2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE: All about Wheels and Suspension

The Mercedes-Benz GLE continues to define the luxury SUV category, combining cutting-edge suspension technology, versatile wheel options, and refined driving dynamics. With notable updates for the new model year, the GLE delivers an enhanced driving experience for families and adventurers alike. 

What's New for 2026?

The GLE introduces several refinements to its wheel and suspension systems, enhancing both performance and comfort. The AMG GLE 53 model comes equipped with 21-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels and all-season tires, offering a perfect blend of style and functionality. The standard GLE models feature redesigned wheel options ranging from 19 to 22 inches, with new patterns and finishes that complement the vehicle's elegant exterior.

For the suspension, Mercedes-Benz has fine-tuned the adaptive damping system to provide an even more responsive and comfortable ride. The 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system works in harmony with the suspension to ensure confident traction and control in varied road and weather conditions.

Advanced Suspension Systems

AIRMATIC Air Suspension

The GLE comes standard with the AIRMATIC air suspension system on most trims, representing the Mercedes-Benz commitment to ride comfort and versatility. This advanced system automatically adjusts the vehicle's ride height based on driving conditions, load, and selected drive mode.

The AIRMATIC suspension offers several key benefits:

• Automatically lowers the vehicle at higher speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag and improve stability
• Raises ground clearance by up to 55 mm for off-road driving or challenging terrain
• Maintains optimal vehicle level regardless of load conditions
• Provides exceptional comfort by absorbing road imperfections

E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL

For those seeking the ultimate in suspension technology, the GLE offers the available E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL system. This revolutionary 48-volt active suspension system combines the AIRMATIC air suspension with advanced hydropneumatics to deliver unprecedented control over body movements.

E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL scans the road ahead using stereo cameras and adjusts each wheel individually to counteract bumps before you even feel them. This system delivers several remarkable features:

• CURVE function that actively leans the vehicle into corners, reducing lateral forces and enhancing comfort
• Individual wheel control that can raise or lower each wheel independently
• FREE-DRIVING mode that can rock the vehicle free when stuck in sand or snow
• Ability to counteract body roll during cornering and pitch during acceleration or braking

The system processes data from road surface scans, steering input, and vehicle movement to make up to 1,000 adjustments per second, ensuring optimal ride comfort and handling precision in any situation.

Wheel Technology and Options

AMG Performance Wheels

The GLE 53 AMG model showcases the Mercedes-Benz commitment to wheel technology with its 21-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels. These performance-oriented wheels are designed to provide the perfect balance of weight reduction, strength, and aerodynamic efficiency.

The AMG wheels feature:

• Lightweight construction to reduce unsprung mass for improved handling
• Optimized spoke design for enhanced brake cooling
• High-strength alloys that can withstand the demands of performance driving
• Distinct AMG styling that enhances the vehicle's athletic presence

Standard Wheel Options

The GLE lineup offers a range of wheel options across different trim levels:

• 19-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels (base models)
• 20-inch multi-spoke wheels with high-gloss finish (middle trims)
• 21-inch AMG twin 5-spoke design (higher trims)
• 22-inch multi-spoke wheels with bi-colour finish (top-tier models)

Each wheel option is engineered to complement the GLE suspension setup, with larger wheels providing enhanced visual impact while smaller options prioritize ride comfort over rough surfaces.

Tire Technology

The GLE comes equipped with advanced tire technology designed specifically for its suspension characteristics. All-season tires come standard across the lineup, offering reliable performance in various weather conditions.

Mercedes-Benz partners with premium tire manufacturers to develop rubber compounds and tread patterns optimized for:

• Noise reduction to enhance the cabin's quietness
• Extended tread life without compromising grip
• Balanced performance in wet and dry conditions
• Reduced rolling resistance for improved fuel efficiency

The GLE tire pressure monitoring system continuously monitors tire pressure, alerting drivers to potential issues before they affect safety or comfort.

Driving Modes and Suspension Integration

DYNAMIC SELECT System

The GLE features the advanced DYNAMIC SELECT system, which lets drivers customize the vehicle's suspension response to driving conditions and personal preferences. Each mode adjusts damper firmness, steering weight, throttle response, and transmission shift patterns.

Available driving modes include:

• Comfort: Prioritizes ride softness and relaxed steering for everyday driving
• Sport: Firms up the suspension, increases steering weight, and sharpens throttle response
• Sport+: Further enhances dynamic performance with the firmest suspension settings
• Individual: Allows drivers to personalize each parameter independently
• Off-Road: Raises the suspension and optimizes traction systems for challenging terrain
• Off-Road+: Provides maximum ground clearance and specialized traction programming for serious off-road use

In each mode, the suspension system works harmoniously with other vehicle systems to deliver a cohesive driving experience that suits the conditions at hand.

Off-Road Capability

Suspension Adaptability for Varied Terrain

The GLE suspension system transforms this luxury SUV into a capable off-road vehicle when needed. With the AIRMATIC system, ground clearance can be increased to navigate challenging terrain, while the available E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL takes off-road capability to new heights.

