Mercedes has taken an unusual approach for the GLE Coupe. It has decided that its BMW X6 and Audi Q8 rival need another mid-cycle refresh. Thus, say hello to the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe.
In all likelihood, the second facelift of the Mercedes GLE Coupe is due next year, perhaps joining the US family for the 2026 model year, and from what we can tell, it features the usual styling revisions at both ends.
The camouflage makes it tricky to spot the novelties at the front, but it might get some E-Class influences. That said, look for new headlamps, a different bumper, and a tweaked grille. The back end does not seem to have been updated yet. However, this is an early prototype, and we bet later ones will feature new taillights, a different bumper and diffuser, and probably new tailpipe trim.
We are by no means wheel experts, yet logic dictates that the 2026 Mercedes GLE Coupe will also feature revisions in this department and maybe in the exterior color palette. Unfortunately, our spy photographers were not able to immortalize the cockpit, so we cannot tell you what's new there. Nonetheless, it might feature new software for the two main screens, a different steering wheel, a tweaked center console, and revised upholstery and trim.
Photo: Baldauf
It is possible that the crossover coupe will soldier on with the current powertrain family on the other side of the pond, anyway, because the current one is only sold in AMG form in our market. The lineup comprises the GLE 53 4Matic+ Coupe and the GLE 63 S 4Matic+ Coupe.
Kicking off at $89,800 (MSRP), the former uses a 3.0L six-pot with hybrid assistance, enjoying 429 hp (435 ps/320 kW) and 413 lb-ft (560 Nm) of torque and taking 4.9s to reach 60 mph (97 kph). The latter brings the ubiquitous handcrafted 4.0L bi-turbo V8, rated at 603 hp (612 ps/450 kW) and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm), which enables 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds, in return for $129,050 (MSRP).
It is yet unknown whether the 2026 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 Coupe will retain the V8 or switch to a hybrid-six, but you can rest assured that it won't get the C 63's electrified four-banger. The 2026 GLE 53 Coupe will enjoy 536 hp (544 ps/400 kW) from an updated version of the same powertrain. Overseas, we expect the same engine lineup, more or less.
But why is the three-pointed star brand giving the current GLE Coupe a second facelift? Well, to keep it on the interesting side of its class for a few more years with fresh technology features, as the advancements in this field are quite significant 18 months after the last mid-cycle refresh of this model. So, do the GLE Coupe's rivals have anything to worry about?
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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