​​Preview of the 2027 GLE SUV and Coupe​ 

It isn’t a full redesign, but for the Mercedes-Benz 140th birthday, the brand has given the GLE series an extensive update for the 2027 model year, with approximately 3,000 new or revised components. Changes include the exterior, interior, drivetrains, and available technology. Mercedes-Benz of Plano gives you a preview of this impressive new offering.  

The GLE will continue to be offered in two body styles.  There is the traditional SUV body with seating for five, or an available third row for seven when needed. And now, with a standard panoramic sunroof featuring a sliding section and over 10.8 square feet of glass. The GLE Coupe retains the same 4-door fastback style and will strictly be a five-seater. As with previous GLE models, the 2027 GLE will be built in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. 

Updated Exterior 

Both body styles will feature new front-end styling that aligns with the Mercedes-Benz current design language. This includes a larger, frameless grille up front, with the bumper dipping downward to accommodate it, and an illuminated star at its center. The brand’s iconic three-pointed star appears twice in each headlight cluster as daytime running lights. The grille mesh also features this tri-star motif. Triangular LED lighting shapes in the taillights echo the theme. 

Available up front are new, next-generation DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps with micro-LED technology that produce a larger, high-resolution lighting field and increased brightness while consuming up to 50 percent less energy than the previous system. 

Impressive New Technology 

Inside, the new dash elegantly combines technology and simplicity, with the MBUX Superscreen providing three integrated 12.3-inch screens across the front, including one in front of the front passenger, all behind a single seamless glass panel. The latest generation of MBUX incorporates sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI), enabling the new MBUX Virtual Assistant to engage in natural, nuanced dialogues.  

The navigation system is now based on Google Maps while retaining the Mercedes-Benz user interface. The optional MBUX Augmented Reality overlays navigation and traffic cue graphics onto live visuals, which is especially useful in complex driving scenarios such as unfamiliar cities or intricate highway exits. Three-dimensional animated arrows guide the driver, while a forward-facing camera records the road ahead. Virtual objects and data are then superimposed on the real-time video feed on the central screen or on an 18-inch area of the windshield, if equipped with a head-up display. 

The standard front passenger display enables entertainment streaming from Disney+, YouTube, Sony RIDEVU, and more for the front passenger, while the vehicle is in motion, with filtering to avoid distracting the driver.  Other uses of the screens include new video conferencing capabilities through a variety of downloadable in-car apps, with safety provisions to prevent the display of shared screens or slides while the vehicle is in motion.  As part of the camera system, Off-Road mode activates the “transparent hood,” allowing drivers to view obstacles directly ahead that would normally be blocked by the hood. 

There is even innovation behind the climate control vents, as the new optional ENERGIZING AIR CONTROL incorporates an innovative electric air filter that refreshes the indoor air every 90 seconds. Central to this system is a sophisticated multi-stage filtration mechanism featuring an electric filter, thereby guaranteeing exceptionally clean air. 

Multiple Drivetrain Choices 

Perhaps benefitting from being in the middle of Mercedes-Benz’s offerings, the GLE models can be equipped with drivetrains ranging from a turbocharged 4-cylinder to a twin-turbocharged V8 with a distinctly updated turbocharged inline-6 in the middle, plus a plug-in hybrid.  As usual, each drivetrain has its own model designation.  Here is a quick rundown: 

• GLE 350 –2.0-liter, turbocharged inline-4, 255-hp, 295 lb-ft  

• GLE 450 – 3.0-liter,turbocharged inline-6, 375-hp, 413 lb-ft 

• GLE 500e – 3.0-liter, turbocharged inline-6 hybrid 322-hp, 395 lb-ft 

• GLE 580 – 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V8, 530-hp, 553 lb-ft of torque 

Compared with the 2026 model, the GLE 450 torque has been increased by 50 lb-ft. 

All engines are paired with a 9-speed transmission and send power to all four wheels through the 4MATIC® system. Towing capacity is up to 7,700 pounds, which is enough for most trailered boats, a horse trailer, or a fairly good-sized travel trailer.   There will, of course, be an AMG® GLE 53, and most likely an AMG® GLE 63, though there is no information on those models at this time.   

Sophisticated Chassis Technology 

The GLE 580 debuts a new suspension system called E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL. The system features five multi-core processors and more than 20 sensors to respond predictively to any driving situation. Control units analyze the driving situation 1,000 times per second and adjust the suspension accordingly. With the DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs, drivers can prioritize either maximum ride comfort or dynamic agility. The system can individually control the spring and damper forces on each wheel to counteract roll, pitch, and lift, resulting in a body that no longer dips under braking and acceleration. 

More to Come 

There is much more to discover about this model, and information such as prices and official fuel economy figures won’t be available until closer to the launch, expected in the fall of 2026.  Contact one of our sales professionals and have them inform you when the first models arrive in our showroom and our vast Mercedes-Benz of Plano inventory.