2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLS upgrades confirmed: Prices up, designs refreshed and specification lifted for updated BMW X5 and X7 rivals

Mercedes-Benz Australia has confirmed pricing and specification details for revised 2024 GLE SUV and Coupe models, including high-performance AMG variants, as well as an updated GLS in standard, AMG and ultra-luxury Mercedes-Maybach form.

The GLE SUV and Coupe have been tweaked cosmetically with new LED daytime running lights at the front and a fresh tail-light treatment at the rear, while inside, the multimedia interface and ‘multifunction’ steering wheel run the latest iteration of Merc’s ‘MBUX’ software.

Under the bonnet the GLE300d and 450d have been given a boost with their mild-hybrid powertrain outputs increasing substantially. The 300d’s 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder jumps from 180kW/500Nm to 198kW/550Nm, with the 450d’s 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbo-diesel unchanged on power (270kW) but copping a 50 per cent lift in torque from 500 to 750Nm.

At the same time, prices for the 300d and 450d SUVs have gone up by 22 and 25 per cent, respectively, with (no surprise) an enhanced standard equipment list now including an ‘AMG Line Exterior’, ‘Multibeam’ LED headlights, ‘Driving Assistance Package Plus’ (steering assist, AEB with cross-traffic function, lane keeping, blind-spot monitoring and more), ‘Memory Package’, ‘Parking Package 360’, keyless entry and start, Burmester Surround Sound audio, ‘MBUX Augmented Reality’, a panoramic sunroof, head-up display and aluminium running boards.

The 2024 GLE450 4Matic Coupe incorporates the same specification as its SUV siblings with the addition of the ‘AMG Line Interior’ and ‘Night Package’.

The Mercedes-AMG GLE53 is virtually unchanged on price, while the powerhouse 63S version is up 4.5 per cent in SUV form and 4.2 per cent for the Coupe.

Mercedes-Benz Australia has confirmed pricing and specification details for revised 2024 GLE SUV and Coupe models.

Five option packages are offered, with availability varying by model and body type:

Plus Package ($6900) - ‘Multicontour’ seats, ‘Surround Lighting’, ‘Interior Assistant’, ‘Climatised’ front seats, ‘Luxury’ head restraints (front), ‘Seat heating Plus’ (driver and front passenger), ‘Pre-Safe Impulse Side’, ‘Air Balance’, ‘Energising Package’, ‘Guard 360 Vehicle protection Plus’, power closing doors, temperature-controlled cupholder and ‘Thermotronic’ climate control. (Note: Not available on Mercedes-AMG GLE63S 4Matic+)

7 Seat Package ($3900) - Third row seats, electrically-adjustable rear seats (Note: Not available on Mercedes-AMG GLE63S 4Matic+)

Towbar Package ($2900) - Trailer coupling, increased towing capacity (towbar rating: 3500kg/750kg/280kg)

Airmatic Package ($3400) - Suspension with active damping system (Note: Available on 300d, 450d and 450 Coupe)

GUARD 360 Vehicle protection Plus ($1400) - Anti-theft alarm, ‘Sensoric’ and siren for anti-theft alarm system and ‘MB Connect’ anti-theft protection (Note: Available on 450 Coupe)

The GLS SUV flagship also features cosmetic updates, a multimedia upgrade and powertrain improvements. 

At the front a new four-louver grille is derived from the G-Class while new colour options include ‘Sodalite Blue metallic’ and ‘Manufaktur Alpine Grey’. New upholstery colours are ‘Catalana Beige’ and ‘Bahia Brown’. 

There are also fresh wheel designs and, as per the GLE, the ‘MBUX’ multimedia software has been updated.

Under the skin the entry-level GLS is now the 450d 4Matic, replacing the previous 400d, boasting the same 270kW/750Nm outputs as the GLE450d 4Matic+.

There are three GLS option packages:

Towbar Package ($2900) - Trailer coupling, increased towing capacity (towbar rating: 3500kg/750kg/280kg)

Rear Comfort Package ($9900) - Wireless charging system for mobile devices in the rear, MBUX rear tablet, luxury head restraints, wireless headset, ‘MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment System’ (Note: Available on 450d and 63 4Matic+)

First Class Rear Individual Seat Package ($14,500) - Folding tables in the rear, refrigerated compartment, holder for champagne flutes, champagne flutes (Note: Available on 600 4Matic)

Mercedes-Benz confirms all GLE and GLS facelift models are on sale this month.