The off-road suspension features include:

• Adjustable ride height with up to 55 mm of additional ground clearance
• Individual wheel actuation to maximize traction on uneven surfaces
• Specialized off-road driving modes that optimize suspension response
• Hill descent control that automatically maintains a set speed on steep declines

The GLE suspension system allows it to tackle off-road challenges while returning to its composed on-road character at the push of a button.

Performance-Oriented Suspension Tuning

AMG-Enhanced Suspension

The GLE 53 AMG features specially tuned suspension components that deliver more responsive handling without sacrificing comfort. The AMG-enhanced air suspension comes standard on these performance-oriented models, offering a sportier baseline setting while maintaining the adaptability of the standard system.

Key AMG suspension enhancements include:

• Stiffer air springs for more direct road feel
• Recalibrated adaptive damping for reduced body movement
• Performance-oriented alignment specifications
• Reinforced suspension components to handle increased dynamic loads
• AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL that uses electromechanical actuators to control roll stability

These performance enhancements enable the GLE 53 to deliver impressive handling while maintaining the versatility expected of a luxury SUV.

Suspension Technology Innovations

Predictive Suspension Adjustment

One of the most impressive features in the GLE is the predictive suspension adjustment system. This forward-thinking technology uses the vehicle's navigation system and forward-facing cameras to anticipate road conditions and prepare the suspension accordingly.

When approaching a curve, the system will preemptively adjust damping rates and, in vehicles equipped with E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL, engage the CURVE function to lean into the turn. Before encountering speed bumps or potholes, the system can soften the appropriate dampers to maintain cabin comfort.

This predictive capability represents the cutting edge of suspension technology, allowing the GLE to deliver a ride that seems to anticipate the road ahead.

Chassis Engineering and Wheel Alignment

The GLE benefits from a meticulous Mercedes-Benz approach to chassis engineering, with precise wheel alignment specifications that optimize tire wear, handling precision, and ride comfort.

The GLE chassis features:

• Multi-link suspension design at all four corners for precise wheel control
• Aluminum components to reduce unsprung weight
• Sophisticated bushings that filter out road noise while maintaining handling precision
• Precise alignment specifications that balance straight-line stability with cornering agility

These engineering details form the foundation for the advanced GLE suspension systems, ensuring that even the most basic models deliver the refined driving experience expected from a Mercedes-Benz.

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE: Engineered for Excellence

The Mercedes-Benz GLE wheel and suspension technology exemplifies the brand's commitment to engineering excellence. From the standard AIRMATIC air suspension to the revolutionary E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL system, every component works together to deliver an exceptional driving experience.

Whether navigating urban streets or exploring off-road terrain, the sophisticated suspension ensures you make a statement while enjoying unparalleled comfort and control. The carefully selected wheel options complement these advanced systems, providing the perfect blend of style and functionality.

Questions and Answers about the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Wheels and Suspension

What makes the E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL system in the 2026 GLE unique?

• This system represents a revolutionary approach to vehicle suspension by combining air suspension with hydropneumatics and 48-volt technology. What makes it truly unique is its ability to control each wheel independently, actively counteract body movements, and scan the road ahead to prepare for surface changes before they're encountered. The system can even "dance" by raising and lowering individual wheels to help free the vehicle when stuck in sand or snow.

Why does Mercedes-Benz offer different wheel sizes for the GLE?

• There are different wheel sizes ranging from 19 to 22 inches to balance different priorities. Smaller wheels provide better ride comfort, improved fuel efficiency, and more affordable tire replacement. Larger wheels enhance the vehicle's visual presence, improve handling by reducing sidewall flex, and provide space for larger brake components. The variety allows customers to prioritize either comfort or sportiness, depending on their preferences.

How does the CURVE function work in the GLE suspension?

• The CURVE function, available with E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL, actively leans the vehicle into curves similar to how a motorcyclist leans into a turn. Using the stereo camera to detect upcoming curves and sensing lateral acceleration, the system adjusts the air spring and damper at each wheel to create up to 3 degrees of body lean toward the inside of the turn. This reduces the lateral forces experienced by passengers, enhancing comfort during cornering.

Can the 2026 GLE suspension settings be saved for different drivers?

• Yes, it includes a driver profile system that saves preferred suspension settings, seat positions, climate control preferences, and other vehicle parameters. When different drivers use their personalized key or select their profile in the MBUX system, the vehicle automatically adjusts suspension characteristics to match their saved preferences, including damper firmness, ride height, and steering feel, in the Individual driving mode.

How does the GLE tire pressure monitoring system enhance safety?

• It features an advanced tire pressure monitoring system that does more than simply warn of low pressure. It monitors each tire in real time, detecting subtle pressure changes that might indicate a slow leak before it becomes dangerous. The system also considers temperature variations and can advise when seasonal tire changes are recommended based on persistent temperature trends. This proactive approach enhances safety by addressing potential tire issues before they affect vehicle handling or lead to a blowout.

*Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle, feature availability.*