Mercedes-Benz’s second-best selling vehicle in Australia, the GLE, is getting a fresh look and more power… and a much higher base price.

    Originally set to arrive in August, the facelifted GLE range is instead going on sale in November alongside the related GLS, which has also been treated to a mid-life update.

    All models now feature 48V mild-hybrid technology, with the petrol-powered GLE 450 gaining 10kW of power in the process and the diesel GLE 300d and GLE 450d an extra 18kW and 27kW, respectively.

    All offer an electric boost of 15kW and 200Nm for brief periods, courtesy of the integrated starter generator.

    Pricing is up by over $25,000 for diesel GLE SUV models, but Mercedes-Benz says it has “significantly” upgraded their standard equipment list.

    To that end, all GLE models now come standard with multi-beam LED headlights, a 13-speaker Burmester 590W Burmester sound system, panoramic sunroof, and a head-up display, among other features.

    All non-AMG models also come with a mandatory AMG Line exterior package. The company also says it has simplified option packages.

    All updated GLE and GLE Coupe range gets new front bumpers, and updated LED headlight and tail light signatures. There are also new-look alloy wheels.

    Inside the GLE range gets the latest generation of MBUX infotainment, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which sits alongside a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

    The “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant has been improved and is capable of learning using online services.

    Other interior changes on regular GLE models include a new steering wheel with touch-sensitive buttons, as well as chrome dash highlights.

    Pricing

    GLE

    • 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 300d 4MATIC: $144,900 (+$25,726)
    • 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450d 4MATIC: $166,900 (+$25,230)
    • 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+: $179,900 (+$32)
    • 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ $266,900 (+$11,631)

    GLE Coupe

    • 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 Coupe 4MATIC: $159,900 (+$3430)
    • 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe 4MATIC+: $190,900 (+$131)
    • 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe 4MATIC+: $268,900 (+$10,931)

    All prices exclude on-road costs.

    Drivetrains

    The 2024 Mercedes-Benz is offered with a choice of two diesel and three petrol engines.

    The GLE 300d uses a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine producing 198kW of power and 550Nm of torque.

    The GLE 450d uses a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel inline-six producing 270kW and 750Nm.

    The GLE 450 Coupe uses a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol inline-six with 280kW and 500Nm.

    AMG GLE 53 models also use a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol inline-six, albeit with 320kW and 560Nm, while AMG GLE 63 S models use a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 with 450kW and 850Nm.

    All models come standard with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

    Efficiency

    Mercedes-Benz hasn’t yet released local fuel economy figures for the updated GLE range. However, the mechanically unchanged AMG GLE 53 has already been rated at 9.4L/100km on the combined cycle (9.3L/100km as a Coupe) and the AMG GLE 63 S at 12.4L/100km (12.6L/100km as a Coupe).

    Dimensions

    The Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV measures 4924mm long, 2010mm wide (2157mm including the mirrors) and 1797mm tall on a 2995mm wheelbase.

    The AMG GLE 53 variant is slightly longer (4937mm) and lower (1782mm). The AMG GLE 63 S is longer still at 4947mm.

    The GLE Coupe has an identical width, but it’s 4941mm long and 1730mm tall.

    Servicing and Warranty

    Mercedes-Benz backs its models with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

    Servicing is required every 12 months or 25,000km, except in the GLE 63 S which has 12-month/20,000km intervals.

    Mercedes-Benz offers three-, four- and five-year servicing plans, which cost $3620, $4920 and $7225, respectively.

    AMG models are more expensive to service. The three-, four- and five-year plans cost $3815, $5425 and $7650 in the AMG GLE 53, and $4155, $5355 and $6195 in the AMG GLE 63 S.

    Safety

    The Mercedes-Benz GLE has a five-star rating from ANCAP, based on testing conducted in 2019.

    It received an adult occupant protection rating of 91 per cent, a child occupant protection rating of 92 per cent, a vulnerable road user protection rating of 78 per cent, and a safety assist rating of 79 per cent.

    Standard safety equipment includes:

    • Autonomous emergency braking with junction and cross-traffic assist
    • Adaptive cruise control
    • Blind-spot assist
    • Lane-keep assist
    • Lane departure warning
    • Traffic sign recognition
    • Safe exit warning
    • Front, front-side and curtain airbags
    • Driver’s knee bag
    • Surround-view camera

    Standard Equipment

    Mercedes-Benz hasn’t released a full spec sheet yet, but has provided the below specification highlights.

    The GLE 300d and GLE 450d come standard with the following equipment:

    • AMG Line exterior package (NEW)
    • Aluminium running boards
    • LED headlights with adaptive high-beam (NEW)
    • Front seat memory (NEW)
    • 13-speaker 590W Burmester sound system (NEW)
    • MBUX Augmented Reality (NEW)
    • Panoramic sunroof (NEW)
    • Head-up display (NEW)
    • Semi-autonomous parking assist
    • Keyless entry and start
    • 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
    • 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
      • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
      • DAB+ digital radio
      • Satellite navigation

    The GLE 450 Coupe also includes an AMG Line interior and the Night appearance package.

    The AMG GLE 53 SUV adds:

    • AMG-specific front grille
    • AMG Night Package
    • AMG Ride Control+
    • AMG Performance exhaust system
    • Nappa leather-wrapped AMG Performance steering wheel

    The AMG GLE 53 Coupe adds:

    • Heated and ventilated front seats
    • Multicontour seats
    • Thermotronic climate control
    • Air Balance
    • Energizing Package
    • Thermo cupholder
    • Power-closing doors
    • Guard 360 Vehicle Protection Plus

    These features are also found on the GLE 63 S SUV, which gains AMG Active Ride Control and an electronic rear limited-slip differential, while the GLE 63 S Coupe additionally gains Seat Heating Plus for the front seats with heated front armrests.

    Options

    The Plus Package (GLE 300d, GLE 450d, AMG GLE 53 SUVs; $6900) adds:

    • Heated and ventilated front seats
    • Multicontour seats
    • Surround lighting
    • Interior Assistant
    • Seat Heating Plus for front seats with heated armrests
    • Air Balance
    • Energizing Package
    • Guard 360 Vehicle Protection Plus
    • Power-closing doors
    • Temperature-controlled cupholder
    • Thermotronic climate control

    The Guard 360 Vehicle Protection Plus feature is a standalone option on the GLE 450 Coupe for $1400.

    The 7 Seat Package (GLE 300d, GLE 450d, AMG GLE 53 SUVs; $3900) adds:

    • Third-row seating
    • Power-adjustable rear seats

    The Towbar Package (all models; $2900), which must be specified with the optional Airmatic air suspension in the GLE 450 Coupe, adds:

    • Trailer coupling
    • Increased towing capacity (750kg/3500kg unbraked/braked)

    The Airmatic Package (GLE 300d, GLE 450d, GLE 450 Coupe; $3400) adds air suspension with active damping.

    MORE: Everything Mercedes-Benz GLE
    MORE: Everything Mercedes-AMG GLE

    William Stopford

    William Stopford is an automotive journalist based in Brisbane, Australia. William is a Business/Journalism graduate from the Queensland University of Technology who loves to travel, briefly lived in the US, and has a particular interest in the American car industry.

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