Every few years, the Mercedes-Benz GLE gets an update—a minor nip here, a small tuck there, and occasionally, a new engine for good measure. Rather than completely revamping its popular mid-size SUV, Mercedes seems content to keep tweaking the GLE nearly a decade into its current generation.
So if you were expecting a major overhaul for 2027, sorry to disappoint. Mercedes has once again tweaked the GLE for the new model year, giving it an updated design, a refreshed interior, and a bit more power. The company does boast 40 percent new parts over its predecessor.
But can you really blame them for taking the safe route? Even on a platform that’s getting up there in age, the latest GLE does enough to make an already great SUV even better.
Stars. Stars Everywhere.
Photo by: Mercedes-Benz
It starts with the design. The first thing you’ll probably notice (as did I) is the sheer number of Three-Pointed Stars scattered across the exterior—the grille, headlights, hood, and more. Fun fact: There are 162 of them on the Coupe. I counted.
The GLE’s new look is part of a broader Mercedes-Benz design refresh that’s spreading like wildfire across nearly the entire lineup. In your author’s humble opinion, it’s not necessarily an improvement.
The headlights are chunky and blend into an equally oversized grille, while the lower bumper gets a new treatment that looks a little clunky on an otherwise svelte SUV. Compared with the pre-facelift model from 2018—or even the first facelifted GLE from 2023—all those stars and oversized design elements make the new exterior feel a little tacky.
Photo by: Mercedes-Benz
Photo by: Mercedes-Benz
Photos by: Mercedes-Benz
Buyers still have to make the choice between the traditional SUV and Coupe body styles, the latter of which carries over for 2027 despite rumors that it might be on the chopping block. Interestingly, I think the updated design actually works better on the Coupe. Its sleeker roofline blends more naturally with the new taillights and bumper treatment.
There is some good news elsewhere, though: new paint. Buyers can now choose Patagonia Red Metallic or Dark Petrol Solid, the latter of which is one of the prettiest paint colors I’ve seen on an SUV in a while. The new hues are joined by updated 22- and 23-inch wheel options.
Sixes, Eights, And Hybrids, Oh My
Photo by: Mercedes-Benz
The 2027 GLE offers multiple powertrains, ranging from the four-cylinder base GLE 350 to six-cylinder, V8, and plug-in-hybrid options higher up the lineup. The GLE 450 and GLE 580 are the two models I drove.
The GLE 450 gets an updated version of Mercedes’ turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Total output is 375 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, giving it an additional 44 lb-ft over last year.
As expected, the result is a buttery-smooth powertrain with just enough punch to keep things interesting. Mash the throttle and power arrives almost instantly, thanks in part to that 48-volt system. Keep your foot planted and the GLE 450 builds speed surprisingly quickly, even as you approach the top of the rev range.
The optional Airmatic air suspension keeps the GLE composed through corners, with minimal body roll and plenty of responsiveness. The steering is a little light for my taste, but it’s still sharp.
As expected, the result is a buttery-smooth powertrain with just enough punch to keep things interesting.
The GLE 580 gets the biggest change for 2027 with the arrival of a new flat-plane-crank 4.0-liter V8 borrowed from the S-Class. Here, it produces 530 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque—gains of 20 hp and 15 lb-ft over the 2026 model. And boy, does it move.
More so than in the larger GLS, Mercedes’ new flat-plane V8 feels right at home in the GLE. It’s powerful, smooth, and—especially for a mid-size luxury SUV—sounds fantastic. Just put your foot down and go. And kudos to Mercedes for keeping a V8 around in the first place.
On the handling side, the GLE 580 gets the optional E-Active Body Control system, which can predict body movements before they happen. Clever? Very. Necessary? Not really.
The GLE is perfectly pleasant to drive with the standard Airmatic adaptive suspension. Adding E-Active Body Control doesn’t fundamentally change its character. Save yourself a few thousand bucks.
Hello, Mercedes
Photo by: Mercedes-Benz
Inside the 2027 GLE, you’re greeted by Mercedes-Benz’s latest MBUX Superscreen setup, complete with three 12.3-inch displays: one for the digital instrument cluster, one for the center touchscreen, and another for the front passenger.
The interface itself isn’t radically different from what we’ve seen before. It runs MB.OS with the fourth-generation MBUX, bringing some modest updates and a cleaner overall experience to the GLE for 2027.
All in all, it works well. The screen is relatively easy to navigate, and Mercedes has thankfully retained a handful of physical buttons for frequently used functions.
Mercedes also set out to improve its “Hey, Mercedes” voice-command system for 2027, and the improvements are noticeable. With AI now baked into the system, it can respond to more natural requests, making things like turning down the A/C or switching off lane centering much easier.
Photo by: Mercedes-Benz
There’s still one thing I really dislike, though: the steering-wheel controls.
Mercedes says it updated the controls for 2027 based on customer feedback, and it even added a volume rocker, which is a welcome change. But they’re still far from perfect.
Accidental inputs happen constantly while driving, with your fingers and thumbs easily sliding over all sorts of controls. I found myself accidentally changing the instrument-cluster display or shutting off the music more than once. It’s frustrating, especially when you’re trying to make a simple adjustment without taking your eyes off the road.
Verdict: Why Mess With A Good Thing?
Photo by: Mercedes-Benz
Getting into a new GLE for 2027 will cost at least $69,850 for the base GLE 350. The GLE 450 starts at $76,250, while the V8-powered GLE 580 costs $97,750. The AMG 53 and 63 models push the price even higher, but we’ll have full reviews of those versions next week.
Aside from a few quibbles with the redesign and some lingering frustration with the steering-wheel controls, it’s really hard to hate the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
When I drove the original version of this generation way back in 2018, I called it “one of the smartest things on four wheels.” Nearly a decade later, that still feels like an appropriate description.
The GLE has gotten more powerful, more technologically advanced, and more capable without losing the qualities that made it so good in the first place. It may not be an all-new SUV, but it doesn’t really need to be.
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| 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 Specs | |
| Engine | Twin-Turbocharged 4.0-Liter V8 Mild-Hybrid |
| Transmission | Nine-Speed Automatic |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Speed 0-60 MPH | 4.2 Seconds (est.) |
| Weight | 5,479 Pounds |
| Efficiency | TBD |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Towing | 7,700 Pounds (Max) |
| Cargo Volume | 33.3 / 74.9 Cubic Feet |
| Base Price | $69,850 |
| Trim Base Price | $97,750 |
| On Sale | Now |
