In the automotive industry, the term “facelift” usually describes a subtle restyling that’s meant to keep the car looking good for another two or three years. But when Mercedes-Benz decides to mark 140 years since Carl Benz changed the course of history with his first patent, “subtle” is out of the question.
The new GLE and GLE Coupe facelift (2027) are not just a mid-career update; they are a show of technological strength, cramming no fewer than 3,000 new or revised components under the body.
At first glance, the 2027 GLE retains its imposing allure, but the details make the difference between a premium SUV and a benchmark of luxury. The Stuttgart designers have revised the front spoiler and air intakes, but the real show begins at dusk.
For those who want to stand out during the day, the color palette has been enriched with the shades Dark Petrol Uni and Patagonia Red Metallic, accompanied by new 20-inch wheels.
If the exterior is an evolution, the interior is a small digital revolution. Mercedes-Benz has decided to take the big step: MBUX Superscreen is now standard equipment. This means that the dashboard is dominated by three 12.3-inch displays, protected by a single glass surface.
Innovation for the passenger: The right-hand screen is no longer an optional extra. When the seat is unoccupied, it displays ambient graphics, but once occupied, it becomes an entertainment center capable of playing video content or independent navigation.
Key elements in the passenger compartment:
Under the hood, the GLE 2027 offers solutions for every type of driver, with all units now being electrified (Mild-Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid).
| Model Version | Engine Type | Power Output | Key Features |
| 350d / 450d | 3.0 Diesel MHEV | 286 / 367 HP | Aluminum block, maximum efficiency |
| 450 4Matic | 3.0 Petrol MHEV | 381 HP | 12% torque increase (560 Nm) |
| 450e 4Matic | Plug-in Hybrid | 326+135 HP | 106 km electric range (WLTP) |
| 580 4Matic | 4.0 V8 MHEV | 537 HP | Flatplane crankshaft configuration |
| AMG 53 Hybrid | Plug-in Hybrid | 585 HP | Top performance for GLE & Coupe |
Special mention deserves the V8 engine on the 580 version, which adopts a flatplane crankshaft architecture, a technical solution usually taken from performance cars for a more prompt response and a distinct acoustic note.
To keep these power resources under control, Mercedes-Benz has refined the E-Active Body Control system. With the help of 5 processors and 20 sensors, the car “reads” the road 1,000 times per second. And for off-road enthusiasts, the “transparent hood” function uses external cameras to project on the screen what is exactly under the front wheels.
Safety is managed by a new electronic brain, powered by AI, which processes data from 10 cameras, 5 radar sensors and 12 ultrasonic sensors. Although the MB.Drive Assist Pro package is already ready, Europeans will have to wait a little longer until legislation allows the full activation of advanced autonomous driving functions.
On the Romanian market, the new Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLE Coupe (2027 facelift) represent a benchmark in the luxury SUV segment, being already available for configuration and ordering in the official dealer network.
The first units of the new facelift are scheduled to arrive in showrooms in Romania in the last quarter of 2026 and early 2027. Romanian customers can already place personalized orders, with a wide range of equipment packages available, of which AMG Line remains the most popular choice locally.
Estimated and Starting Prices. Prices reflect the massive technological upgrade (the 3,000 new components and the standard MBUX Superscreen system). Although the figures may vary slightly depending on the exchange rate and local taxes at the time of purchase, the starting thresholds (including VAT) are:
| Model Version | Powertrain | Est. Price (incl. VAT) |
| GLE 300 d 4Matic | 2.0 Diesel MHEV (269 HP) | from ~€87,000 |
| GLE 450 d 4Matic | 3.0 Diesel MHEV (367 HP) | from ~€102,000 |
| GLE 450 e 4Matic | Plug-in Hybrid (326+135 HP) | from ~€108,000 |
| AMG GLE 53 Hybrid | Plug-in Hybrid (585 HP) | from ~€135,000 |
Particularities for Romania
So , although the new prices reflect a considerable jump compared to previous generations, the standard technology package (Superscreen, Comfort seats, state-of-the-art headlights) positions the GLE 2027 as one of the most competitive models in its class on the Romanian market.
The bottom line? 140 years after the first automobile, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 2027 proves that you don't have to reinvent the wheel every few years, but you can certainly make it spin much smarter.