11:37 01-04-2026

Mercedes-Benz unveils updated 2027 GLE with new tech and features

Discover the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE facelift, featuring engine upgrades, MBUX Superscreen, and advanced driver assistance systems. Competing with BMW X5.

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the updated 2027 model year GLE. This facelift is comprehensive, touching on design, engineering, and digital architecture, as the SUV prepares to compete with the new BMW X5.

Engineering and Chassis

The engine lineup has seen significant revisions. The base GLE 350 retains its 2.0-liter engine but now features an electric compressor for improved responsiveness. The GLE 450 version gains more power thanks to upgrades to its inline-six.

The plug-in hybrid GLE 500e now comes with a 3.0-liter engine and has increased its electric-only range to 106 km. The top-tier GLE 580 receives a V8 from the S-Class with enhanced performance characteristics.

The suspension has also been refined. The updated Airmatic system offers greater comfort, while the E-Active Body Control system can proactively adapt to road conditions.

New Interior and Technology

The cabin has been completely redesigned. The centerpiece is the MBUX Superscreen, featuring three displays integrated into a single panel. A new AI-powered voice assistant, developed with Microsoft and Google, has been introduced, along with expanded augmented reality functions.

In a notable move, Mercedes has partially brought back physical controls—such as steering wheel switches—in response to criticism over excessive digitalization.

Driver Assistance Systems

The GLE receives a new water-cooled computing platform. The system incorporates cameras, radars, and ultrasonic sensors to enable next-generation assistance features.

The City Pro function allows the vehicle to partially take over control in urban traffic. Over-the-air updates are also supported, making the system future-proof for upcoming capabilities.

The updated GLE is more than just a facelift; it represents Mercedes' attempt to maintain control in a segment where the rules are changing fast. Unlike previous generations, which focused on comfort and status, the key factors now are software architecture and the ability to update the vehicle after purchase.

In practice, the GLE is becoming a "digital platform on wheels." This shift carries a significant risk: premium buyers still expect a sense of luxury from Mercedes, not a smartphone-like interface. The outcome of its battle with the new BMW X5 will depend on how successfully the brand can strike this balance.