Omo, big news dey for motor world as Mercedes-Benz just reveal di facelift version of dia GLE SUV and coupe for 2027 model year. Dis one na second facelift for dis fourth-generation GLE, and di company talk say dem don change or revise around 3,000 components. Na serious upgrade we dey talk about here.
Di exterior don get plenty tri-star elements wey go make am stand out. Grille now get illuminated surround with Mercedes-Benz logo, headlamps get twin LED daytime running lights with matching tri-star signatures. For rear, tail-lights also carry di tri-star motif. Di SUV and coupe versions get small differences – SUV get side steps wey coupe no get, and SUV tail-lights get connecting black trim wey coupe no carry.
Inside di cabin, na where di real magic dey. For first time, GLE go carry MBUX Superscreen wey consist of three 12.3-inch screens for dashboard. Dem also introduce di new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) wey use powerful chips and artificial intelligence to control every aspect of di vehicle. Dis one don debut for India with CLA Electric before.
Mercedes don bring back ‘rocker-and-roller’ buttons for steering wheel to give better tactile experience. AC vents for both sides of Superscreen now oval shape with ambient lighting. Standard comfort seats get leatherette upholstery with moccasin stitching, while sport seats dey available with optional AMG Line pack.
Engine updates na another major part of dis facelift. Di range-topping 580 version still dey use 4-litre twin-turbo V8, but output don increase to 537hp (20hp more) and 750Nm (20Nm more). GLE 450 get 3-litre inline-6 engine wey still dey produce 381hp, but torque don increase by 60Nm to 560Nm.
Biggest change dey for plug-in hybrid version. Di GLE 450e now get new inline-6 engine instead of previous four-cylinder unit, producing 75hp more than before. Company claim say e deliver smoother gear changes and more refined driving experience. Electric range dey around 105km according to WLTP standards.
Diesel-powered GLE 350d and GLE 450d engines remain unchanged, but both now get electric heating catalyst wey help reduce emissions by bringing exhaust system to operating temperature faster. Engine block and cylinder head na aluminium to reduce front-axle weight and improve handling.
For AMG fans, di GLE 53 get both mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. Mild-hybrid version use 3-litre inline-6 turbo-petrol engine with 48V mild-hybrid assist, producing 449hp and 600Nm – 14hp and 40Nm more than before. Plug-in hybrid version combine di 6-cylinder unit with 184hp electric motor for combined output of 585hp and 750Nm. Company claim say e fit do 0-100kph for 4.5 seconds, 0.2 seconds quicker than before.
Mechanical upgrades include new cloud-based damper control wey fit detect speed bumps in advance and adjust damping for better ride comfort. Optional E-Active Body Control system fit control each wheel individually to reduce body roll, pitch and lift. AMG Active Ride Control system with electromechanical roll stabilisation dey available as option to further reduce body roll and enhance steering precision.
Meanwhile, separate big news dey from America. Mercedes-Benz announce say dem go invest $4bn for dia Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant by 2030 to expand SUV production and localise new model. Dis investment na part of broader plan wey exceed $7bn across US operations for coming years.
Di Tuscaloosa plant wey don dey operate since 1997 don produce more than 4.5 million vehicles. From 2027, e go add new core segment model designed specifically for US customer preferences. Di facility don become key export base for SUVs, with about 60% of its output dey shipped to international markets.
For 2024 alone, di plant produce around 260,000 vehicles including GLE, GLS, GLE Coupe, Mercedes-Maybach GLS, plus electric EQE SUV and EQS SUV. Di announcement coincide with production of plant’s five-millionth SUV, marking three decades of operations.
Mercedes-Benz also dey restructure part of US workforce by relocating up to 500 roles to new research and development hub for Atlanta. Company talk say dis move na to enhance engineering capabilities and strengthen collaboration with institutions like Georgia Institute of Technology and surrounding technology ecosystem.
US remain company’s second-largest market, with retail sales of 303,200 passenger cars and 40,000 vans recorded last year. Mercedes-Benz Group management board chairman Ola Källenius talk say Tuscaloosa don be key hub for almost 30 years, and adding another model to Alabama na natural step to deepen commitment to US market.
Di facelifted GLE SUV and GLE Coupe dey expected to arrive for international markets by end of 2026, with India launch likely for 2027. For South Africa, dem expect di 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE to hit showrooms for 2027.
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