By Otsile Kadiege

Launched back in 2018, the Mercedes-Benz GLE range has reached its mid-life cycle and is ready for a nip and tuck to boost its appeal to potential customers. The refreshed models get minor exterior and interior updates, as well as new technologies, improved equipment and electrified powertrains.

Updated exterior design and styling

Outside, the new GLE SUV and GLE Coupé feature two horizontal louvres with chrome inserts which run through the radiator grille of the GLE. The grille of the outer air intakes has been given a horizontal chrome fin. As standard, the GLEs are equipped with LED High-Performance headlamps with two light points – the distinctive daytime running light signet . Customers can opt for Multibeam LED headlights with four light points. The designers have also revised the interior of the taillights: on the GLE, the light signet is formed by two horizontal blocks, on the GLE Coupé it is two bars.

The AMG Line exterior is now standard on the GLE Coupé. Elements of this line include the diamond grille with Mercedes-Benz pattern in chrome, the AMG front apron with chrome trim element, AMG side sill panels and wheel arch cladding in the vehicle colour, as well as the AMG rear apron with diffuser-look insert.

Fresh additions to the colour palette of these two SUVs are sodalite blue metallic and Manufaktur alpine grey solid. Two aerodynamically optimised light-alloy wheels in 19- and 20-inch sizes complete the line-up of choices for the GLE. They feature a high-sheen finish and a five-twin-spoke design. The AMG Line exterior also features a new 21-inch wheel design. The ambient lighting with animated projection of the Mercedes-Benz pattern is available as a new optional extra.

Updated interior styling and technology

New to the interior of the GLE and GLE Coupé is Mercedes-Benz’s latest design steering wheel, centre and side air vents galvanised in real metal, new interior colour combinations like catalana beige/black (GLE SUV) and bahia brown/black (GLE SUV and GLE Coupé).

More interior highlights include two 12.3-inch displays running on the latest MBUX infotainment with ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice command, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and OTA updates. Customers can opt for a 590 watts, 13-speaker Burmester surround sound system which now also features the personal sound setup as well as the Dolby Atmos immersive audio experience and the Energizing Air Control system.

Powertrains

Thanks to mild hybrids with 48-volt technology and the Integrated Starter Generator as well as plug-in hybrids, the GLE SUV and GLE Coupé are now electrified throughout. The plug-in hybrids have a permanently excited 100 kW synchronous machine and offer a system output of up to 280 kW as well as a system torque of up to 750 Nm. With slightly increased electric ranges of up to 109 kilometres according to WLTP.

An 11 kW charger is now on board the plug-in hybrid models for charging from the domestic AC mains or the three-phase wallbox. In addition, an optional 60 kW DC fast charger is available on request. Most models now have more power than the previous versions. The biggest is the increase with 30 kW on the GLE 400 e 4Matic, which was never available locally.

Mercedes-Benz South Africa is yet to confirm local availability of the updated models. Specs and engine lineup should be announced closer to local launch dates.

Pricing

GLE 300 d 4Matic – R1,964,600

GLE 300 d 4Matic 7 seater – R1,984,000

GLE 450 4Matic – R2,075,400

GLE 450 4Matic 7 seater – R2,094,800

GLE 450 d 4Matic – R2,041,500

GLE 450 d 4Matic 7 seater – R2,060,900.00