(Motorsport-Total.com/Motor1) – Since 2019, the X 167 and V 167 have been in use – probably better known as the Mercedes GLE and GLS. A first revision was already announced in April 2023, which arrived at dealers in the fall. Now the second facelift for the big Stuttgart models is due.
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Anyone who only expected a few new aprons will be proven wrong. The Swabians have heavily revised the Mercedes GLE and GLS both technically and visually and are reaching deep into the electronics box. Time for a detailed look at what awaits us.
Body and Design
Mercedes is proceeding cautiously but purposefully with the exterior design. On the front of the GLE, new light signatures are immediately noticeable, giving the corporate face a more modern touch. The sporty AMG derivatives in particular are now more clearly differentiated: the new Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 rolls up with a revised, AMG-specific radiator grille and newly designed air intakes.
At the rear, newly shaped taillights in the familiar striking star design now stand out, rounded off by the typical exhaust system with twin tailpipe trims. For those who want to stand out in terms of color, the special “High-tech silver magno” paint finish can be ordered for the AMG for the first time.
Interior
The focus of the facelift was clearly on the cockpit. In both the GLE and the GLS, the huge MBUX Superscreen is now part of the standard equipment. The continuous screen surface combines three 12,3-inch displays into a seamless operating unit. The system is powered by the new MB.OS operating system, which functions as a supercomputer and, thanks to artificial intelligence, has a virtual assistant that can conduct complex dialogues.
In the GLS, which is positioned as the “S-Class among SUVs,” rear passengers can look forward to two 11,6-inch displays. Mercedes is also upgrading the audio: the Burmester sound system now offers 710 watts and Dolby Atmos. In addition, new color combinations are used in the interior.
Powertrains and Chassis
Under the hood, Mercedes is reorganizing the engine range. The powertrains have been extensively revised to increase agility while improving the noise level. For the GLE, there are two diesels, two gasoline engines, and one plug-in hybrid to choose from. The latter, the GLE 450e 4Matic with 240 kW (326 PS), is now said to be able to drive over 106 kilometers fully electrically. The top model GLE 580 4Matic now produces 395 kW (537 PS) in the facelift instead of the previous 380 and provides 730 Nm of torque over a wider range.
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The two six-cylinder diesels, GLE 350d 4Matic with (210 kW (286 PS) and GLE 450d 4Matic with 270 kW (367 PS), are now equipped with an electric heating catalyst. This brings the exhaust system to the optimal temperature range early on and ensures that the temperature remains in the desired range throughout the entire driving cycle.
Further technical improvements include cylinder liners from Formula 1 and steel pistons with so-called shaker cooling. As part of the transition, the popular diesel PHEV (GLE 350 de) is being discontinued. Depending on the drive, the GLE can tow up to 3.500 tons. The GLS only comes with the two diesel and gasoline options; the plug-in hybrid remains reserved for the GLE.
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The new “E-Active Body Control” system of the GLE and GLS analyzes the driving situation 1.000 times per second. In combination with cloud data, the air suspension adjusts the dampers electronically just before the vehicle rolls over an obstacle or a bump. The further developed driving assistance systems also offer partially automated driving.
AMG GLE 53 with 48 volts or plug-in
The AMG GLE 53 benefits from a further developed 3,0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, which now produces 330 kW (449 PS). The model is offered in a wide range – as an SUV and Coupé, and optionally as a 48-volt mild hybrid or 400-volt plug-in hybrid.
The former then adds a small electric motor with 17 kW (23 PS) on top, which “boosts” during acceleration, while the plug-in gasoline engine can draw on a further 135 kW (184 PS). This allows the GLE 53 to sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 4,5 seconds. DC charging with 60 kW is optionally available.
On the chassis side, the powerhouse continues to come with AMG Ride Control+ air suspension and adaptive damping. AMG Active Ride Control with active roll stabilization is optionally available for the 48-volt version. Both received a software update and a new setup as part of the model update.
How much will the update cost?
How much do the large SUVs cost? Mercedes has not yet mentioned official prices in the first press releases. However, a look at the previous price lists gives a good indication of where things are headed: the old model of the GLE (as a 300 d) recently started at around 85.000 euros, while the Coupé was just over 97.500 euros.
Anyone who opted for the AMG GLE 53 had to invest at least 112.500 euros. Since the facelift brings significantly more standard equipment – including the Superscreen – the base prices could increase noticeably once again.
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