At the heart of the updates for the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE is a thoroughly overhauled engine lineup designed to deliver increased output across nearly every variant. Most notably, the previous inline-four engine configuration found in the plug-in hybrid model has been retired and replaced by a more robust and sophisticated six-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain. This mechanical shift not only provides the GLE plug-in hybrid with a considerable boost in total system power, but it also aligns the vehicle more closely with the refined, high-performance expectations luxury buyers demand from the brand.

Meanwhile, the larger 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS is receiving its own major powertrain enhancement by borrowing its top-tier engine directly from the recently updated Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The flagship SUV will now be powered by a formidable twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine. In a notable engineering transition, this updated V-8 now features a flat-plane crankshaft, a design traditionally reserved for high-revving sports cars and exotic performance vehicles due to its distinct exhaust note and rapid throttle response.

Implementing a flat-plane crankshaft in a luxury flagship SUV presented unique acoustic and vibration challenges for Mercedes-Benz engineers. Because flat-plane V-8 engines inherently produce a different sound profile and vibration pattern compared to traditional cross-plane setups, the development team went to extraordinary lengths to mask the mechanical shift. Through careful acoustic tuning, sophisticated engine mounts, and advanced noise-cancellation strategies, engineers successfully ensured that the new V-8 feels and sounds remarkably similar to the outgoing engine it replaces, maintaining the serene, effortless power delivery that GLS customers expect.

Aesthetically, both the GLE and GLS families are receiving distinctive updates to their exterior designs, headlined by refreshed front fascias. Both luxury SUVs feature newly sculpted bumpers that lend a wider, more assertive stance to the front end. Most striking among the visual changes is the introduction of redesigned front grilles, which are now densely populated with rows and rows of miniature three-pointed stars. This intricate detailing serves as a bold homage to the iconic Mercedes-Benz emblem, elevating the visual presence of both vehicles on the road while establishing a unified design language across the brand’s updated SUV offerings.

Beneath the sheet metal, ride comfort and handling have been subjected to rigorous development. The suspension systems for both the GLE and GLS have been comprehensively retuned to offer an optimized balance between dynamic agility and plush, long-distance cruising comfort. Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz’s revolutionary E-Active Body Control suspension system has been upgraded to leverage real-time cloud data. By beaming road condition information down from the cloud, the vehicle’s predictive suspension can proactively scan and prepare for upcoming potholes, surface imperfections, and undulations before the wheels even make contact with them, drastically reducing cabin disruption and delivering an even more composed ride quality.

Technology and safety suites are also taking a massive leap forward across the refreshed lineup. The 2027 GLE and GLS models are fully equipped with all the necessary sensors, cameras, and radar hardware required to support the automaker’s advanced hands-free driving technology. While the hardware comes pre-installed from the factory, the hands-free driving capabilities will not be active at launch; instead, the feature is scheduled to become available at a later date via a convenient over-the-air software update. This approach mirrors the broader automotive industry’s shift toward software-defined vehicles, allowing owners to unlock advanced capabilities long after taking delivery of their vehicles.

With these extensive updates, Mercedes-Benz aims to maintain its competitive edge in the fiercely contested luxury SUV segment. By pairing electrified performance enhancements with flagship V-8 engineering, subtle yet striking design revisions, cloud-connected suspension intelligence, and future-proofed autonomous hardware, the 2027 GLE, GLE Coupé, and GLS represent a thorough evolution of the brand’s most successful high-end utility vehicles.