THE facelifted 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE, GLE Coupe and GLS have been revealed with updated styling, revised powertrains and new in-car technology, following their previous updates in 2023.
Externally, all three models adopt the brand’s latest design language, featuring the three-pointed star graphic in the headlamp DRLs and tail lamps, along with a revised front fascia.
A highlight is the updated 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft, now fitted to the GLE580 4Matic and GLS580 4Matic. This produces 537 PS and 750 Nm, up from 518 PS and 730 Nm previously.
The GLE450 4Matic continues with a 3.0-litre inline-six petrol engine, now producing 381 PS and 560 Nm, the latter increased by 12% through updates including a more powerful electric auxiliary compressor and revised intake and exhaust components.
The plug-in hybrid GLE450e 4Matic pairs a 326 PS/540 Nm combustion engine with a 183 PS/480 Nm electric motor, offering up to 106 km of electric-only range (WLTP). All variants except the PHEV receive a 48-volt mild-hybrid system with a 23 PS/205 Nm integrated starter-generator.
Inside, the GLE range now comes standard with the Superscreen setup, comprising a 14.4-inch central display, a 12.3-inch driver display and a 12.3-inch passenger display. Updates also include a new steering wheel with physical scroll controls, revised front seats and an electrically adjustable second-row bench to improve third-row accessibility.
Alongside the standard models, the Mercedes-AMG GLE53 4Matic+ and GLE53 Hybrid 4Matic+ (including Coupé variants) have also been updated. The GLE53 uses a 3.0-litre inline-six producing 449 PS and 600 Nm (640 Nm with overboost), supported by a 48V system.
The plug-in hybrid version combines this with a 184 PS electric motor for a total system output of 585 PS and 750 Nm, enabling a 0-100 km/h time of 4.5 seconds. EV range is rated at up to 88 km for the SUV and 90 km for the Coupé, with DC fast charging up to 60 kW allowing a 10–80% charge in around 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, the GLS receives similar updates, including the same V8 in the GLS580 4Matic, along with revised six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines producing 381 PS/560 Nm, 313 PS/650 Nm and 367 PS/750 Nm respectively. Unlike the GLE, the GLS range does not include a plug-in hybrid variant.
The refreshed GLS’s Airmatic air suspension gets cloud-based damper control, which uses car-to-X communication to adjust suspension settings based on upcoming road conditions.
Inside, the GLS features a Superscreen layout with three 12.3-inch displays, seven electrically adjustable seats and dual 11.6-inch rear entertainment screens. An electric air filtration system is also introduced, capable of renewing cabin air approximately every 90 seconds.
The updated 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE, GLE Coupe and GLS are expected to go on sale in Europe later this year.