2026 vs. 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLS: What’s New for the Redesigned Models?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLS have long occupied two important positions in the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup.

The GLE is the versatile midsize luxury SUV, offering a balance of performance, comfort, technology and everyday practicality.

The GLS sits above it as the full-size Mercedes-Benz SUV, delivering three-row seating, greater interior space and a level of luxury often described as the “S-Class of SUVs.”

For 2027, both models receive significant updates.

The redesigned 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE and 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS bring new exterior styling, updated powertrains, the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), next-generation MBUX technology, enhanced driver assistance and new suspension technology.

So, how different are the 2027 models from the 2026 GLE and GLS?

And is it worth waiting for the new model?

Let’s take a closer look.

2026 vs. 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE: What’s Changed?

The 2026 GLE already offers a sophisticated combination of performance and technology, but Mercedes-Benz has made the 2027 GLE substantially more advanced.

The most important changes include:

• Redesigned exterior styling
• New-generation DIGITAL LIGHT headlights
• Standard MBUX Superscreen
• New Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS)
• AI-powered MBUX Virtual Assistant
• Enhanced MB.DRIVE driver assistance
• New electric auxiliary compressor
• Increased torque from the integrated starter-generator
• Available AIRMATIC® suspension with intelligent damping
• New plug-in hybrid GLE 500e
• Expanded technology and comfort features

Mercedes-Benz says the 2027 GLE will arrive at dealerships during 2026.

2026 GLE Powertrains

The 2026 GLE lineup already offers several powertrain choices.

The GLE 350 uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with mild-hybrid assistance and produces 255 horsepower.

The GLE 450 uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six producing 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.

The GLE 450e plug-in hybrid combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with electric propulsion for a combined 381 horsepower.

For buyers wanting V8 performance, the GLE 580 produces 510 horsepower from its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with mild-hybrid assistance.

2027 GLE Powertrains

The 2027 GLE retains the basic engine strategy while making meaningful changes to the powertrain technology.

The GLE 350 continues with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, but Mercedes-Benz adds a more powerful electric auxiliary compressor.

The GLE 450 continues with the 3.0-liter inline-six and 375 horsepower, but torque increases to 413 lb-ft.

The new GLE 500e plug-in hybrid combines a six-cylinder engine with an electric motor for 429 horsepower and 502 lb-ft of combined torque.

And the GLE 580 increases output to 530 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque.

Mercedes-Benz also estimates a 5.0-second 0–60 mph time for the GLE 450, compared with 5.3 seconds for the 2026 model.

GLE Power Comparison

Model	2026	2027
GLE 350	255 hp	255 hp
GLE 450	375 hp / 369 lb-ft	375 hp / 413 lb-ft
Plug-in Hybrid	GLE 450e, 381 hp	GLE 500e, 429 hp
GLE 580	510 hp	530 hp
AMG® GLE 63 S	603 hp	603 hp

The biggest story isn’t simply horsepower.

It’s torque and electrification.

The 2027 GLE 450’s additional torque should make the vehicle feel more responsive during acceleration, passing and highway merging.

2027 GLE: A New Face

The most immediately noticeable difference between the two model years is exterior design.

The 2027 GLE receives redesigned headlamps featuring a twin-Star motif, along with a larger radiator grille and an illuminated Mercedes-Benz Star framed in chrome.

The rear also receives updated lighting with the Mercedes-Benz Star design.

Available next-generation DIGITAL LIGHT uses micro-LED technology and adds a partial high-beam function.

The result is a GLE that remains immediately recognizable while looking more closely related to Mercedes-Benz’s newest-generation vehicles.

The Biggest Interior Change: MBUX Superscreen

For many owners, the most significant change will happen when they get inside.

The 2027 GLE receives a standard MBUX Superscreen with three 12.3-inch displays.

That combines the driver’s digital display, central infotainment screen and passenger display into one visually integrated system.

The 2027 GLE also introduces Mercedes-Benz’s new MB.OS operating system.

Mercedes-Benz describes MB.OS as the foundation for MBUX and MB.DRIVE, integrating vehicle functions into a single software architecture.

The system includes an AI-powered MBUX Voice Assistant designed to make interacting with the vehicle more conversational.

From MBUX to MB.OS

This is more than an infotainment update.

Mercedes-Benz is moving toward a software-defined vehicle architecture.

The 2027 GLE uses MB.OS to integrate:

• Infotainment
• Navigation
• Voice assistance
• Vehicle settings
• Driver assistance
• Connected services
• Over-the-air software updates

This means the vehicle can receive software improvements without requiring every update to be performed at a dealership.

