2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE Reviews, Pricing & Specs

This fourth-generation model (if we count earlier generations badged as the M-Class) has been around since the 2020 model year but received one previous facelift for 2024. The styling changes are more extensive this time, headlined by a star motif for the lights and grille. Mercedes figured that repeated logos work just as well for cars as they do for designer handbags, so it turned the headlights and taillights into three-pointed stars and scattered a few more in the grille. There’s just under 150, by our count, including the big one in the center.

These changes are applied to both the standard GLE SUV and the GLE Coupe, which has a lower roofline for a sleeker appearance. They don’t really improve the looks of either body style, though, merely adding to a discordant collection of styling features. The SUV has the same rounded silhouette as the old M-Class—including its distinctive angled C-pillar—but that doesn’t work well with the boxy fenders and squared-off lower detailing. The contrast is even more jarring on the GLE Coupe, which looks like it’s been stepped on.

As before, the GLE lineup encompasses both standard and AMG performance models. The AMG GLE models have sportier styling elements such as larger air intakes, prominent exhaust tips, and “Panamericana” grilles with vertical chrome struts. The performance models also come standard with 21-inch wheels; 19-inch and 20-inch wheels are standard on the non-AMG GLE SUV, while GLE Coupes get 20-inch wheels as standard.

Inside, the dashboard has been rearranged to make room for the standard door-to-door Superscreen display, but everything else stays pretty much the same. Fit and finish is what one should expect in a Mercedes, but the level of material quality depends on how high buyers are willing to go up the trim-level ladder. Entry-level models have MB-Tex artificial leather upholstery a lot of grained plastic, but that can be replaced with fancier materials, including wood trim with a smart textured grain and real leather upholstery. The Manufaktur Interior Package on higher trim levels adds more vibrant upholstery color options.

Mercedes offers a staggering array of powertrain options in the 2027 GLE, including four-, six-, and eight-cylinders, and two plug-in hybrid powertrains. A nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD) are standard across the board.

The base GLE 350 4Matic (not available in the coupe body style) has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The GLE 450 4Matic has a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six producing 375 hp and 413 lb-ft, and the GLE 580 4Matic (SUV-only) has a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 rated at 530 hp and 553 lb-ft. All three have a mild-hybrid system with a small electric motor that shares some of the workload under light throttle and makes the fuel-saving engine start/stop system more effective.

Mercedes tweaked these engines for 2027, including switching the V8 from a cross-plane crankshaft to a flat-plane crank. The latter is normally associated with high-revving performance, but here it’s mainly aimed at reducing emissions. The GLE 580’s V8 also boasts an extra 20 hp and 15 lb-ft. Peak torque for the inline-six increases by 44 lb-ft, and Mercedes claims increased responsiveness thanks to a new cylinder head and other changes. The base turbo-four gets an electric compressor like the bigger engines to keep its turbo spooled up at lower rpm, helping to prevent lag.

We only had the opportunity to drive the inline-six and V8 models, both of which impressed with their smooth power application and quick acceleration. The V8 was the real star, though. In the GLE, there's just enough power to make the driving experience special without descending into hooliganism. And when drivers aren't charging past a line of semi trucks, the V8’s relaxed demeanor is perfect for a luxury car. Mercedes even preserved the distinct burble of the previous cross-plane-crank engine.

The cars we drove had the optional air suspension system, which further added to the luxurious feel. Like the pre-facelift version, the 2027 GLE isn’t as sporty as its rivals from Acura, Audi, and BMW. The ride is nicely cushioned, but the chassis is slow to react when changing direction. The steering is equally languid, and the lack of feedback makes it hard to be precise with the wheel.

In addition to the core models, Mercedes offers the GLE 500e 4Matic plug-in hybrid for 2027. Available only in the SUV body style, it has an inline-six instead of the previous GLE plug-in hybrid’s four-cylinder engine, bringing the total system up to 429 hp and 502 lb-ft of torque, while a 25.3-kilowatt-hour (usable capacity) is a bit bigger than before. An EPA electric-range estimate was not available at the time of writing.

The AMG GLE 53 Hybrid takes that plug-in hybrid powertrain and turns it up to 577 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, and gets an AMG-specific transmission, AWD system, AMG suspension, and AMG brakes. The AMG GLE 63 S tops the lineup with an upgraded version of the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 603 hp and 627 lb-ft, along with its own chassis upgrades.

Mercedes continues to offer two-row and three-row options. A third row is common in the midsize luxury SUV segment but not universal, in part because they’re a tight squeeze for vehicles of this size. For buyers who regularly use the third row, it might be worth stepping up to the full-size Mercedes-Benz GLS, which shares the GLE’s platform and got the same complement of updates for 2027.

