Mercedes-Benz is set to close March with the unveiling of the facelifted GLS, GLE and GLE Coupe tomorrow. Notably, this will be their second facelift as the German carmaker introduced mid-lifecycle updates to these SUVs in 2023. Mercedes also debuted the all-new VLE electric van and the Maybach S-Class sedan facelift earlier this month.
- Mercedes may introduce its Superscreen on the GLE
- Slight tweaks to headlights, bumpers and wheels are expected
2026 Mercedes GLS and GLE: What to expect
Not much is known about the exact updates yet, but as with most facelifts, the changes are likely to be subtle. Expect tweaks to the headlights, bumpers and alloy wheels. Reportedly, GLE test mules spotted earlier featured a full-width screen setup, which could hint at the introduction of Mercedes’s Superscreen.
This setup, as seen on the CLA Electric, combines a 10.25-inch driver’s display, a 14.6-inch central touchscreen and a 14-inch passenger touchscreen. Minor updates to the dashboard, switchgear and steering wheel could also be on the cards.
Under the hood, changes are unlikely. Mercedes is expected to continue with its existing turbo-petrol and diesel engine options. For reference, the India-spec GLS is offered with two 3-litre, six-cylinder engines – 381hp turbo-petrol and 367hp diesel – both paired with a 20hp mild-hybrid system. All-wheel drive comes as standard as well.
The GLE shares its turbo-petrol engine with the GLS, though in a slightly lower state of tune at 367hp. It also gets 269hp 2-litre four-cylinder and 367hp 3-litre six-cylinder diesel options. Like the GLS, the GLE comes with standard all-wheel drive and mild-hybrid tech. The GLE Coupe, meanwhile, is currently sold here only in AMG guise, powered by a 435hp 3-litre turbo-petrol unit. The standard GLE Coupe, sold in international car markets, is offered with a wider range of petrol and diesel engines.
Suraj Viswanathan
Dhruv Dhaka
Glenn Noronha
Viraaj Bhatnagar
