Mercedes tweaks its GLE and the GLE Coupe variant very slightly, as well as the spicy AMG versions. Have you planned your magnifying glass?
Launched in the winter of 2018, the Mercedes GLE arrives at mid-career and receives for the occasion slight alterations. So small that you would almost have to take out a magnifying glass to see the differences…
Game of Seven Mistakes
On the outside, the carcass of the SUV and the drop-roof Coupé variant is identical. Just do we notice different LED light signatures at the front and at the back. The grille keeps the same shape but receives two chrome and hollow inserts on each side of the central logo. The front bumper is slightly reworked, with more imposing body-colored inserts. New colors (Sodalite Blue metallic and MANUFAKTUR Alpine Grey) and new rims (19, 20 and 21 inches) have also been added to the catalogue. Mercedes notes that the AMG Line finish is standard on the GLE Coupé, and therefore gives a sportier look from the entry level.
On board, almost no change. The square air vents remain, while the steering wheel evolves slightly. Taken from Class C and Class E, it offers double branches with not very ergonomic touch surfaces to manage audio or navigation in the screens. The GLE still has numerous options for colored leather upholstery (beige, chocolate, black and red, etc.) and full equipment, including for example the Burmester audio system with 13 speakers or the ambient lighting taken from the S-Class.
Revised engines
On the engine side, some of them receive 48V micro-hybridizations with alternator-starter, like the rest of the range. This is the case of the 300d (269 hp) and 450d (367 hp) diesel engines, as well as the AMG versions of 435 and 612 hp. The gasoline 450 4Matic (367 hp) disappears from the catalog, replaced by a 400e plug-in hybrid variant of 381 hp.
Engine offer in France:
GLE :
- GLE 300d 269 ch (+ 15 kW boost electric)
- GLE 350 of 333 hp (197 thermal hp + 100 kW electric)
- GLE 400e 381 hp (252 hp thermal + 100 kW electric)
- AMG GLE 53 435 ch (+ 15 kW boost electric)
- AMG GLE 63 S 612 ch (+ 16 kW boost électrique)
GLE Coupé:
- GLE 350 of 333 hp (197 thermal hp + 100 kW electric)
- GLE 400e 381 hp (252 hp thermal + 100 kW electric)
- GLE 450d 367 ch (+ 15 kW boost electric)
- AMG GLE 53 435 ch (+ 15 kW boost electric)
- AMG GLE 63 S 612 ch (+ 16 kW boost électrique)
New equipment
The GLE is still equipped with a 4Matic all-wheel drive as standard in Europe, and can tow up to 3.5 tonnes, allowing for example to take a horse trailer, a flatbed transporting an old car or a caravan. It gains some additional equipment, such as the “transparent bonnet” function (display of the underside of the car on the central screen in off-road mode) which is already fitted to the electric EQE SUV and EQS SUV.
The Mercedes GLE and GLE Coupé are still produced at the plant in Tuscaloosa, USA. They will arrive in concession in July 2023, at a price still unknown for the moment. For the record, the classic GLE starts at €84,200 currently, while the Coupé variant requires a minimum of €91,350.
Photos : Mercedes.
Also read on Auto-Moto.com:
Mercedes Class A and Class B restyled: the game of the seven differences
Mercedes GLC test: 1,000 km at the wheel of the diesel SUV
Mercedes CLA: slight restyling for the four-door coupé and the Shooting Brake
