Mercedes‑Benz refreshes GLE and GLS lineups — new flat‑plane V8, illuminated three‑pointed star and MBUX Superscreen

Big update, familiar silhouette

It has been reported by ithome (IT之家) that Mercedes‑Benz has quietly launched a mid‑cycle “comprehensive upgrade” for the GLE family — including the GLE, GLE Coupé, the AMG GLE 53 hybrid and an updated GLS. Mercedes says the GLE alone receives roughly 3,000 new or optimized parts. The changes are evolutionary rather than revolutionary: the side profiles remain recognizable, but the visual language up front and at the rear has been sharpened with larger intakes, thinner tail lamps and more prominent star motifs.

Stars everywhere — interior tech takes center stage

The refresh leans heavily on surface detail and cabin tech. The front grille now houses an illuminated three‑pointed star and the new headlamps incorporate star‑shaped lighting signatures; smaller star elements appear in intake trims and elsewhere. Inside, Mercedes fits a new MBUX Superscreen formed by three 12.3‑inch displays, a redesigned center stack, new steering wheel and upgraded trim options (natural birch, walnut and a polished “Light Flowing Lines” aluminium). It has been reported that the cars also adopt a next‑generation Mercedes operating system with AI‑capable MBUX virtual assistant and an upgraded Burmester package with 15 speakers, including two new 3D roof units.

Powertrains: from efficient fours to a new V8 — really?

Powertrain choices span from an upgraded 2.0‑litre turbo four (about 255 hp) and a 3.0‑litre turbo inline‑six (≈375 hp) to a newly added 4.0‑litre twin‑turbo V8 with a flat‑plane crank producing roughly 530 hp and 750 Nm of torque. A question for the age of electrification: is there still room for a performance‑oriented V8? Mercedes appears to think so. The GLE 500e PHEV combines the I6 with an electric motor and battery to claim about 106 km WLTP pure‑electric range, while the AMG GLE 53 hybrid pairs an optimized 3.0 I6 with electric drive for a combined 577 hp and roughly 750 Nm, shaving 0–100 km/h times into the mid‑4‑second range. Charging capability is reported at up to 60 kW DC, taking the battery from 10% to 80% in about 20 minutes.

GLS, driver assistance and market context

The flagship GLS receives similar updates, offered with the I6 and the new 4.0 V8 and with a GLS 63 variant said to be coming later. It has been reported that the models will offer MB.Drive Assist Pro (L2+) — the system first seen on the CLA — which supports hands‑free navigation driving in some urban scenarios. For Western readers: these changes are part of a wider industry push to blend luxury hardware, increasingly sophisticated in‑car AI and electrification, while defending market share in China against fast‑moving domestic EV rivals and adapting to evolving regulatory and trade pressures.