2023 Mercedes GLE and GLE Coupe: Prices, specs and release date
- Facelifted large SUVs are on sale now
- The 2023 models get revised bumpers and grilles, with new multibeam LED headlights as standard
- New steering wheel and upholstery colours inside, with revised MBUX infotainment system
- All engines now have mild-hybrid assistance, and plug-in hybrid has extended range
- Prices start at £77,890 for GLE and £92,675 for GLE Coupe
The company’s BMW X5 and X6 rivals – the GLE SUV and the GLE Coupe – now have revised front ends, and mild-hybrid tech as standard on all engines.
The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model has been upgraded too, with new onboard chargers and a slightly increased range. This means all GLE models are electrified in some way.
Inside, there’s a new steering wheel design and new colour options on the leather upholstery. The MBUX infotainment system has been upgraded to the second generation with new features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The move is part of a refresh of all Mercedes SUVs, which began with the GLC last year.
2023 Mercedes GLE and GLE Coupe prices and release date
The revised GLE SUV is on sale now, with prices starting at £77,890. The GLE Coupe, which is available only in higher-spec models, starts at £92,675. In comparison, BMW’s X5 starts at £68,070 and the X6 costs from £74,270.
2023 Mercedes GLE and GLE Coupe styling, interior and technology
Most of the visual changes to the GLE and GLE Coupe are at the front, with new multibeam LED headlights as standard, and a new design of daytime running lights. The front bumper has changed, as have the front air intakes and grille, which now has a chrome horizontal element running through it. The rear lights have been tweaked too, and also have different LED elements within them.
Two new paint colours have been added across the range – Sodalite Blue Metallic and Manufaktur Alpine Grey Solid. AMG Line models get a new 21-inch alloy wheel design, too.
Inside, there’s a new-look steering wheel with touch controls, mirroring those found in other recent Mercedes cars. A few minor tweaks to trim finishes are complemented by new choices of colour for the standard leather upholstery – Bahaia Brown with black, or Macchiato Beige with black.
There are upgrades for the MBUX infotainment system, too. Now on its second generation, it’s controlled through two 12.3-inch displays, one in front of the driver and one in the middle of the dash. The interface can be switched between three distinct styles (classic, sporty and discreet), and the system now features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for cable-free smartphone integration. The “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant is more sophisticated than before and the whole system can be updated using over-the-air software capabilities.
Tech updates for off-road driving (all models have four-wheel drive) include a new “transparent bonnet” feature. When off-road mode is enabled, the central infotainment screen uses cameras to show a virtual view under the front of the car, to help with tight manoeuvring.
The GLE SUV range comprises AMG Line, AMG Line Premium and AMG Line Premium Plus models, while the GLE Coupe range starts at AMG Line Premium level.
2023 Mercedes GLE and GLE Coupe engines, performance and fuel economy
All models of GLE are now electrified in some way, thanks to the addition of mild-hybrid tech to all engines. This 48V system is designed to improve fuel consumption, and also means that just about every model gets a boost in power.
The plug-in hybrid 400 e model now uses the latest generation of tech from Mercedes, which increased the electric-only range to an impressive ceiling of 66 miles.
Petrol engine choices are now the 450 with 381PS and the 380PS 400 e PHEV, while diesel options are the 300 d (269PS) and 450 d (367PS).
There are also high-performance AMG models to choose from. The GLE 53 has a 3.0-litre, six cylinder engine with 435PS, while the GLE 63 S has a whopping 612PS from its 4.0-litre V8.
Fuel economy figures vary by model, from up to 28.5mpg in the GLE 450, and up to 39.8mpg in the 300d. The 400 e PHEV claims up to 282.5mpg, but in real life that will very much depend on how much you run using electric power rather than the petrol engine.
The AMG models are understandably less concerned with fuel economy as they are with performance. The GLE 53 will give you up to 26.2mpg, while the GLE 63 S will manage up to 22.8.
New Cars Coming Soon
Before you step into a showroom, read our in-depth guide to all the new cars coming in the next 12 months and beyond – some are well worth the wait.
Is the new Mercedes GLE fun to drive?
The standard GLE is designed more with luxury and comfort in mind than fun behind the wheel. It’s very comfortable thanks to air suspension, and it’s composed to drive. but it’s not particularly fun in an enthusiast sense. The AMG models are considerably more entertaining, thanks largely to the big, powerful engines and raucous soundtracks.
How fast is the new Mercedes GLE?
Performance in the GLE and GLE Coupe varies from a 0-62mph time of 6.9 seconds in the GLE 300 d, down to 5.6 seconds for both the GLE 450d and the GLE 450. The AMG models are more rapid (and noisy with it), with 0-62mph times of 5.0 seconds for the GLE 53 and 3.9 seconds for the GLE 63 S.
What size is the new Mercedes GLE?
The GLE SUV measures 4,924mm in length and 1,947mm in width, not including the wing mirrors. The coupe is slightly longer and wider, at 4,939 long and 2,010mm wide. For comparison, the BMW X5 is 4,935mm long and 2,004mm wide, while the X6 coupe model is 4,960mm long and the same width as the X5.
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