2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE Photos, Specs, and Tech

More power, next-generation safety features, and improved off-roading define the refreshed 2027 GLE.

Benjamin Hunting | 

Apr 9, 2026 | 5 min read

Mercedes-Benz

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE only offers a few visual clues that it's been given a thorough refresh — it's what's under the skin of this midsize SUV that's likely to draw in luxury-seeking shoppers. There are engine power improvements for nearly every model, a move to the automaker's massive Superscreen infotainment system, and plenty of off-road and safety technologies to help keep the GLE competitive with its rivals.

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The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE Lineup

The 2027 GLE returns in standard SUV and sporty Coupe body styles. The SUV models include the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 500e, and GLE 580. Coupes come in GLE 450 specification. Mercedes is also planning to roll out AMG GLE 53e Hybrid performance variants of both the SUV and the Coupe. The automaker's 4Matic all-wheel-drive system is standard across the lineup.

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Does the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE Have a New Design?

Styling changes for the 2027 GLE-Class are mostly incremental. Peer into the headlights and you'll see a set of three-pointed stars that match the Mercedes-Benz logo, a detail that's repeated at the rear in the taillights. The headlights themselves and the grille that they flank are two of the more noticeable changes for this year, as are the design of the lower front bumper and the new light bar across the SUV version's rear liftgate.

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2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE Interior

The biggest change to the GLE-Class' interior is staring drivers right in the face. The new dashboard features the MBUX Superscreen, a trio of displays that runs from one edge of the cabin to the other. A new Beech Brown interior hue is available for 2027, while two-tone AMG Line Nappa leather is also new. A newly standard panoramic glass roof is also present on every model.

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2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE Infotainment

Each display panel used by the MBUX Superscreen measures 12.3 inches. In front of the driver, the screen serves as the gauge cluster, while the center panel handles entertainment, communications, and other vehicle-information tasks. The passenger panel is only active when someone is sitting in that seat — otherwise it defaults to showing a Mercedes-Benz logo. The MBUX system also offers a virtual assistant that can take the form of a human avatar.

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2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE Seating 

The GLE is a five-passenger SUV, but a third-row seat is available as an option. The panoramic sunroof extends to the most remote passenger position in the vehicle, helping to eliminate claustrophobia, and the second-row seats include an access feature to make it easier to clamber back there. This puts the GLE in the same conversation as the Genesis GV80, Lexus GX, and Volvo XC90 luxury SUVs when it comes to passenger capacity. 

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2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE Engine Options

The GLE 350 features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 255 horsepower. Moving up to the GLE 450 rewards you with a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder generating 375 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. An electric motor is added to that engine in the GLE 500e plug-in hybrid, which jumps to 429 horsepower and 502 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 that generates 530 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque lives under the GLE 580's hood. The AMG has a performance-tuned version of the GLE 500e's drivetrain. 

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2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE Specs

Every 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class comes with 4Matic all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission. There are multiple drivetrain options available, including four-cylinder, six-cylinder, and eight-cylinder engines, plus efficiency and performance-oriented plug-in hybrids. Notable options include the E-Active Body Control adaptive suspension, which can adjust the ride height of the vehicle (including the ability to lower the rear of the vehicle more than 2 inches to make loading cargo easier). 

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Can a 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE 4Matic Go Off-Road?

The new GLE offers better off-roading capability than you might expect. The 4Matic system can shift all engine torque to either the front or rear axle, as needed, in low-traction conditions. It includes a low-range gear in the transfer case and the ability to mimic a center differential lock. The adaptive suspension can rock the vehicle free when stuck, in addition to individually adjusting ride height for each of its four wheels if needed. Finally, a transparent hood view of the area immediately ahead of the SUV is available through the center infotainment screen. 

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2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE Towing Capacity

Mercedes-Benz rates the new GLE-Class' maximum towing capacity at 7,700 pounds. That's enough to handle a wide range of trailer options, including larger campers, car transporters, or even livestock trailers. The SUV's height-adjustable suspension automatically keeps the vehicle level with a trailer when hitched up, and its stability-control system features a trailer-specific mode that counteracts any sway detected while driving. 

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2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE Safety Features

The 2027 GLE offers the most up-to-date version of Mercedes-Benz's MB.Drive advanced driver-assistance features. In total, the SUV claims a dozen ultrasonic sensors, 10 cameras, and half as many radar units keeping watch on the area surrounding the vehicle while driving. These feed data to systems governing parking assistance, adaptive cruise control, and self-steering on the highway. Mercedes-Benz said it expects to deliver the City Pro feature in the future; this system can recognize and respond to stop signs and traffic lights in an urban environment.

Benjamin Hunting

Nearly two decades into his career as an automotive journalist, Benjamin has had his hands greasy, his hair blown back, and his heart broken by more than one project car. In addition to his work at Capital One, he has contributed features and reviews to Motor Trend, Car and Driver, Hagerty, Driving Line, Inside Hook, Super Street, European Car, Roadkill Magazine, Motor 1, The Drive, the Toronto Star, the National Post, Business Insider, NAPA, Autoblog, Automotive News Canada, and AutoGuide. He is also cohost of the Unnamed Automotive Podcast and cocreator of the Code 45 and Dead Air graphic novels. In his spare time, he's a friend to vinyl and enjoys keeping the shiny side up during track days.