Driver Assistance Gets a Major Upgrade

The 2027 GLE introduces Mercedes-Benz’s new MB.DRIVE naming and technology platform.

Standard driver assistance includes MB.DRIVE systems, while available MB.DRIVE ASSIST and MB.DRIVE ASSIST PRO provide more advanced assistance capabilities.

Mercedes-Benz also offers MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST and enhanced parking technology.

The system combines cameras, radar sensors and other vehicle sensors to monitor the environment around the vehicle.

For Westchester drivers dealing with everything from local traffic to major highways and parkways, the additional driver-assistance technology could be one of the most meaningful upgrades.

The 2027 GLE Gets Smarter About the Road

Another significant innovation is the available AIRMATIC® air suspension with intelligent damping.

Mercedes-Benz says the new system can use cloud-based information to anticipate road conditions and adjust damping in real time.

In other words, instead of simply reacting to a pothole or bump after the vehicle encounters it, the system can use information about the road ahead to prepare the suspension.

That’s a very different approach to ride comfort.

2026 vs. 2027 GLS: The Flagship SUV Evolves

The GLS already occupies the top of the traditional Mercedes-Benz SUV hierarchy.

For 2027, Mercedes-Benz has updated it without abandoning what makes the GLS distinctive.

The new GLS receives:

• Redesigned grille
• New hood-mounted Mercedes-Benz Star
• Available illuminated Star
• New Star-pattern headlights
• Updated taillights
• Next-generation DIGITAL LIGHT
• Standard MBUX Superscreen
• MB.OS
• AI-powered MBUX Virtual Assistant
• Enhanced MB.DRIVE technology
• Updated six-cylinder and V8 powertrains
• AIRMATIC® air suspension
• Expanded rear-seat entertainment

Mercedes-Benz continues to describe the GLS as the “S-Class of SUVs.”

2026 GLS 450 vs. 2027 GLS 450

The GLS 450 continues to use a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six.

For 2026, the engine produces 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.

For 2027, horsepower remains at 375, but torque increases to 413 lb-ft.

Mercedes-Benz estimates 0–60 mph in 5.4 seconds for the 2027 GLS 450.

That additional torque should make the large SUV feel more responsive without changing the fundamental character of the GLS.

The 2027 GLS 580 Gets More Powerful

The GLS 580 also receives an output increase.

The 2026 GLS 580 produces 510 horsepower.

For 2027, output increases to 530 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque.

Mercedes-Benz estimates 0–60 mph in 4.6 seconds.

The GLS 580 also continues to offer sophisticated suspension technology, including available E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL.

The AMG® GLS 63 Continues to Deliver Supercar-Level Performance

For buyers who want the ultimate combination of SUV practicality and AMG® performance, the Mercedes-AMG® GLS 63 continues into 2027.

The 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 produces:

603 horsepower

627 lb-ft of torque

Mercedes-Benz estimates 0–60 mph in just 3.9 seconds.

The AMG® GLS 63 also features AMG® Performance 4MATIC® SPEEDSHIFT® TCT 9G, AMG® Dynamic Select and AMG® Performance exhaust technology.

That’s remarkable performance for a three-row luxury SUV.

The 2027 GLS Gets the New MBUX Superscreen

Like the GLE, the GLS receives a standard three-screen MBUX Superscreen configuration.

The system includes three 12.3-inch displays and the latest-generation MBUX interface.

The new system also incorporates:

• MB.OS
• AI-powered MBUX Virtual Assistant
• Google Maps navigation
• MBUX Surround Navigation
• Available augmented-reality navigation
• Wireless charging
• USB charging ports
• Connected services
• Over-the-air software updates

Mercedes-Benz is essentially bringing the digital architecture of its newest vehicles into the flagship SUV.

Rear-Seat Luxury Takes Another Step Forward

The GLS has always been designed around passenger comfort, but Mercedes-Benz is expanding its technology for second-row passengers.

The available MBUX High-End Rear Entertainment System features two 11.6-inch HD displays with integrated cameras.

That means rear passengers can watch movies, stream music or even participate in video conferences.

For families, executives and customers who regularly travel with passengers, this could be one of the most compelling new GLS features.

GLE or GLS: Which Mercedes-Benz SUV Is Right for You?

The distinction between the two models remains important.

