2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLE Coupe See Subtle Facelift, More Standard Kit

Mercedes gives its stalwart mid-sizer a round of useful updates for 2024.

Mercedes-Benz on Tuesday announced mid-cycle updates for its mid-sized GLE and GLE Coupe SUVs. This generation has been with us since 2018, and the 2024 improvements keep it fighting fit in the luxury SUV space.

In typical Silver Arrow fashion, this facelift is the sort of change you’ll have to squint to see. In fact, the accompanying press release puts the new daytime running lights (DRLs) in the sub-header, as a sign of just how subtle this is. The chrome trim either side of the grille-mounted Mercedes logo is now segmented as well. There is a revised front bumper too, and the interior elements of the taillights are different. There are two new exterior colors (sodalite blue metallic and Manufaktur alpine grey solid), with wheel designs ranging from 20 to 22 inches. New this year is an animated Mercedes logo pattern exterior lighting projection.

Inside, the GLE family steps in-line with more modern offerings elsewhere in the Merc lineup. A new steering wheel adds the spoke-mounted touch sensors, used for navigating the instrument display and central screen. The air vents now have real metal trim, and there’s an available piano black “flowing lines” trim; both features were previously exclusive to the fancy-pants Maybach GLS. While the touchscreen remains the landscape-oriented setup, it now houses an updated MBUX operating system, complete with the latest version of Mercedes’ voice assistant. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now wireless.

Other tech upgrades include the capability for over-the-air (OTA) updates; an Off-Road mode that displays gradient, roll angle, and more through the central screen; and a “transparent engine hood” shows a simulated view in the screen while off-roading.

The AMG models haven’t been left out in the cold, either. All models feature similar visual updates outside, plus a round of newly available interior trim and seat options. The GLE 53 model has seen a software update and larger turbocharger, resulting in a torque increase from 384 to 413 lb-ft. This shaves the dash to 62 mph (100 km/h) to 5.0 seconds. The folks at Affalterbach have also tweaked the AMG active roll stabilization system, the goal of which is to “increase the spread between dynamic handling and comfort,” according to the manufacturer.