The facelifted Mercedes GLE and GLE Coupe are now hybrid-only SUVs

Mercedes has given its GLE and GLE Coupe SUVs matching facelifts for 2023, and the headline news is that every powertrain on offer in Europe is now a hybrid of some form. 

We’ll run through said powertrains first, as if we’re honest the rest of the updates are pretty standard for a mid-life update and aren’t massively interesting. Sorry Merc. 

Anyway, Mercedes does say that “most models now have more power than the previous versions”, which is never a bad thing. The diesels – a 265bhp GLE300d and 362bhp GLE450d – both use a 48-volt mild hybrid system, as does the 376bhp GLE450 petrol.

Then there are two ‘fourth-generation’ plug-in hybrid options – the GLE400e and the diesel-powered GLE350de – with both offering up to 68 miles of all-electric range. Oh, and you’ve still got the option of two AMG spec GLEs. They’re the straight-six engined GLE53 and the V8 GLE63S complete with 604bhp. Crikey.

All GLEs come with four-wheel drive as standard and Mercedes has made some changes to the off-road modes, including the addition of a transparent bonnet feature that helps you place the car between obstacles. If you ever take it off road, that is.

Things like the improved Driving Assistance Package and updated 360-degree parking camera will probably be used by GLE owners more often, and we’re told that there’s been big updates to help you tow up to 3.5 tonnes with ease. 

As previously alluded to, there’s the usual facelift fare of new bumpers, fresh light signatures and new wheel designs too, while the AMG models get more standard equipment and a software update for the air suspension that supposedly helps with roll stabilisation. 

Inside there’s new trim, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, chrome slats on the air vents and new 12.3-inch dial display and infotainment screens. 

What do we think, folks?