The GLE is the better fit if you want:

• A midsize luxury SUV
• Easier maneuverability
• Excellent everyday versatility
• Available three-row seating
• Strong towing capability
• Multiple powertrain choices
• Lower overall footprint than the GLS
• A balance of luxury and practicality

The 2027 GLE can tow up to 7,700 pounds when properly equipped.

The GLS is the better fit if you want:

• A full-size luxury SUV
• Three-row seating
• Maximum passenger comfort
• More imposing road presence
• More rear-seat luxury
• V8 performance options
• Executive-style rear seating
• The most spacious Mercedes-Benz SUV experience

The GLS remains the flagship choice for customers who want the most substantial Mercedes-Benz SUV.

Should You Buy a 2026 or Wait for the 2027?

This is perhaps the most important question.

The answer depends on what matters most to you.

Reasons to Consider a 2026 GLE or GLS

A 2026 model can make sense if:

• You want a Mercedes-Benz now
• You prefer the current styling
• You find the exact configuration you want in existing inventory
• You want to take advantage of current model-year incentives
• You don’t need the latest MB.OS technology
• You prefer proven technology rather than being an early adopter

There can also be significant value in purchasing a current model when dealers are making room for the next model year.

Reasons to Wait for a 2027

The 2027 models are particularly compelling if you want:

• The newest Mercedes-Benz design
• MB.OS
• Standard MBUX Superscreen
• AI-powered MBUX Voice Assistant
• Enhanced MB.DRIVE technology
• New-generation DIGITAL LIGHT
• Updated powertrains
• More torque
• New suspension technology
• The latest connectivity features
• Expanded rear-seat technology

For technology-focused buyers, the 2027 models represent a substantial step forward.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLS: Evolution With a Lot of New Technology

The 2027 GLE and GLS aren’t radical departures from the vehicles they replace.

That’s intentional.

Mercedes-Benz has retained the characteristics that have made both SUVs successful—luxury, comfort, performance, versatility and sophisticated engineering—while upgrading the technology underneath and around them.

The GLE becomes smarter, more powerful and more connected.

The GLS becomes even more luxurious and technologically advanced while retaining its position as Mercedes-Benz’s flagship traditional SUV.

And perhaps most importantly, both vehicles introduce Mercedes-Benz’s next-generation MB.OS architecture, which will influence the brand’s vehicles for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is new on the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE?

The 2027 GLE receives redesigned exterior styling, standard MBUX Superscreen, MB.OS, an AI-powered MBUX Virtual Assistant, enhanced MB.DRIVE driver assistance, updated powertrains and new suspension technology.

Is the 2027 GLE more powerful than the 2026 GLE?

Some versions are. The GLE 450 remains at 375 horsepower but increases torque from 369 to 413 lb-ft. The GLE 580 increases from 510 to 530 horsepower.

What is the new 2027 GLE 500e?

The GLE 500e is a new plug-in hybrid version combining a 3.0-liter inline-six with an electric motor for 429 horsepower and 502 lb-ft of combined torque.

What is new on the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS?

The 2027 GLS receives redesigned exterior styling, next-generation DIGITAL LIGHT, MB.OS, MBUX Superscreen, AI-powered MBUX technology, enhanced MB.DRIVE systems and increased output from the GLS 450 and GLS 580.

Is the 2027 GLS more powerful than the 2026 GLS?

Yes, in the GLS 580. The 2027 GLS 580 produces 530 horsepower compared with 510 horsepower for the 2026 model. The GLS 450 retains 375 horsepower but increases torque to 413 lb-ft.

Does the 2027 GLS have three rows?

Yes. The GLS continues to offer three rows and seating for up to seven passengers, with power-adjustable seating available throughout the rear rows.

Does the 2027 GLE have three rows?

The GLE SUV continues to offer three-row seating as an option, while configurations and availability can vary by model and equipment.

When will the 2027 GLE and GLS arrive?

Mercedes-Benz says the 2027 GLE and GLS will arrive at dealerships during 2026, with the GLS expected later in the year.

Experience the 2027 GLE and GLS at Mercedes-Benz of White Plains

The 2027 GLE and GLS represent the next chapter of Mercedes-Benz SUV design and technology.

Whether you’re looking for the versatility of the GLE or the flagship luxury and space of the GLS, the new models offer significant advances in technology, performance and comfort.

At Mercedes-Benz of White Plains, our team can help you compare the 2026 and 2027 GLE and GLS models and determine which vehicle, configuration and powertrain best fits your needs.

Visit Mercedes-Benz of White Plains to explore the latest Mercedes-Benz SUVs and learn more about the arrival of the new 2027 GLE and GLS.