2027 Mercedes GLE Debuts With Massive Changes Ahead of BMW X5 Clash

Now deep into its fourth generation, Mercedes-Benz has revealed the heavily updated GLE-Class midsize SUV for the 2027 model year. Alongside it is the 2027 GLE-Class Coupe, which has undergone similar revisions. These are key products in Mercedes-Benz’s U.S. lineup, and this facelift goes far beyond a smattering of design changes. Engines have been improved, the latest MB.Drive system is equipped, and the dashboard layout is almost entirely revamped. With tough rivals like BMW’s X5 and X6, have the GLE twins been elevated to class leaders? Let’s take a closer look.

Related: Mercedes Sold More GLEs Than Ever But Still Couldn’t Beat BMW

Design: Bolder Than Before

From the start, it’s evident that these GLEs are rather different to the outgoing model, no surprise since roughly 3,000 components are new or revised. The grille, headlights, and taillights have all been revamped to fall into line with Merc’s latest design language.

Exterior Highlights

• New headlights with twin star motifs and optional Digital Light technology
• New grille with chrome frame, center illuminated star, and available contour lighting
• Partial high-beam function available in the U.S. for the first time
• New exterior mirrors
• New taillights with star emblems and horizontal trim element
• Four new 20-inch wheel designs (two new 20-inch AMG wheel designs for GLE Coupe)
• Two new colors: Dark Petrol and Manufaktur Patagonia Red Metallic
• First-ever availability of Magic Vision Control windshield cleaning for GLE

The SUVs make a statement, although whether they’re more attractive than the outgoing models is up for debate. 

GLE-Class Powertrain and Suspension Updates

Mercedes-Benz has made several improvements to the GLE’s engines and suspension. The base GLE 350 retains a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, but an electric compressor improves responsiveness. Above this is the GLE 450, with its 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six producing 375 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque (up from 369 lb-ft), thanks in part to a new electric auxiliary compressor. 

The new GLE 500e plug-in hybrid is expected to replace the current GLE 450e. It has a new 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine in place of the older turbo-four, with output increasing by 74 hp. It now has a WLTP all-electric range of 106 km, which is around 66 miles. At the top of the lineup, the GLE 580 gets a new 4.0-liter turbo V8 with more power and torque. This is the same engine as the one in the latest S-Class, benefitting from a flat-plane crankshaft. The 350, 450, and 580 models all have an integrated starter generator that improves efficiency and the smoothness of the start/stop system.

All models, including the base GLE 350, now have standard 4Matic all-wheel drive. The GLE Coupe only comes in 450 guise, but updated AMG variants are expected to follow.

Mercedes has also enhanced the SUV’s already impressive NVH qualities with new insulation materials that more effectively mask combustion noises. The available Airmatic air suspension has new intelligent damping control, enhancing ride comfort. On the GLE 580, you can also add E-Active Body Control that helps keep the SUV level and responds predictively to any driving situation. 

For the GLE Coupe, Mercedes claims a firmer, sportier suspension setup than for the previous model. 

Related: 2026 BMW X5 Vs. 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class: 3 Key Differences

Interior: Standard MBUX Superscreen

Both GLE models have undergone a dramatic redesign of their dashboards. This follows other recent Mercs by resorting to a pillar-to-pillar screen layout, such as the one in the new GLC EQ.

Interior Highlights

• Standard MBUX Superscreen (three 12.3-inch displays)
• New MBUX Augmented Reality Head-up Display (18-inch display area)
• New MBUX Virtual Assistant with AI from Microsoft, Google, and ChatGPT
• New standard panoramic sliding sunroof
• New electric cabin air filter
• Optional new Burmester 3D Surround Sound system with Dolby Atmos (15 speakers)
• New steering wheel rocker switch
• New Beech Brown interior color

Both SUVs have a much cleaner dashboard look than before, even if some may find the trio of screens a bit overwhelming at first. Materials are as luxurious as ever, with a variety of MB-Tex and leather finishes. The return of the steering wheel rocker switch is based on customer feedback, with this move marking a return to a classic, tactile feel. The normal GLE can be equipped with a third row, but the GLE Coupe remains a dedicated two-row crossover. 

Enhanced Driver-Assistance Features

Mercedes has equipped the GLE with a new, water-cooled supercomputer processor. It’s powerful enough to support future features not even available yet. To enable current driver-assistance features, the SUV has ten exterior cameras, up to five radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors. Together, they enable features like:

• MB.Drive Assist
• Distronic Distance Assist
• City Pro for point-to-point driving
• Improved MB.Drive Parking Assist

The latest driver-assistance suite uses artificial intelligence to assess the driving situation and respond accordingly. The City Pro function, meanwhile, can even function in dense city traffic. Furthermore, the MB.OS supercomputer with AI makes over-the-air updates possible for the entire vehicle’s software.

When equipped with every available feature, the GLE has enough tech to ease the stress of your daily commute.

Final Thoughts

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class and GLE-Class Coupe will arrive at U.S. dealers in the second half of 2026, and pricing should be announced closer to their arrival. For reference, the 2026 GLE starts at $62,250 and the 2026 GLE Coupe is priced from $77,250.

The new look and control interface will make the GLE twins feel like a comprehensive update for anyone coming from the pre-facelift model. We also look forward to seeing how the new engines, improved suspensions, and more effective NVH measures feel when we take the SUV for a first drive.

With an all-new BMW X5 on the way, Mercedes looks to have done enough to keep the GLE relevant for another few years.

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