2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main change for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE is standard AMG body styling on the GLE 450 4MATIC SUV. Otherwise, this is a lightly updated carryover year with the same basic engines, safety hardware, screens, and cabin layout as 2025.
About the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Second-generation GLE (V167), in its post-2024 refresh phase; 2026 is a lightly updated late-cycle year.
Mercedes-Benz positions the GLE as its core midsize luxury SUV: roomy enough for family duty, upscale enough to feel special every day, and broad enough to cover a base four-cylinder model, a plug-in hybrid, a stronger six-cylinder version, or V8 power. The brand leans on comfort, big-screen tech, heated front seats, voice control, and a wide spread of powertrains rather than hard-edged sportiness. In plain terms, the GLE is a luxury family SUV first, with more power and style available as you move up the range.
The 2026 GLE lineup ranges from the everyday-luxury GLE 350 to the smoother, stronger six-cylinder GLE 450 4MATIC. The GLE 450e plug-in hybrid provides up to 49 miles of EPA-estimated electric range and standard DC fast charging, while the GLE 580 4MATIC pairs a twin-turbo V8 with air suspension and a Burmester sound system. Every trim listed here has dual 12.3-inch displays, built-in navigation, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
What changed, by category
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter w/EQ Boost | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter w/EQ Boost | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter w/EQ Boost | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.0 Liter w/EQ Boost | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Plug-In Hybrid |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 15 mpg | |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg | 26 mpg | 25 mpg | 21 mpg | |
| Horsepower | 255 hp | 255 hp | 375 hp | 510 hp | 381 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft | 538 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 7700 lb | 7700 lb | 7700 lb | 7700 lb | 7700 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 74.9 cu-ft | 74.9 cu-ft | 31.6–74.9 cu-ft | 74.9 cu-ft | 74.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 40.9 in | 40.9 in | 40.9 in | 40.9 in | 40.9 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 5–7 | 7 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 49 | ||||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Park Assist | |||||
| 360 Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Subwoofer | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
| Third Row Seat | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE?
The biggest change is that the GLE 450 4MATIC SUV receives AMG body styling as standard equipment. The rest of the non-AMG lineup is largely unchanged from 2025.
Is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE substantially different from the 2025 model?
No, the 2026 GLE is not substantially different from the 2025 model. The key update is standard AMG body styling for the GLE 450 4MATIC SUV, while the basic engines, safety hardware, screens, and cabin layout carry over.
Did the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE receive any powertrain changes?
No lineup-wide powertrain changes were identified for the 2026 GLE. The range still includes four-cylinder GLE 350 models, the six-cylinder GLE 450 4MATIC, the GLE 450e plug-in hybrid, and the V8-powered GLE 580 4MATIC.
How far can the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e travel on electricity?
The 2026 GLE 450e 4MATIC has up to 49 miles of EPA-estimated electric range. It is a plug-in hybrid with standard 60-kW DC fast charging, all-wheel drive, and 381 combined horsepower.
Which 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE has a V8 engine?
The 2026 GLE 580 4MATIC has a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. It also has all-wheel drive, self-leveling air suspension, AMG body styling, and a Burmester surround-sound system.