looks neat tho, Burmester 3D? yes pls. But is that V8 really necessary?
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