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

 

[Centurion]

This looks like GLE from temu or GTA. When luxury is this shouty, it’s not luxury.

 

[AndreB]

I hope the front turns out better, even Ai can design better rear lights.

 

[Ozy]

I hope the front turns out better, even Ai can design better rear lights.

@Uygar

 

[klier]

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

Brash like a Vito.

 

[fan_of_642]

I like it in a way.
But definetely these Facelifts as well as the S-class-Mopf were the reasons to fire GW.

 

[Ozy]

I like it in a way.
But definetely these Facelifts as well as the S-class-Mopf were the reasons to fire GW.

Too little too late, should have fired him when he presented his vision for the mopfs…

 

[Serpens]

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

M

The exhaust is nestled directly next to the ignition wiring. In hotter climates especially the ignition wiring melts and requires a very expensive repair.

It’s any car with that engine really. Some unfortunate folks have had this cause a shorted ECU.

 

[Swissbob]

That’s interesting, I am curious If this still the case with the new M256 EVO.

 

[Serpens]

That’s interesting, I am curious If this still the case with the new M256 EVO.

The issue isn’t specific to the GLE53 btw, it’s any M256 car. Mercedes dealers have been quietly replacing the wiring on cars still under warranty when they go in for new spark plugs because they can’t work with damaged wiring.

Mercedes is aware of the issue. I have to assume they’ve rectified this in the EVO cars. My dealer claims the new wiring they’re installing in cars suffering from this issue have updated parts but I haven’t checked the part numbers myself.

 

[sako97]

The issue isn’t specific to the GLE53 btw, it’s any M256 car. Mercedes dealers have been quietly replacing the wiring on cars still under warranty when they go in for new spark plugs because they can’t work with damaged wiring.

Mercedes is aware of the issue. I have to assume they’ve rectified this in the EVO cars. My dealer claims the new wiring they’re installing in cars suffering from this issue have updated parts but I haven’t checked the part numbers myself.

To visualize - also hoping this was addressed with the EVO engines. This engine is supposed to be MB’s bread and butter.

 

[Serpens]

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.

I overlooked this comment. 2020 and earlier M177 and M176 motors have a crappy oil separator designs that clog and cause rear main seal leaks. That's requires dropping the engine, which is a far more expensive than the cost for the ignition wiring harness.

Additionally, the oil pump control valve can go bad and that also requires the engine to be dropped. Customers are facing $8k-$10k repairs at the dealer for this repair as well. This part fails in most Mercedes engines but it turns into a mess with the M177/M176 due to its compact design.

I have yet to feel 100% confident in any modern German motor except for the BMW B48 and B58.