Mercedes-Benz has revealed the long-wheelbase version of the GLE SUV, called the GLE L, at the 2026 Chengdu Motor Show in China. Currently built in China, the Mercedes-Benz GLE L has a 120mm longer wheelbase than the standard-wheelbase model and is offered with two turbo-petrol engine options.
- Engine options include 2.0L 4-cyl turbo-petrol and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo-petrol mills
- Gets a boss mode feature that tilts the front passenger seat by 10.91 degrees
- Also features new rear-seat entertainment screens and a China-specific AI assistant
Mercedes-Benz GLE L: All you need to know
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Gets a new boss mode and rear entertainment screens
What’s new is a boss mode feature, which tilts the front passenger seat by 10.91 degrees for enhanced rear-seat comfort. Mercedes says this feature is derived from the more opulent Maybach GLS. The GLE L also gets new rear-seat entertainment screens and a China-specific AI assistant.
Its two turbo-petrol engine options are the same as those of the standard GLE
Mercedes-Benz will offer the GLE L in two trim levels: 350 L 4Matic and 450 L 4Matic, with the same turbo-petrol engine options as the standard-wheelbase model. The ‘350’ has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol mill that produces 258hp and 400Nm, while the ‘450’ packs a 3.0-litre inline-six turbo-petrol unit that develops 381hp and 560Nm. Both engines are available with a 48V mild-hybrid assist and are mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels (AWD).
Notably, the standard-wheelbase GLE is also offered in a ‘580’ version with a 537hp 4-litre twin-turbo V8, a plug-in hybrid ‘450e’ and two diesel versions: 350d and 450d.
Looks similar to the standard-wheelbase GLE but has redesigned alloy wheels
Save for the wheelbase and redesigned alloy wheels, there is no difference in how the Mercedes-Benz GLE LWB looks compared to the standard-wheelbase model. It continues with a gloss-black grille with a chrome surround and a plethora of tristar elements and has the same dual-barrel headlights with tristar-shaped LED daytime running lamps (DRLs). The rear design is also identical, featuring wraparound tail-lights with triangular LED elements, joined by a black trim and dual exhaust tips.
The interior design of the China-spec GLE L is identical to the standard-wheelbase SUV. It features three 12.3-inch screens on the dashboard – one each for the instrumentation, infotainment and front passenger entertainment – and a 3-spoke steering wheel with touch-enabled buttons and rocker and roller toggles.
There is no word from Mercedes-Benz on whether it will bring the long-wheelbase GLE to India. The manufacturer offers the E-Class and the V-Class in LWB avatars in the country, and there’s a growing interest in long-wheelbase luxury cars, which could make the GLE L an interesting proposition. Interestingly, the GLE’s prime rival, the BMW X5, is slated to launch here in a long-wheelbase avatar in 2027.
Dhruv Dhaka
Viraaj Bhatnagar
