The Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV and GLE Coupé have been extensively updated with a fresh look, upgraded tech, a near-complete interior redesign and new powertrains – including a 577bhp AMG 53 range-topper.
Officially a late-life refresh for the seven-year-old pair, the updates are so extensive that those inside the company have likened it to a new generation.
This is the second update the cars have received since they were launched in 2019, the GLE SUV in its fourth generation and the GLE Coupé in its second.
The biggest change is inside, where the cabin is almost totally new. The dashboard-wide Superscreen is now standard, along with an 18in augmented-reality head-up display.
The Superscreen combines a 14.4in touchscreen with a 12.3in display for the instruments and another 12.3in touchscreen for the front passenger.
The steering wheel is taken from the new electric GLC and features physical rocker controls. There are also new seats.
In the GLE SUV’s seven-seat configuration, the second bench can now be electronically moved forward to increase leg room in the third row.
At the top of the range sits the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53, updated to put out 577bhp in its most powerful, plug-in hybrid form.
Both the petrol and PHEV variants of the GLE 53 are centred on Mercedes’ updated ‘M256 Evo’ 3.0-litre turbo petrol straight six, which features a new cylinder head, larger intakes and new exhaust ports.
In pure-petrol form it puts out 443bhp, and its redline has been extended in the interests of improving performance.
In the plug-in hybrid, the engine combines with a rear-mounted 181bhp electric motor (48bhp more than its predecessor) for 577bhp and 553lb ft of torque.
Despite the extra weight of a 31.2kWh battery, which offers 58 miles of electric-only range, the PHEV can hit 62mph in 4.5sec – 0.3sec quicker than its petrol sibling, partly thanks to the extra 61lb ft of torque.
The standard GLE will no longer be offered in the UK with four-cylinder engines, although four-pot versions will remain on sale in the US and China.
As a result, the UK line-up now starts with the six-cylinder diesel 350d, tuned for 282bhp; 450-badged variants use the same M256 Evo six as the AMG 53s but downrated to 375bhp.
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