Mercedes-Benz GLE 2024: updated model launches; prices up by as much as $25,000

Mercedes-Benz has announced lineup details for its updated GLE-class large SUV and coupe, which will see a refreshed model lineup and price increases across the board.

The BMW X5 and Audi Q7 competitor will debut a number of updates spanning its powertrain – all models now featuring 48V mild-hybrid technology – as well as its interior connectivity, and styling.

The updates for the new model – which goes on sale locally this month – have resulted in varying price increases for all grades, ranging from as little as $32 to a the most significant jump of over $25,000 for the entry-grade GLE 300d 4Matic SUV.

What does the new model lineup look like?

Mercedes has made some small tweaks to its model lineup, with four grades on offer for the SUV and three grades on offer for the coupe, as detailed below.

GLE SUV

• GLE 300d 4Matic
• GLE 450d 4Matic
• Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic+
• Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+

GLE Coupe

• GLE 450 4Matic
• Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic+
• Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+

Mercedes has removed the GLE 450 4Matic SUV from the lineup, although it is still on offer in Coupe form. The previously named GLE 400d SUV has also now been renamed 450d. 

What else is changing inside and out?

The updated GLE will debut subtle tweaks to its exterior design including new front bumpers and new accents for the front and rear lights. The updated model will also sport a fresh alloy wheel design.

Inside, Mercedes is debuting a number of upgrades to its tech and infotainment with the GLE range to adopt the newest generation of the MBUX infotainment system and a new steering wheel with touch sensitive buttons.

All GLE models also now come standard with adaptive LED headlights, a Burmester sound system, panoramic sunroof, head-up display, and memory front seats, amongst other features. 

What changes are there to the powertrain?

The vehicle will continue to be offered with a suite of diesel or petrol engines, all mated with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

All models now include a 48V mild-hybrid system, with much of the lineup also receiving a boost in power output.

Diesel engines include a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder making for 198kW and 550Nm for the GLE 300d, while the GLE 450d is powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel inline-six cylinder which makes for 270kW and 750Nm of power.

The GLE 300d has experienced a 18kW bump in power, with the GLE 450d up 27kW from the previous GLE 400d. 

There are three petrol engines to choose from across the grade including a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol inline-six cylinder for the GLE 450 Coupe, which makes 280kW and 500Nm – a gain of 10kW on the outgoing model.

AMG variants can be specified with either a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol inline-six cylinder for the GLE 53, making for 320kw and 560Nm, or a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine making for 450kW and 850Nm.

Grade walk for the new Mercedes-Benz GLE

A full-spec sheet has not yet been released, however some selected highlighted features across the different grades include: 

GLE 300d and GLE 450d:

• AMG Line Exterior
• Adaptive LED headlights
• ‘Driving Assistance Package Plus’
• Burmester Surround Sound System
• Panoramic sunroof
• Head-up display
• Aluminium running boards
• Keyless entry 
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 12.3-inch touchscreen media system

Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ SUV adds:

• AMG-specific front grille
• AMG Night Package
• AMG Ride Control+ adaptive suspension
• AMG Performance exhaust system
• AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather

Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 4Matic+ SUV adds:

• AMG-specific front grille
• Multicontour seats
• Climatised Front Seats
• Climate-controlled cup holders
• Power Closing Doors
• Heated windscreen washer system
• Guard 360 Vehicle Protection Plus package

GLE 450 4Matic Coupe adds: (on top off GLE 300d SUV)

• AMG Line interior
• Night package 

Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ Coupe adds: (on top of GLE 450 Coupe)

• ‘Multicontour’ seats
• ‘Interior Assistant’
• Climatised Front Seats
• Climate-controlled cup holder
• Power Closing Doors
• Heated windscreen washer system
• Guard 360 Vehicle Protection plus

Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 4Matic+ Coupe adds: (on top of GLE 53 Coupe)

• Seat-heating for driver and front passenger seats
• Armest heating for driver and front passengers
• AMG Active Ride Control
• AMG electronic rear-axle limited-slip differential

What option packages are available?

Mercedes will also offer a Plus package for $6,900 (MLRP) as an option for all variants bar the AMG 63 S 4Matic+. This package includes features such as:

• Multicontour seats
• Surround lighting with animated projection of the Mercedes-Benz pattern
• Climatised front seats
• Luxury head restraints in the front
• Seat heating for driver and front passenger seats
• Power closing doors
• Temperature-controlled cup holder

Mercedes also offers a number of other packages including a seven-seat package available on all SUV variants bar the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ for $3,900 (MLRP). This brings third-row seats and electrically adjustable rear seats.

As well as this, an airmatic package is available for the 300d and 450d SUVs as well as the 450 coupe for $3,400 (MLRP). This brings with it suspension with an active damping system. 

A towbar package includes trailer coupling and increased towing capacity for $2,900 (MLRP). Specing the towbar package on the 450 coupe also requires it to be coupled with the airmatic package.

Lastly, a ‘Guard 360 Vehicle Protection Plus’ package is available for the 450 Coupe only for $1,400 (MLRP).

Mercedes-Benz GLE: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

GLE SUV

• GLE 300d 4Matic: $144,900 (+$25,726)
• GLE 450d 4Matic: $166,900 (+25,230 vs previous 400d)
• Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic+: $179,900 (+$32)
• Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+: $266,900 (+$11,631)

GLE Coupe

• GLE 450 4Matic: $159,900 (+$3430)
• Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic+: $190,900 (+$131)
• Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+: $268,900 (+$10,931)