STUTTGART: The new 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE has 3,000 new or revised components, and offers enhanced ride comfort through new cloud-based damper control.
Like the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS, the top-of-the-range V8 model, the GLE 580 4Matic is now noticeably more responsive in the important partial load range.
Its rated power has increased from 380 to 395kW (517PS to 537PS).
Maximum torque of 750Nm (up from the 730 Nm previously) is available across 2,500 to 4,500rpm.
In the GLE 450 4Matic, the six-cylinder petrol engine now responds even more quickly, as more torque is available.
Furthermore, the rated torque has increased to 560Nm, an increase of 12 percent.
The GLE 450e 4Matic plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is also based on this new, in-line six-cylinder engine and offers an increase of 55kW in power output compared with its predecessor.
Pure electric range is 106km, according to WLTP.
For the first time, the two six-cylinder diesel models, the GLE 350d 4Matic and GLE 450d 4Matic, are equipped with an electric heating catalyst.
This brings the exhaust system up to the optimum temperature range early on.
Other technical refinements include Nanoslide cylinder liners, as used by Mercedes-Benz in Formula 1, and high-tech steel pistons with so-called shaker cooling.
The reduced friction and improved thermal behaviour result in better overall efficiency.
All petrol and diesel engines have an integrated starter generator (ISG).
When combined with turbocharging, this ensures outstanding power delivery.
The system includes a 48-volt electrical system, which enables functions such as coasting, boost, and recuperation, resulting in significant fuel savings.
Also, with five multi-core processors and more than 20 sensors, E-Active Body Control responds predictively to any driving situation.
The control units analyse the driving situation 1,000 times per second and adapt the suspension accordingly.
Since this active suspension system can individually control the spring and damper forces on each wheel, it counteracts not only roll but also pitch and lift movements, culminating in a body that no longer dips when braking and accelerating.
The Airmatic air suspension and the standard suspension likewise deliver a well‑balanced driving experience.
The new GLE models are equipped with a new, water-cooled supercomputer processor. It has extensive power reserves for future driving assistance functions.
Each model is equipped with a variety of sensors: 10 exterior cameras and up to five radar sensors and 12 ultrasonic sensors.
These sensors work together with a powerful control unit running MB.OS.
Artificial intelligence processes the sensor data to assess the traffic situation in the surrounding area.
In Europe, MB.Drive Standard is standard equipment with functions such as Distronic distance control.
MB.Drive Parking Assist detects parking spaces on both sides of the vehicle at a particularly early stage and, for the first time, also enables diagonal parking.
Meanwhile, the new MBUX generation integrates multi-agent artificial intelligence (AI) from Microsoft, Google and ChatGPT.
MB.OS, the Mercedes-Benz Operating System, transforms the GLE into an intelligent companion that thinks, learns and evolves with its driver.
This supercomputer uses AI is connected to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud.
For the first time in the GLE, Magic Vision Control (optionally available) offers intensive cleaning of the windscreen.
When the vehicle is stationary, and temperatures are above freezing, an intensive cleaning programme can be started by pressing and holding the wash button.
Nozzles in the wiper blades first spray the entire wiping area with washing water.
The wiper blades then remain in this upper position for 30 seconds.
This softens even stubborn dirt, allowing it to be wiped away effortlessly.
