Mercedes-Benz has presented the new facelift gle Y GLE Coupe, and both received exterior, interior, technology and equipment updates. Scheduled to arrive in European dealerships starting in July this year, customers will be able to order the SUVs with mild hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains; AMG options also return.
The visual changes are subtle, with the most obvious being the headlamps that receive a new daylight signature. Instead of two “hockey stick” elements, the DRLs are now represented by dotted lines at the top and bottom areas of each cluster, with the former also featuring a thin light bar.
High-performance LED headlights are standard accessories, but there’s also the option to upgrade to the fancier Multibeam system at cost. As for the taillights, they also get a new light signature with two horizontal bars instead of the previous ringed graphics.
Mercedes-Benz also highlights a new front bumper that “provides more visual presence.” Standard variants pictured with the brighter background are equipped with the AMG Line package, and the sportier bumper now has additional trim around the corner inlets; the GLE also gains chrome fins in this area.
For the GLE Coupe, the AMG Line exterior now comes standard (optional for the GLE) and includes things like a diamond grille, updated grille louvres, AMG side sill panels, body-color wheel arch liner , as well as an AMG rear apron with a diffuser-type insert. New wheel designs are available in sizes ranging from 19 to 21 inches, as are two additional shades: Sodalite Blue Metallic and Solid Alpine Gray.
Full AMG variants also get the new headlights, and ’53’ options also get the new front apron as per the updated AMG line. As for the ’63’ products, they keep the design of the front bumper and square-shaped quad exhaust outlets instead of the circular ones of the ’53’ cars. All AMG versions of the gle Y GLE Coupe It will also continue to come with a Pan American front grill with vertical slats.
Like the exterior, the interior of both SUVs receives some minor tweaks, but otherwise appears familiar. New for 2023 are the latest Mercedes-Benz steering wheel designs that incorporate touch sensors in the spokes, while the air vents now come with chrome accents instead of having a black trim to match the older Mercedes-Maybach GLS. Elegant. A wide range of customization options are available, with numerous upholstery and trim combinations possible in different finishes.
The GLE and GLE Coupe also get the second generation of Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), with the sizes of the driver and center screens remaining at 12.3 inches each. With the newest infotainment system there’s improved voice recognition and support for wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, while the Burmester sound system with 590 watts of amplification and 13 speakers can now support Dolby Atmos for a richer audio experience. immersive.
AMG variants will get model-specific displays for their MBUX system, along with carbon-fiber trim and an AMG Performance steering wheel to bolster their sporty credentials. Other technological changes include the two optional USB-C ports for the rear armrest that can deliver 100 watts of power and Energizing Air Control, which monitors air quality using fine particle sensors and switches between fresh air and recirculated air modes. .
When it comes to powertrains, the standard GLE range is available with three mild hybrid options incorporating 48-volt technology and an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG), the latter capable of delivering a boost of 20PS (20hp or 15 kW) and 200 Nm of torque.
The first of the mild hybrids is the GLE450 4Matic which features a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six petrol engine which, when paired with the ISG, offers a total system output of 381 PS (375 hp) or 280 kW) from 5,800 to 6,100 rpm and 500 Nm from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm.
Next up are two turbodiesels, with the GLE300d 4Matic featuring a 2.0-litre unit for 269 PS (266 hp or 198 kW) at 4200 rpm and 550 Nm from 1800 to 2220 rpm. Finally, there is the GLE450d 4Matic with a 3.0-litre engine that delivers 367 PS (362 PS or 270 kW) at 4,000 rpm and 750 Nm from 1,350 to 2,800 rpm.
Moving on to plug-in hybrids, we find the GLE400e 4Matic, which replaces the previous GLE350e 4Matic. Changes include a more powerful electric motor that is now rated at 136 PS (134 PS or 100 kW) and 440 Nm, while the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 252 PS (248 PS or 185 kW). ) and 400 Nm. Together, the total power of the system becomes 381 PS (375 hp) or 280 kW and 600 Nm.
The second plug-in hybrid is 4Matic’s GLE350 which has the same electric motor, but uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel generating 197 PS (194 PS or 145 kW) and 440 Nm. The net result is a system output of 333 PS (329 PS or 245 kW) and 750 Nm.
A lithium-ion battery with an energy capacity of 31.2 kWh is still used, but with a few tweaks, range has increased by around 10 km, with the WLTP figure for the petrol PHEV being between 98 and 107 km, while it is 94 to 109 km for the diesel PHEV. Both PHEVs also come with an AC charger capable of handling a peak of 11 kW, up from 7.4 kW, and a DC fast charger with a maximum input of 60 kW remains optional.
All standard variants of the GLE and GLE Coupe come standard with a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission and a 4Matic all-wheel drive system. For even more power, you’ll have to move up to the Mercedes-AMG options, of which there are two.
The entry-level option is the GLE53 4Matic+ which uses a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six delivering 435 PS (429 hp or 320 kW) and 560 Nm. For those keeping track, peak torque has increased by 40Nm, with the German automaker saying this is a byproduct of a software update and a bigger turbocharger.
Meanwhile, the GLE63 4Matic+ has been phased out, so we’re left with the big daddy GLE63S 4Matic+, which still has a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 rated at 612 PS (603 hp or 450 kW) and 850 Nm. Both AMGs now come with the 48-volt mild hybrid system of the standard and ISG variants, the latter also sandwiched between the engine and transmission to perform hybrid functions (boost, recuperation, load point shift, coast and continuous start/stop). ). As such, the entire GLE range is now electrified for 2023.
All AMG variants come with a nine-speed AMG Speedshift TCT 9G automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution, as well as AMG Ride Control+ air suspension with adaptive adjustable damping. AMG Active Ride Control active roll stabilization is standard on the GLE63S but optional on the GLE53.
Performance figures for the updated GLE range are as follows:
- GLE450 4Matic – 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds; 250 km/h top speed
- GLE300d 4Matic: 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds; 230 km/h top speed (GLE), 226 km/h (GLE Coupe)
- GLE450d 4Matic: 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds; 250 km/h top speed
- GLE400e 4Matic: 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds; 210 km/h top speed
- GLE350de 4Matic – 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds; 210 km/h top speed
- GLE53 4Matic+ – 0-100 km/h in 5 seconds; 250 km/h top speed
- GLE63S 4Matic+ – 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds; 280 km/h top speed
Renewals of the Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLE Coupé 2023
Facelifted 2023 Mercedes-AMG GLE and GLE Coupe
