The current-generation Mercedes-Benz GLE arrived way back in 2018 and was first facelifted in early 2023, but the German carmaker has now seen fit to update it again with many stars and massive screens. Bringing it in line with the rest of the range, then.
As you can see from the images above, there are new bumpers, LEDs, and grilles for the myriad different versions and trim levels, and Merc says that those starry headlights feature something called ‘dynamic high beam ULTRA RANGE’ that can light up six football pitches end to end. They ought to be just as useful in a real-life driving situation.
The BMW X6-rivaling GLE Coupe also lives to fight another day, and on the inside of all GLEs, we’re told to expect new trim elements, an AI-powered operating system, and a standard MBUX Superscreen setup with a passenger display. For the uninitiated, that means three separate 12.3-inch displays sit below a single glass panel across the dash. And if that’s not enough, there’s also the option of an augmented-reality head-up display for the first time. A massive panoramic roof is also standard fit, and a new steering wheel brings back some physical switches. Hurrah!
The updates aren’t just surface-level, either, because the GLE is also getting a new flat-plane crank V8. Wait, what?
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We’re not joking. And it’s not even in the AMG version. The GLE 580 4Matic is powered by a revised 4.0-liter V8 that has been prepared for ‘future emission standards’ and makes 530hp.
Sadly, there’s no longer any mention of a 63 in AMG’s own GLE release, so it looks like the sporty versions will now be the 53 4Matic+ and the 53 Hybrid 4Matic+. Both use an updated version of Merc’s 3.0-liter turbo straight-six, but the former is a mild hybrid and makes 466hp, while the latter is a plug-in hybrid setup with a total output of 624hp. That’s up almost 100hp on the previous 53 PHEV, by the way.
The more sensible powertrains are all six-cylinders, with the range kicking off with the 350d and 450d diesels. Both are mild hybrids, and you’re looking at 282hp and 648Nm or 362hp and 749Nm.
The gasoline-powered 450 now gets 12% more torque to go with its 376hp, and you can also have it as a plug-in hybrid 450e with 106km of all-electric range. All GLEs are all-wheel-drive, and we’re told there’s extra insulation for better refinement. There’s also the option of a standard suspension setup, air suspension, or Merc’s fancy E-Active Body Control that anticipates bumps in the road and adjusts the damping before impact.
In total, Merc says there are 3,000 new or revised components for this second facelift, but is it enough to keep the GLE competitive?
More photos of the Mercedes-Benz GLE 2026:
NOTE: This article first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.
