GLE goes fully electric across all grades, with refreshed interior and exterior | Mercedes Benz
Mercedes-Benz GLE
Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe
The refreshed new GLE Debuts
Mercedes-Benz Japan has announced minor changes to its SUV models, the GLE and GLE Coupe, and commenced sales. Concurrently, the new "GLE 450 d 4MATIC Sport" and "GLE 450 d 4MATIC Coupe" grades have been introduced, replacing the "GLE 400d," meaning all grades are now electrified.
Text by YANAKA Tomomi
The previous GLE 400d is now the mild-hybrid GLE 450d
Positioned as the SUV within the E-Class family, the second-generation GLE underwent a full model change in 2019. This model, along with the GLE Coupe, has now received a minor refresh, further enhancing its appeal.
A significant exterior update includes sharper headlights and taillights, adopting Mercedes' new SUV design language. The front bumper has also been redesigned to emphasize its SUV character.
Furthermore, the "GLE 300 d 4MATIC," "GLE 450 d 4MATIC Sport," and "GLE 450 d 4MATIC Sport Coupe" now feature a front grille adorned with countless small three-pointed stars in chrome, a notable enhancement.
The interior has also been updated with Mercedes-Benz's latest generation steering wheel and the standard inclusion of the Burmester® surround sound system, ensuring an enjoyable audio experience.
Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 d 4MATIC
A key powertrain update is the integration of an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) with the previous "GLE 400 d 4MATIC" and "GLE 400 d 4MATIC Coupe," now appearing as the "GLE 450 d 4MATIC" and "GLE 450 d 4MATIC Coupe." This means all grades are now equipped with an ISG.
The ISG, an electric motor positioned between the engine and transmission, also functions as an alternator and starter. Combined with the "48V electrical system," it generates electricity through regenerative braking, similar to conventional hybrid vehicles, and charges a lithium-ion battery with approximately 1 kWh capacity.
At low engine speeds, this stored energy is used to supplement power, contributing to both efficiency and strong acceleration. It also suppresses engine start-up vibrations, enhancing comfort.
During idling, the system adjusts the electric motor's charging current to maintain a stable, low engine speed. It also assists during gear changes by minimizing the time it takes for the engine to reach its ideal RPM, enabling smooth shifts with minimal lag.
Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 d 4MATIC
There are three powertrain options: the "GLE 300 d 4MATIC" features a 2.0-liter inline-4 diesel turbo engine; the "GLE 450 d 4MATIC Sport" and its Coupe variant are equipped with a 3.0-liter inline-6 diesel turbo engine; and the "Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+" and its Coupe variant utilize a 3.0-liter inline-6 gasoline turbo engine.
Functionality has been enhanced with the standard "MBUX AR Navigation" system, which uses augmented reality for navigation. Additionally, the "Dynamic Select" system, allowing drivers to switch engine and transmission characteristics with a single switch, now includes an "Off-road" mode to improve capability on snow and rough terrain.
In this "Off-road" mode, the "Transparent Bonnet" function, utilizing the 360° camera system, becomes available. It virtually displays the road surface beneath the front of the vehicle on the media display, allowing drivers to identify obstacles like large rocks or potholes without leaving the car.
Furthermore, the newly developed Off-road screen displays the vehicle's tilt, road gradient, altitude, latitude and longitude, and compass on the cockpit display. In addition, the media display shows the GLE's current posture on the terrain and the front wheels' steering angle, enabling easy operation of all off-road driving functions on a single screen.
Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 d 4MATIC Coupe
Pricing for the GLE starts at 13.76 million yen for the "GLE 300 d 4MATIC," 14.66 million yen for the "GLE 450 d 4MATIC Sport," and 17.28 million yen for the "Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+". For the GLE Coupe, the "GLE 450 d 4MATIC Sport Coupe" is priced at 14.80 million yen, and the "Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe" at 18.05 million yen.
