Mercedes-Benz GLE Refresh adds a Superscreen and goes Starry Eyed
The first time I saw a Mercedes-Benz luxury SUV was in a groundbreaking film (of the time) called Jurassic Park; the Lost World. The film’s producers were given special pre-production cars by Mercedes and a star was born as their new luxury SUV became a central feature in the film.
Back then SUVs weren’t mainstream and Mercedes was one of the first to introduce a large SUV for the luxury market, something that Land Rover had dominated almost alone with the Range Rover for decades.
Mercedes called its large, luxury SUV the M-Class back in 1997, and this was the predecessor to the GLE.
But where the M-Class starred in a film, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE has instead received a huge update with stars in its lights instead, and on its grille and almost everywhere you look, and this is Mercedes’ new signature feature. that is filtering down through its range.
Marking a new technological direction for Mercedes, the refreshed GLE has received over 3.000 updates, some of which are found in the refreshed S-Class and the new GT 4-door Coupe luxury cars.
Featuring the new Mercedes‑Benz Operating System (MB.OS) it has an AI Assistant that Mercedes says “understands, anticipates and evolves with its driver”.
Standard features include the new, and huge MBUX Superscreen that encompasses three large screens to the dashboard; a 3D drivers display, a central display and a passenger side display, and each one is 12.3-inches in size.
For front passengers they can use the passenger display in motion to watch TV or video streaming, such as Disney+, YouTube, and RIDEVU (in selected markets).
To ensure the driver isn’t distracted, there’s a camera system monitoring whether the driver is still looking ahead at the road. If it detects a distraction, the image on the passenger display dims automatically and may induce some front seat nagging.
Front passengers can listen in via Bluetooth headphones or via the in-car sound system.
And if that’s not enough, Mercedes pay+ allows for in-car payments on the move to add new entertainment, or purchase videos - best not tell the kids about that one!
The GLE also adds a head-up display with augmented reality as an option, although with three screens in the car, is more displays better?
If chosen, it displays real-world situations and environments in a display area measuring 18-inches appearing to float in the field of vision.
The new GLE even comes with Q-Branch like features such as a “transparent bonnet” function when in Off-Road Mode, utilising the cars 360° cameras. It also adds visual aids for gradients, roll angles, and steering angles all displayed on the central display. The Transparent Bonnet graphic will also show the front wheels and their steering position in real-time, useful when driving over ramps or crests.
AIRMATIC suspension ensures all occupants glide along whichever surface the GLE encounters - thanks to intelligent damping control - which Mercedes says relays “Car-to-X information” transmitting data anonymously to its Cloud servers in real time via the mobile network.
Using this technology Mercedes can tap into the cars radar and cameras enabling it to see around corners. It combines this technology with the AIRMATIC air suspension and E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL active suspension, ensuring the best ride from the car reading it’s surrounding and making adjustments in real-time.
A panoramic sliding sunroof is standard equipment for all GLE’s and is one of the largest glass roofs in production.
Every occupant, even those in the third row, gets a clear view above them, but there is a full length electrically adjustable roller blind to offer shade if the sun becomes too intense.
The middle bench has electrical adjustments to it to add flexibility to the cabin layount, increasing space by 100 mm if desired.
The rear seat backrests can also be folded flat electrically using a switch in the boot. Access to the optional third row of seats is provided by an electric easy‑entry function, which opens up the passage to the rear at the touch of a button.
Mercedes claims the boot ranges from 630 litres behind the rear seats, and up to 825 litres when adjusting the rear seats. With the Middle and rear rows of seats folded, there’s a van-like 2,055 litres of storage.
The GLE can tow up to 3.5 tonnes, ideal for horse boxes, trailers, caravans, boats and more, helped by ESP® trailer stabilisation that can detect when the trailer starts to sway and apply targeted braking to counter any movements. And Mercedes goes further with E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL coupled to AIRMATIC suspension that can adjust the suspension height and damping, in conjunction with ESP® trailer stabilisation, ensuring safe towing at all times.
If the standard sound system doesn’t float your trailored boat, then Mercedes offers an optional Burmester® 3D surround-sound system. This system also features Dolby Atmos for a true immersive music experience. With 15 speakers, including two new 3D speakers in the roof and an amplifier, it delivers a head-banging 710 watts.
Prices are yet to be revealed, but the outgoing model starts from £78,050 so you can expect a slight uplift for the additional features.
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About the Author
Graeme Cobb is a lifelong car enthusiast with a passion for writing about cars, EVs, industry updates and more.
You can find Graeme on 𝕏 at @graeme_cobb or YouTube @REV-EV.