Take a look at the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE, and you may think it just received a minor refresh. The same exterior with revised front and rear fascias, star-patterned LED headlights, and taillights. Nothing major, right? Oh, but that’s so not the case. The 2027 GLE receives a lot of changes under the skin, approximately 3,000 new or revised parts. So, with that said, let’s take a closer look.
Starting with what hasn’t changed, the GLE still has two and three-row seating options. Optional power second-row seats add extra adjustability and a recline function. On three-row models, a power easy-entry function makes it simpler to get to the back. Meanwhile, cargo capacity checks it at between 22 and 29 cubic feet with the second row up, and 72.6 cubic feet behind the front seats. Every model now comes standard with a panoramic sunroof.
2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE: Four Powertrain Options
Under the hood, the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE has four powertrain options. The GLE 350 uses a 2.0-liter turbo-four with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, while the GLE 450 has a 3.0-liter turbo I-6 with 375 hp and 413 lb-ft. At the top of the range, the GLE 580 uses the new flat plane crank 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 from the refreshed S-Class, which makes 530 hp and 553 lb-ft. All three engines feature a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that has an integrated starter generator with 23 hp and 151 lb-ft to support low-speed driving, improve efficiency, and provide superior power delivery.
For those looking for a plug, the GLE 500e returns. It uses the same turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6 as the GLE 450 but couples it to a powerful electric motor and a high-capacity drive battery. The latter allows it to go 106 km or around 66 miles in all-electric mode on the WLTP cycle. Total system output for the GLE 500e checks in at 429 hp and 502 lb-ft. All models come standard with 4Matic AWD. Expect a nine-speed automatic transmission to come standard on all variants. Towing capacity tops out at 7,700 pounds.
Unparalleled Chassis Sophistication
Mercedes stiffened the tuning for the standard setup and the optional Airmatic air suspension for better agility and comfort. The available E-Active Body Control takes things one step further by keeping the vehicle level regardless of payload. The car can be raised or lowered as needed. The system features 20 sensors and 5 multi-core processors, allowing it to respond predictably to every driving scenario. The control units can analyze the road over 1,000 times per second and adapt the suspension accordingly. It also works together with the Dynamic Select drive modes to provide maximum comfort or agility.
E-Active Body Control also has additional functions. Free-wheel mode can help free the vehicle from sand, while Individual wheel control can adjust the suspension at each wheel individually during off-road driving. Since E-Active Body Control operates off of 48 volts, it can recuperate electrical energy on rough roads for additional efficiency.
Cutting-Edge Tech On All Fronts
The 2027 GLE has a new water-cooled supercomputer processor to help run the MB. OS Artificial Intelligence system. It also comes standard with the MB. DRIVE Standard suite of active safety technologies. You can also opt for extras like Distance Assist DISTRONIC, MB. DRIVE ASSIST, and MB. DRIVE ASSIST PRO. A new CITY PRO feature that allows for point-to-point driving even in the city will be available at a later date. Other driver assistance features include parking assist, a surround-view camera with transparent hood view, and a new reverse maneuvering function that allows the car to back up automatically along the most recently driven route.
On the infotainment front, the MBUX interface comes standard now, backed by MB. OS. The 2027 GLE also features the Superscreen, which houses three 12.3-inch displays all under a single piece of glass. It supports video streaming services on the passenger’s side and video conferencing apps while stopped. An 18-inch augmented reality head-up display is also available, along with MBUX augmented reality for navigation and digital key. For the best listening experience, opt for the 15-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system with Dolby Atmos, which now has 710 watts of power.
Expect the 2027 GLE to go on sale before the end of the year.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
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