Mercedes will unveil a facelift of its GLE mid-sized SUV on 31 January 2023
We’ve spotted the newly updated GLE testing multiple times, but this is the first time Mercedes itself has granted us a look at the new car. For the new GLE we can expect technology updates as well as exterior design tweaks as part of the facelift.
The Mercedes SUV lineup is getting a bit of a revamp this year. We’ve already had the all-new GLC launched, the range-topping GLS will gain a refresh later this year and finally the second-generation GLE is going under the knife. This frenzy of activity serves as a reminder that Mercedes hasn’t forgotten about its internal-combustion engined SUV range, after a slew of launches under its all-electric EQ brand.
Since the current GLE was launched in 2019, an all-new Range Rover Sport has hit the market, as well as updated versions of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Maserati Levante. Audi’s Q7 and the BMW X5 will also soon receive mid-life facelifts, meaning this revised GLE is rather timely.
The teaser images shown by Mercedes on social media don’t give too much away. The most obvious changes we can see are the reshaped bumpers front and rear and new rear lights that take after the S-Class. The front grille has also been tweaked with new inserts and there’s a fresh set of alloy wheels. Mercedes also revealed on the post that the full unveiling of the GLE will happen on 31 January.
Previous spy shots have shown the hot AMG GLE 53 model testing and we can see the AMG-developed versions will again receive their own bespoke exterior changes. A more aggressive front bumper with larger air intakes is visible and to the rear the 53’s quintessential quad-exhaust tip layout remains.
Inside we’re expecting some minor upholstery tweaks and a new steering wheel, similar to Mercedes’ strategy with the recently facelifted E-Class. The infotainment system on previous prototypes looks to be the same dual-screen system found on the current GLE, although we expect Mercedes will load it with the latest MBUX software.
Mercedes shouldn’t fiddle too much with the GLE’s engines for this facelift, either. Like before, there’ll be six options for buyers to choose from, starting with the 300 d. It’s a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine with 268bhp and 550Nm of torque which, like every model in the GLE line-up, will be mated to a nine-speed automatic gearbox and a four-wheel drive system.
Above that, there’ll be the 400 d, which features a 3.0-litre straight-six diesel engine with 325bhp and 700Nm of torque. Those after zero-emission capability (or low company car tax) will be able opt for the plug-in hybrid-powered GLE 350 de, which mixes a 2.0-litre diesel with an electric motor and a 31kWh battery pack for a combined output of 316bhp.
More importantly, Mercedes says the system found on the existing GLE 350 de can cover up to 60 miles on electric power alone and return up to 353.1mpg on the WLTP cycle – and those figures will likely be carried over onto the facelifted model.
The #MercedesBenz #GLE is getting an update. Catch a first glimpse now and see the entire car on 31 January at 6 p.m. Stay tuned! pic.twitter.com/TPlRbdEkCj
— Mercedes-Benz Press (@MB_Press) January 26, 2023
At the top of the line-up, there’ll be a trio of petrol-powered options – two of which will feature AMG badges. The GLE 450 will be the least powerful of the three, sporting a 362bhp 3.0-litre straight-six. However, the AMG GLE 53 will push that figure up to 429bhp, slashing the SUV’s 0–62mph time down to 5.3 seconds.
The flagship variant will be the AMG GLE 63 S, and we’re not likely to see the 2.0-litre, turbocharged plug-in hybrid system from the new C 63. Instead it will feature the same fire-breathing twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 as the AMG E 63 S. The engine will see the SUV’s output soar to 604bhp and 850Nm of torque, trimming its 0–62mph time to 3.8 seconds.
Now read about the Mercedes GLE's all-electric sibling, the EQE SUV…
Keyword: New Mercedes GLE facelift teased ahead of reveal this month