Mercedes-Benz GLE Range Enhanced

Mercedes-Benz GLE Range Enhanced

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Mercedes-Benz is giving its GLE range a significant makeover for the 2023 model year to keep it fresh and relevant in the luxury SUV segment. 

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Like the outgoing model, the GLE is available in standard and coupe guises. The update gives the new GLE a more modern appearance, thanks to new front bumpers, two horizontal louvres with chrome inserts, plus a horizontal chrome fin for the grille’s outer air intakes. 

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As standard, the GLE comes fitted with LED high-performance headlights that incorporate two light points that act as daytime running lights. The multi-beam LEDs with four light points can be included as an option. The rear lights have also gone under the knife and now feature a light signet that is formed by two horizontal blocks in the standard GLE and two bars in the coupe model. 

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For a considerably more added appeal, Mercedes-Benz now offers the AMG Line exterior trim as standard on the GLE coupe. This trim adds a diamond grille with a Mercedes-Benz pattern in chrome, an AMG front apron with chrome trim element, AMG side sill panels and wheel arch cladding in the vehicle colour and an AMG rear apron with a diffuser-look insert.

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The update adds two fresh colour choices to the palette; a sodalite blue metallic and Manufaktur alpine grey solid. Both SUVs can be fitted with two aerodynamically-optimised light-alloy wheels in 19” and 20” sizes, with the AMG Line exterior featuring a new 21” wheel design.

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Moving inside, the latest-generation steering wheel with sensor surfaces and a 12.3” instrument cluster reside in front of the driver. These are further complemented by the latest 12.3” MBUX infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a chrome treatment for the centre and side air vents instead of the outgoing model’s black colour. 

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Buyers can choose between Catalana beige/black for the standard GLE and Bahia brown/black for both cars. The coupe can also be commissioned with black/classic red appointments and the AMG Line for a particularly sporty character. 

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The biggest news is that a new GLE 400e 4Matic plug-in hybrid has now joined the range. It packs a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-pot petrol engine paired with an electric motor with 284 kW and 650 Nm of torque. Mercedes-Benz says the GLE 400e can run on battery power alone courtesy of a 23.3 kWh battery pack. No need to worry about performance; the PHEV can hurtle from 0-100 km/h in 5.8 seconds. 

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For the overseas markets, the GLE range consists of the 450 4Matic, 300d 4Matic, 450d 4Matic, 400e 4Matic and 350de 4Matic. It’s worth pointing out that they all get some form of electrification in the form of a 48-volt mild-hybrid system as standard.  

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On the AMG side, the GLE 53 and 63 S get similar visual upgrades, more standard equipment, a larger turbocharger, and a reworked ECU. The GLE 53 still uses the same 3.0-litre electrified inline 6-cylinder engine with 320 kW and 560 Nm – an increase of 40 Nm. The subtle power boost enables the 53 to complete the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 5 seconds. As a refresher, the outgoing 53 does the same task in 5.3 seconds. 

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The GLE 63 S soldiers on with its unchanged 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 powerplant that gushes 450 kW and 850 Nm. Both AMGs make use of a 9-speed automatic gearbox.

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The updated Mercedes-Benz GLE range is expected to arrive in SA either in the second or third quarter of the year, and pricing will be announced closer to their local debut.

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The Mercedes-Benz GLE may not be as grippy as other products competing in the large SUV fold, but it’s more sensible and luxurious. If you are familiar with the GLE range, the subtle updates have given the new SUV a new breath of life, making it an attractive prospect in terms of styling and specification. 

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