Mercedes-Benz GLE Gets A Mid-life Update Globally, India Launch Expected Soon

• Facelifted Mercedes GLE makes its international debut.

• Gets design tweaks and subtle changes inside the cabin.

• Gets the updated mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

• AMG derivatives use an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) and a 48‑volt system.

• India launch expected by late-2023.

This generation of the Mercedes-Benz GLE has been around since 2018 in markets abroad and since 2020 in India. Now, after nearly five years since its inception, the SUV has received a mid-life update, which has been revealed for global markets. It continues with the standard SUV and coupe body styles and should be headed to India in the coming months.

What’s new?

You’ll have to dig out a microscope to really see the exterior changes on this facelifted model. The changes are subtle and can be found in the front bumper, and the new single-slat grille - the most prominent changes up front alongside the slightly revised LED headlight elements. The rear has been reworked with a mildly revised bumper and tail lights.

The opulence inside the cabin has been taken up a notch and that’s partially down to the latest iteration of Mercedes’ intelligent MBUX infotainment system, new steering design, and chrome finish for the air vents that look chic and blend well with the overall appeal of the cabin, giving it a very visually coherent feeling. 

Powertrain

The facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLE is offered mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain options.

The mild-hybrid units get a 48-V hybrid system that offers a boost of 20PS and 200Nm over their corresponding ICE powertrains that it is attached to.

As for the plug-in hybrid, both the 400 e and 350 de trims get an electric-only WLTP-claimed range of up to 109km, thanks to a 31.2kWh battery pack. An 11kW charger is offered as standard for charging purposes, which can be upgraded to the optional 60 kW DC charger as well.

*applicable for both the SUV and Coupe body styles

The AMG powertrains are electrified by the means of an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) and a 48‑volt electrical system. They offer a boost of 20PS and 200Nm in the GLE 53 trim and a boost of 22PS and 250Nm in the GLE 63 S trim. The total system output for the former has been bumped up to a combined total of 455PS, while the V8 in the 63 S belts out a combined output of 634PS. 

Ofcourse, being an AMG derivative, both models get mechanical tweaks for better driving dynamics. Air suspension with adjustable damping is offered as standard, while active roll stabilisation is exclusive to the 63 S trim and an option for the 53 trim.

Off-road capabilities

Mercedes offers an Off-Road Engineering Package, which adds a skid plate and an air suspension (optional extra) for an extra 1.2 inches of ground clearance. As for the software changes, the MBUX screen shows gradient, roll angle, compass, steering angle and even offers a see-through-the-car system (basically a surround-view camera) while approaching a steep hill.

Also Read: Mahindra XUV700 & Scorpio Classic Get Costlier By Up To Rs 65,000

The three-pointed star SUV is likely to arrive at our shores sometime in late 2023 and will make a stronger case for itself against its German rivals like the BMW X5, Audi Q7 as well as the Volvo XC90.