Mercedes GLE facelift: New tech and longer-range hybrid for 2026
Fri, 03 Apr 2026
- New GLE 450e plug-in hybrid with 66 mile electric range
- Revised looks for both SUV and Coupe models
- Engines now have 48V mild-hybrid tech
- UK sales expected later in 2026 with starting price around £78,000
Mercedes has continued its overhaul of its high-end models with a facelift for both the Mercedes GLE and Mercedes GLE Coupe.
Fresh on the back of similar upgrades to the Mercedes S-Class and Mercedes GLS, the GLE changes include visual tweaks, the introduction of mild-hybrid tech and a new plug-in hybrid variant. Mercedes' latest infotainment system has also been added.
The refreshed MercedesGLE will serve as a rival for the forthcoming new BMW X5, which we should see later this year, and the ageing Audi Q7.
2026 Mercedes GLE price and release date
There's no UK release date for the new GLE range yet, but we expect to see it on sale later this year, with prices similar to the current model, which starts at just over £78,000.
2026 Mercedes GLE styling, interior and technology
While the platform of the GLE remains unchanged, there are numerous visual changes to keep it up to date. The lights are new, with horizontal star motifs and there's a redesigned star pattern on the back lights. Optional Digital Light units are available at the front with a 40% larger light field while consuming 50% less energy.
The grilles and bumpers have been updated with contour lighting and a chrome frame, as well as an illuminated central star. There's a specific design of grille for AMG models. New paint finishes are available with new wheel designs in 20-inch and 22-inch diameters.
Inside, Mercedes latest MBUX Superscreen setup takes care of infotainment duties, with three 12.3-inch displays integrated under a single glass surface that stretches across the cockpit. The MB.OS operating system, which integrates Microsoft, Google and ChatGPT, lets you speak to the MBUX Virtual Assistant and also keeps the vehicle updated over the air.
The steering wheel now uses a haptic control system and there's a new Engergizing Air Control system that refreshes the air inside the car every 90 seconds. The optional Burmester sound system has been beefed up and now pushes out 710 watts with Dolby Atmos support.
2026 Mercedes GLE engines, performance and fuel economy
All the engines in the GLE range are now electrified, mostly with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. However, there's also a new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model — the GLE 450e — with more power than the previous version and an electric range of up to 66 miles.
The GLE 580 gets more power from its V8 engine, up to 537PS and 750Nm torque. Torque is up to 560Nm (a 12% increase) in the petrol-powered, six-cylinder GLE 450 and the diesel models now have electrically heated catalysts to boost efficiency.
Other new driving tech includes air suspension that uses Car-to-X technology and data from other vehicles to predict road imperfections and adapt the damping accordingly. The car's off-road model includes a transparent bonnet function, which lets drivers see obstacles under the front of the vehicle via the 360-degree camera system.
