What is New for the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE Luxury SUV?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE arrives with a series of refinements that enhance its position as a benchmark in the luxury mid-size SUV segment. Building upon the major updates introduced last year, this latest iteration showcases the Mercedes-Benz commitment to continuous improvement, with subtle yet meaningful changes that elevate the driving experience.

Refined Exterior Design

The GLE maintains its elegant silhouette while incorporating subtle styling updates. The front fascia features a slightly revised grille design with a more prominent Mercedes-Benz star, complemented by slimmer LED headlights that incorporate the latest Intelligent Light System technology. New exterior colour options join the palette, including the sophisticated Silicon Gray and striking Light Blue Metallic finishes, offering owners fresh ways to personalize their vehicles.

At 4,935 mm in length, with a wheelbase of 2,995 mm, the GLE maintains imposing dimensions that contribute to its commanding road presence. Standard 19-inch alloy wheels come on base models, while higher trims offer wheels up to 22 inches, including new designs exclusive to the new model year.

Enhanced Powertrain Options

The GLE offers a comprehensive range of powertrain options, each refined for the new model year. The lineup begins with the GLE 350, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque, complemented by a 48-volt mild hybrid system that provides additional efficiency and performance benefits.

Moving up the range, the GLE 450 features a 3.0-litre inline-six turbocharged engine generating 375 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, while the flagship GLE 580 boasts a 4.0-litre biturbo V8 delivering an impressive 510 horsepower and 730 Nm of torque.

The eco-conscious GLE 450e plug-in hybrid combines a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 381 horsepower while enabling up to 78 kilometers of all-electric range—a significant improvement over the previous generation. The high-performance AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S models round out the lineup, offering 429 and 603 horsepower, respectively, for those seeking exceptional performance.

Advanced Technology Integration

The GLE showcases the latest Mercedes-Benz technology innovations. The MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system receives an update with enhanced natural voice recognition capabilities that no longer require the “Hey Mercedes” wake phrase, allowing for more intuitive interaction. The dual 12.3-inch displays—one serving as a digital instrument cluster and the other as a touchscreen interface—feature improved graphics and response times.

One of the most impressive new technologies is the Transparent Hood feature, which uses the vehicle’s 360-degree cameras to create a real-time view beneath the front of the vehicle, displayed on the central screen. This innovation proves invaluable when navigating challenging terrain, allowing drivers to spot obstacles, deep snow banks, and uneven surfaces before they become problems.

The refined augmented reality navigation system now delivers precise guidance, overlaying animated arrows and street names on a live camera feed of the road ahead. This makes navigating complex intersections and highway exits significantly easier.

Interior Refinements

Inside, the GLE maintains its reputation for luxurious comfort while introducing subtle upgrades. New upholstery options include sustainably produced leather alternatives and premium Nappa leather with distinctive stitching patterns. The ambient lighting system now offers 64 colours and additional lighting zones, creating a more immersive atmosphere.

The second row can be equipped with optional six-way power adjustment, while the available third row provides additional seating when needed. Cargo capacity remains generous at 2,055 litres with the rear seats folded, ensuring the GLE remains as practical as it is luxurious.

Acoustic comfort receives particular attention in the latest model, with additional sound insulation and acoustic glass creating an exceptionally quiet cabin environment, even at highway speeds. The optional Burmester surround sound system now incorporates Dolby Atmos technology for an immersive audio experience.

Enhanced Safety Systems

The GLE builds upon the Mercedes-Benz reputation for safety innovation with several enhancements to its driver assistance systems. The Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and Active Steering Assist features work together more seamlessly, providing sophisticated semi-autonomous driving capabilities in appropriate conditions.

The updated Traffic Sign Assist system now recognizes a wider variety of road signs, including temporary construction zone warnings, while the advanced parking package with 360-degree camera system offers improved obstacle detection and guidance.

Top 5 Best Features

1. Transparent Hood Technology - Uses 360-degree cameras to create a real-time view beneath the vehicle, essential for navigating challenging terrain and spotting hidden obstacles.
2. Enhanced MBUX Voice Assistant - Improved natural language processing that responds to commands without requiring the “Hey Mercedes” wake phrase, distinguishing between driver and passenger voices.
3. Plug-in Hybrid Powertrain - The GLE 450e combines efficiency and performance, offering up to 78 kilometers of all-electric range and rapid acceleration.
4. Augmented Reality Navigation - Projects animated directional arrows and street names over a live camera feed, making complex navigation significantly more intuitive.
5. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems - Refined semi-autonomous driving capabilities that maintain safe distances in traffic and assist with steering through challenging conditions.

5 Facts About the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

1. The transparent hood technology requires processing input from four separate high-definition cameras to create its under-vehicle visualization, requiring significant computing power.
2. The GLE air suspension system can perform a “rocking” motion when the vehicle is stuck in sand or snow, automatically raising and lowering to help free the vehicle.
3. Engineers tested the GLE voice recognition system with over 80 different languages and dialects to ensure consistent performance across global markets.
4. The plug-in hybrid GLE 450e can be programmed to save battery power for specific zones, such as urban areas with emissions restrictions.
5. The most powerful AMG GLE 63 S can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, despite weighing over 2,300 kg—comparable to many sports cars.

Questions and Answers About the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

What new exterior colours are available for the new Mercedes-Benz GLE?

• This luxury SUV introduces two new exterior colours: Silicon Gray and Light Blue Metallic, expanding the palette of available finishes for greater personalization.

How much all-electric range does the GLE 450e plug-in hybrid offer?

• It can travel up to 78 kilometers on electric power alone, a significant improvement over the previous generation.

What is the Transparent Hood technology, and how does it work?

• The Transparent Hood uses a 360-degree camera system to create a real-time view of the ground beneath the front of the vehicle, displayed on the central screen. This helps drivers navigate difficult terrain by revealing obstacles that would otherwise be hidden from view.

What improvements have been made to the MBUX voice assistant?

• It no longer requires the “Hey Mercedes” wake phrase, responds to more natural speech patterns, and can distinguish between driver and passenger voices to adjust settings for the correct seat position.

What is the cargo capacity of the latest GLE?

• It offers up to 2,055 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded down, providing ample room for luggage and equipment.

What is the most powerful engine available in the GLE lineup?

• The most powerful engine is the AMG GLE 63 S, which features a 4.0-litre biturbo V8 producing 603 horsepower and 850 Nm of torque.

Does the GLE offer three rows of seating?

• Yes, it can be equipped with an optional third row of seats, increasing passenger capacity from five to seven.

What advanced safety features are included in the GLE?

• This luxury SUV includes numerous safety features such as Active Brake Assist, blind-spot monitoring, a 360-degree camera system, and optional features like evasive steering assistance and adaptive cruise control.

How has the infotainment system been improved?

• The infotainment system features faster processing, improved graphics, enhanced voice recognition, and augmented reality navigation that superimposes directional guidance over a live camera feed.

What suspension options are available for the GLE?

• It offers a standard suspension on base models, while higher trims feature an adaptive air suspension system that can adjust ride height and damping characteristics based on driving conditions and selected modes.