2026 Mercedes GLE/GLS Facelift

[Serpens]

I like the front end. It's more brash.

 

[Merc1]

Only a few more days to go. The engine lineup for the GLE is going to be very interesting and extensive. I wonder if the GLE 350 will be the first Mercedes to ditch that 255hp version of the 4-cylinder for one with 290+ hp? It is sorely needed. Will the regular GLE53 go away and be replaced by the plugin GLE53 hybrid? Or will MBUSA sell both? Does the current GLE53 get the new EVO version of the I6 if this model carries over and isn’t replaced by the plugin version?

M

 

[Dopebouy]

Since GLC53 & C53 are coming with M256 EVO, i think the GLE53 will be Plugin-hybrid just like E53. Otherwise it won’t make total sense how the E53 will remain a plugin-hybrid but the GLE53 is not.

Only a few more days to go. The engine lineup for the GLE is going to be very interesting and extensive. I wonder if the GLE 350 will be the first Mercedes to ditch that 255hp version of the 4-cylinder for one with 290+ hp? It is sorely needed. Will the regular GLE53 go away and be replaced by the plugin GLE53 hybrid? Or will MBUSA sell both? Does the current GLE53 get the new EVO version of the I6 if this model carries over and isn’t replaced by the plugin version?

M

 

[Merc1]

We will find out soon.

M

 

[empower77]

I hope they don’t donk the 580… I’m seriously looking to get one

 

[Merc1]

It is the ultimate sleeper in the range.

M

 

[sako97]

We can’t have it both ways from MB nowadays - they’ll fix the aging interior, but mess up the exterior with the new corporate look. This gen was the first time MB well-executed the ML/GLE design without a facelift.

It is the ultimate sleeper in the range.

M

A valiant salesman rep in my area has convinced many customers to look past visuals of the GLE53 and get GLE580s via special order. It’s a makes the most of the larger “mid-size” platform and doesn’t feel stressed under duress as the 4 cylinder GLE (a crime imo) or the GLE53, which on paper is a great combination, but is riddled with engineering oversights, particularly in hot climates and for long-term reliability. The ride of the 53 is also pretty terrible with the firm suspension + AMG large wheels.

He is doing the lord’s work pushing this sleeper, but I sure someone at MB’s accounting department has already identified the trim level as a low-margin offering that the market doesn’t need.

A GLE580 engine can run 10+ years/100k+ miles with good maintenance, whereas it’s a roll of the dice for both the 350 and 53.

 

[Merc1]

We can’t have it both ways from MB nowadays - they’ll fix the aging interior, but mess up the exterior with the new corporate look. This gen was the first time MB well-executed the ML/GLE design without a facelift.



A valiant salesman rep in my area has convinced many customers to look past visuals of the GLE53 and get GLE580s via special order. It’s a makes the most of the larger “mid-size” platform and doesn’t feel stressed under duress as the 4 cylinder GLE (a crime imo) or the GLE53, which on paper is a great combination, but is riddled with engineering oversights, particularly in hot climates and for long-term reliability. The ride of the 53 is also pretty terrible with the firm suspension + AMG large wheels.

He is doing the lord’s work pushing this sleeper, but I sure someone at MB’s accounting department has already identified the trim level as a low-margin offering that the market doesn’t need.

A GLE580 engine can run 10+ years/100k+ miles with good maintenance, whereas it’s a roll of the dice for both the 350 and 53.

What is wrong with the GLE53 in hotter climates? That is inexcusable for a modern car, especially a Mercedes-Benz.

M