Interior dimensions remain the same, because Mercedes didn’t make any changes to the body shell as part of this refresh. That makes for class-competitive first row headroom, but some rivals offer more legroom. This isn’t just a numbers thing; we found it difficult to get in a proper driving position without feeling as though we were sitting right up against the dashboard. The new dash doesn’t obstruct the view forward the way the old one did, at least. Heated power front seats with four-way lumbar and memory are standard. Ventilation and massage are available as options, while AMG models get more snug sport seats.

Second-row headroom and legroom are fairly generous by segment standards. For 2027, SUV models get a standard panoramic glass roof (it was previously standard only on GLE Coupe models), while an optional Rear Seat Package for the GLE 580 4Matic adds heated power-adjustable second-row seats with pillow headrests, as well as power sunshades.

In the GLE Coupe, rear-seat headroom and rear visibility are noticeably affected by the lower roof, as is cargo space. The GLE SUV has 33.3 cubic feet behind its second row and 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded—respectable numbers for this segment. In the GLE Coupe, cargo space shrinks by 1.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 10.8 cubic feet behind the front seats. But that’s still more cargo space than a BMW X6—the GLE Coupe’s closest competitor.

The GLE’s maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds (when properly equipped) is unchanged with the new powertrains and applies to all non-AMG models.

The 2027 GLE is the latest model to get Mercedes’ Superscreen display, which is actually three individual 12.3-inch screens mounted in one flat panel that forms the dashboard fascia. There’s a digital instrument cluster for the driver (which can be optioned with a cool 3D effect), a conventional central touchscreen, and a second touchscreen for the front passenger.

The MBUX infotainment system has also been upgraded. It’s now running Mercedes’ in-house MB.OS operating system, and the voice-assistant is AI-enhanced. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are retained, though.

This is a case where adding screens and software features doesn’t necessarily improve the experience. The previous version of MBUX was already pretty good, and the voice recognition already capable of handling a lot of functions. The new operating system gives Mercedes more flexibility, and AI is the technology of the moment, but at least right now, they don’t raise the high bar Mercedes set for itself with its last infotainment system. And front-passenger screens remain questionable when passengers can simply use the main touchscreen.

For 2027, Mercedes’ augmented-reality head-up display is an option on the GLE for the first time. When using the navigation system, this projects arrows showing exactly where the driver is supposed to turn, which can be helpful with complex intersections or hidden driveways. An inward-facing camera and native Microsoft Teams App enable videoconferencing, and buyers can listen to their colleagues through a 15-speaker Burmester audio system that’s standard on all but the base GLE 350 4Matic model.

Standard driver-assistance features include lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitors, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a stop light, traffic-sign and speed-limit recognition, evasive steering assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality. The standard adaptive cruise system also automatically adjusts speed based on the route and posted limits.

A parking-assist system, with sensors and an automated reversing feature, is also available, along with a surround-view camera system that includes a “transparent hood” view showing the positions of the front wheels for off-road use. Other features may become available at a later date pending regulatory approval. Mercedes says the GLE’s sensor suite can support a more-advanced driver-assistance system, and its new headlights can be programmed to turn individual elements on and off to steer the high beams away from oncoming drivers.

Crash-test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) were not available at the time of writing. The structurally identical 2026 model received the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS but wasn’t tested by the NHTSA.

Should a collision occur, Mercedes’ Pre-Safe system will close windows and tighten seatbelts to minimize the potential for injuries, while Pre-Safe Sound plays a “pink noise” through the audio system to prevent hearing loss.

EPA-estimated fuel economy is 23 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway) for the turbo-four GLE 350 4Matic and 21 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway) for the turbo-six GLE 450 4Matic. Estimates for the V8 models were not available at the time of writing. The GLE 500e 4Matic plug-in hybrid should offer competitive electric range, and it’s equipped with DC fast charging that can complete a 10-80% charge in 29 minutes, according to Mercedes.

Pricing starts at $69,850 for the GLE 350 4Matic (all prices include a $1,450 destination charge). The GLE 450 4Matic starts at $76,250 but the coupe version is $6,400 more. The GLE 500e 4Matic starts at $82,450 while the GLE 580 4Matic starts at $97,750. The plug-in hybrid AMG GLE 53 Hybrid and V8-powered AMG GLE 63 S start at $98,450 and $138,550, respectively. There’s a $1,000 upcharge for the coupe body style on the GLE 53 and a $2,000 upcharge on the GLE 63.

The GLE starts close to the Audi Q7 and the BMW X5, but those German alternatives are redesigned for the 2027 model year and have standard six-cylinder power. Acura, Genesis, and Lexus have much lower starting prices, although not necessarily with similar equipment levels. The real problem from a value perspective is that the best GLE is a V8-powered 580 4Matic with the optional massaging seats and Manufaktur Interior Package. Such a vehicle is pushing six figures, but this spec elevates the GLE to a true luxury vehicle.

And regardless of the powertrain, this refresh just doesn’t move the needle that much. The GLE was already a pretty decent luxury SUV, after all. The new model looks flashier inside and out, but will probably be no different to live with.