The new Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLE Coupe start from £77,890

There’ve been some dramatic changes to the new Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV and Coupé, which goes on sale today. Prices for the GLE SUV start at £77,890, though the GLE Coupe - only available in 'AMG Line Premium Plus', a moniker you should never repeat out loud - starts at "only" £92,675. 'Only', according to Merc. Huh.

Still a handsome pair of cars, mind. Outside the GLE’s grille has been tweaked and looks better (in our humble opinion), especially flanked by a new front bumper and air intake design. Not that we really had a problem with the original GLE.

The new headlights give the whole front end a more streamlined meanness and Merc’s integrated its Multibeam LED technology so there’s now daytime running mode. Upgrading the GLE SUV to the AMG Line Premium trim - starting from £83,140 - bulks out the alloys to 21 inches and integrates a panoramic sliding sunroof. 

Under the bonnet, the GLE’s range of four engines - 300 d 4MATIC, 400 e 4MATIC, 450 d 4MATIC, 450 4MATIC spanning 2.0-litre and 3.0-litre petrols and diesels - have been electrified with both mild- and plug-in hybridisation. Merc says all can handle a towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes - the optional extra for a mere £1,500. 

In the cabin, the seven-seater gets a new steering wheel design and the latest iteration of the MBUX infotainment suite, featuring remote updates, ‘Hey Mercedes’ digital assistant and fancy Burmester audio suite, as well as wireless charging and a built-in dashcam, as standard. Coffee lovers, go Premium Plus to pick up a head-up display and temperature-controlled cupholders. For soft closing doors, fancier lighting, heated seats and armrests, the GLE SUV costs a not insignificant £88,390 on-the-road.

In an obvious attempt to get listed on our top ten best off-roaders of 2023, the GLE also features the off-road driving assistance feature, Transparent Bonnet, where clever cameras send visuals of the terrain under the car to the central display. Nice try, guys.