2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE Shows Star-Shaped Headlight Signature in Latest Spy Shots

1 month, 2 weeks ago - 8 December 2024, autoevolution

One of the many automakers that backtracked on their electric vehicle plans, Mercedes-Benz is presently working on a second refresh of the highly popular GLE. On this occasion, the spy photographers captured two examples with three-pointed stars for the headlight signature.

Two slightly offset stars in each front lighting unit make the 2027 model hard to miss on the street and in the rearview mirror. The same can be said about the star motif out back, which only adds to the visual drama. Chintzy or not, you be the judge of that. Furthermore, sales will also reveal whether going all-in with stars was the right decision.

While it seems crazy to refer to the revised GLE as a 2027 model, bear in mind the first refresh is currently available to configure as a 2025 model in the United States of America. Our sources tell us a 2026 debut is on the menu for the newcomer. In other words, the GLE for North America is most likely getting the second facelift for the 2027 model year.

The starry lights are complemented by a restyled front bumper and front grilles. As for the rear end, it appears the bumper is hardly different from that of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. Pictured with German plates, the prototypes feature different powertrains. Equipped with Pirelli P Zero tires, the silver GLE is purely internal combustion versus plug-in hybrid for the blue-painted GLE with Pirelli Scorpion tires.

You can easily tell which one's which from the charger flap on the rear quarter panel of the blue sport utility vehicle. From the styling, we can further tell that neither is an AMG. To this effect, the plug-in hybrid is either the GLE 350 de 4MATIC mit EQ Hybrid Technologie or the GLE 400 e 4MATIC mit EQ Hybrid Technologie. It goes without saying that 'de' stands for diesel electric.

Contrary to what certain peeps who are not into cars may believe from their 350 and 400 designations, these plug-in hybrids are powered by four-cylinder lumps with displacements of just under 2.0 liters. Only the gasoline-fueled 400 e is available stateside, although under a different nameplate.

Slotted between the inline-six 450 and the eight-cylinder 580, the 450e is one of the most frugal GLEs on sale today in the United States of America. Without any electric assistance, it averages 23 miles to the gallon or 10.2 liters for every 100 kilometers in metric talk, which is the very same rating as that of the 350.

Further listed with 60 MPGe combined in gas and electric mode, it promises up to 50 miles (80 kilometers) on electricity alone. Not bad for a mid-size luxury sport utility vehicle, although four cylinders isn't exactly desirable in this particular segment. Higher up the spectrum, none other than Mercedes confirmed that AMG's GLE 53 Hybrid is due in 2026 with a plug-in setup rather than mild-hybrid assistance. The powertrain is based around an inline-six with AMG enhancements instead of a hand-built AMG powerplant.

Merc quotes 536 horses and 553 pound-feet (750 Newton-meters) of torque. Given the aforementioned, we look forward to V8 muscle in the refreshed AMG GLE 63. Prospective customers should also look forward to a slightly revised interior. The three-display Superscreen system of the E-Class is likely to be introduced as an optional extra.