We were first introduced to the updated version of Mercedes-Benz’s midsized luxury SUV, the GLE, back in late 2019, when its ahead-of-the-curve electronics and sophisticated overall experience struck a revolutionary chord in family-focused automotives.

Almost seven years later, the 2026 GLE continues the same themes, with a series of subtle updates that make the vehicle a pleasant, beautifully appointed all-season machine with the option of a small third row — not quite the same expanse as the larger GLS, but added adaptability for those who need it.

Like previous versions, GLE can be configured in more than six variations of engine size, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, including a plug-in hybrid rendition; there’s also another three flavors of its more round-roofed Coupe version.

I had my most recent outing in the GLE 450 with 4Matic all-wheel drive, a middle-of-the-range setup that retails for $72,250 but was priced at just over $79,000 with a special, upgraded Nappa leather interior and exclusive trim, as well as black-accented 21-inch wheels. We also had the fortune to have winter tires as part of the package, which made my pre-Christmas travels more secure, though they were a little buoyant on dry roads. 

Here, the power combination is a right-sized 3.0-liter inline-6 turbo engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid starter-generator system that produces 375-hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, and is rated for 21 combined mpg. That’s a mountain-friendly combination that can call up a bit of additional boost from the hybrid system during passes, but does not stray into the absurd. It’s probably a bit more suitable for high-altitude cruising than the $62,250 GLE 350, rated at 255-hp and standard-equipped with rear-wheel drive, or optional 4Matic.

The 450’s AWD system is configured to allow endlessly variable power shifting, both front-to-back and side-to-side, allowing better grip at all times.

If you’re convinced that plug-in hybrids represent your version of the future — though most owners don’t seem to get around to plugging them in very often — the GLE 450e mixes a smaller 2.0-liter engine and a larger battery pack to produce 381-hp, and can also be driven in full-electric mode for about 49 miles.

If those options still seem slightly underpowered, there’s also the 510-hp GLE 580, packing a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, or the more performance-oriented AMG versions, with 429 and 603 horses – the most extreme of which, the AMG GLE 63 S, retails for $131,800. GLE’s Coupe model offers similar AMG upgrades, all of which have high-performance renditions of the 4Matic AWD system.

My non-AMG 450 still had a load of AMG-styled looks, especially the glossy grille and those oversized wheels – 22-inchers are a further option. The interior’s upgraded, hand-tooled leather seats and doors added some special feel, as well as real oak wood highlight trim. A 64-color ambient lighting system also brings the disco effects we first saw in the tremendously upscale Maybach rendition of the larger GLS, which is based on the same platform. A black fabric headliner and a truly massive, full-cabin sunroof are also nice touches.

The newest versions of the GLE’s double-wide video touchscreen display now include a “transparent hood” feature, allowing you to virtually see under the vehicle if you plan on any more adventurous driving; there’s a comprehensive offroad menu and, true to its Mercedes heritage, it’ll provide more adaptable offroad capability than you’d expect.

On-road manners are smooth and subtle, though those Corvette-worthy, 305-width, slightly bouncy winter tires cover a lot of road surface at all times and automatically caused the GLE’s computers to taper the high-end output. For more measured road response, Mercedes also offers an optional air suspension system or an even more responsive adaptive-damping-plus variation. 

As it did when it debuted, the MBUX infotainment system includes an artificial intelligence voice-recognition system that can catch you during animated, traffic-inspired outbursts or, can engage in borderline creepy personal conversations, if you’d like to have those with your car.