Mercedes-Benz has officially pulled the curtain back on the 2027 GLE SUV and its more athletic sibling, the GLE Coupe.
This latest mid-cycle refresh is far more than a simple bumper swap, the German automaker has overhauled roughly 3,000 components to ensure its mid-size luxury SUVs remain the benchmarks in a segment increasingly crowded by high-tech rivals.
From a striking new star lighting signature to the introduction of the massive MBUX Superscreen, the 2027 facelift bridges the gap between traditional internal combustion excellence and the ultra-digital future seen in the brand’s EQ electric lineup.
Exterior design
The most noticeable change to the 2027 GLE and GLE Coupe is a shift in design language that Mercedes-Benz refers to as its star treatment.
While the overall silhouette of both vehicles remains familiar, the detailing has been refined to provide a more technical, modern aesthetic.
The headlights and taillights have been completely redesigned. The LED daytime running lights now feature a distinct three-pointed star motif, a bold branding move that makes these vehicles unmistakable at night.
In the rear, the lamps transition from a simple block design to a sophisticated, three-dimensional light signature that emphasises the width of the vehicle.
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For those seeking maximum performance, the optional Digital Light technology now includes a partial high-beam function, which can mask oncoming traffic to prevent blinding other drivers while maintaining full illumination elsewhere.
The radiator grille has grown in both size and presence. A new chrome-framed surround is paired with an available illuminated grille, which glows softly around the central Mercedes-Benz star.
On AMG-line models, the mesh is composed of hundreds of tiny chrome stars, creating a shimmering effect that looks particularly premium on the Coupe’s more aggressive front fascia.
The interior
Steering inside reveals the most dramatic departure from the outgoing model.
The 2027 facelift marks the arrival of the MBUX Superscreen to the GLE range—a single, massive glass panel that stretches across the dashboard.
Triple-Screen Architecture
The new layout features three distinct high-resolution displays:
* A 12.3-inch driver display providing essential telemetry.
* A central 14.4-inch infotainment screen.
* An optional 12.3-inch passenger display, allowing the co-pilot to stream videos or browse the web without distracting the driver, thanks to its intelligent shielding technology.
Powering these screens is the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS).
This fourth-generation MBUX system is a quantum leap over the outgoing software.
It integrates Google Maps natively, offering real-time traffic and points of interest with the same ease as a smartphone.
Furthermore, the voice assistant is now AI-driven, capable of learning driver habits and engaging in more natural, conversational dialogue.
The interior luxury hasn't been forgotten amidst the tech. Mercedes has reintroduced physical controls for some climate functions and the steering wheel, moving away from the touch-sensitive sliders that some owners found finicky in previous iterations.
New Manufaktur upholstery options and a 15-speaker, 710-watt Burmester 3D Surround Sound system with Dolby Atmos ensure the cabin feels like a private lounge.
Powertrains
Under the hood, Mercedes-Benz has doubled down on electrification. Every engine in the 2027 lineup now features some form of hybrid assistance, whether it’s a 48-volt mild-hybrid system or a sophisticated plug-in hybrid (PHEV) setup.
Revised internal combustion engines
* GLE 350 4MATIC: The 2.0-litre inline-four receives a new electric auxiliary compressor. While the 255 hp figure remains consistent, the torque has seen a massive jump, providing much better low-end grunt for city driving.
* GLE 450 4MATIC: The 3.0-litre inline-six remains a favourite, but torque has been increased to 560 Nm. Revised cylinder head ports and a more potent electric motor-generator make the power delivery feel smoother and more immediate.
* GLE 580 4MATIC: The flagship non-AMG SUV gains a new 4.0-liter V8 biturbo featuring a flat-plane crankshaft. This tech, usually reserved for high-end sports cars, allows the engine to rev more freely, pushing output to 530 hp and 750 Nm of torque.
The PHEV
The plug-in hybrid range has been significantly expanded.
The new GLE 450e and 500e variants now feature a larger battery pack, delivering a WLTP-rated all-electric range of 106 km (roughly 66 miles).
This allows most users to handle their entire daily commute without burning a drop of fuel, while still having the long-range capability of a gasoline engine for weekend trips.
Capability and chassis
For the SUV, practicality remains a priority with an optional third row that allows for seven-passenger seating.
The Coupe, meanwhile, maintains its focus on driver engagement with a slightly firmer suspension tune and a shorter wheelbase that aids in cornering agility.
One of the most impressive technical upgrades is the Transparent Hood feature.
Utilising the 360-degree camera system, the central display shows a virtual view of what is directly under the front of the car.
This is valuable for navigating rocky terrain or precisely avoiding curbs in tight parking spots.
The E-Active Body Control air suspension has also been updated. It now uses camera data and cloud-based Road Surface Information to prep the dampers for upcoming potholes or speed bumps.
If the car knows a bump is coming, it can soften the individual wheel's suspension in milliseconds to glide over the imperfection.
The verdict
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLE Coupe represent a calculated evolution.
While the outgoing models were still highly competent, the facelift addresses the two areas where they were beginning to show their age: interior technology and electric efficiency.
By bringing the MBUX Superscreen and MB.OS to the mid-size segment, Mercedes-Benz has effectively future-proofed its most important SUVs.
Whether you choose the upright utility of the SUV or the sleek, durability and style of the Coupe, the 2027 refresh ensures that the three-pointed star continues to lead the pack.
The new models are expected to arrive in local showrooms by early 2027, with pricing to be announced closer to the launch date.
