# 2027 Mercedes GLE and GLS First Drive Review

> Mercedes-Benz updates GLE and GLS SUVs with S-class tech for 2027.
- Title: 2027 Mercedes GLE and GLS First Drive Review · Car and Driver
- Summary: Mercedes-Benz updates GLE and GLS SUVs with S-class tech for 2027. Mercedes-Benz introduces updated 2027 GLE and GLS SUVs with S-class tech, including new…
- Keywords: mercedes benz, gle, s-class, 2027, powertrain, electric, hybrid, suv, luxury, cars, Mercedes, GLS
- Source: Car and Driver — https://caranddriver.com/reviews/a74036967/2027-mercedes-benz-gle-gls-drive
- Published: 2026-10-08T01:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: mercedes benz, gle, gl, s-class, 2027, powertrain, electric, hybrid, suv, luxury, cars
## 2027 GLE and GLS Refresh
The current generations of Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLS just underwent their second freshening, and they’re pretty significant ones for both.
## Starry Bumpers and Grilles
Bumpers underwent minor plastic surgery, and new grilles filled with rows of tiny three-pointed stars complement the updated headlights and taillights.
## Superscreen Interior
The previous 12.3-inch driver and center displays are now joined by a passenger touchscreen of the same size, creating a trio of screens called Superscreen.
## Touch Controls Improved
Mercedes replaced the volume control with a roller and added a physical rocker for adaptive cruise control, though the directional pad remains capacitive.
## New Electrical Architecture
A new electrical architecture aligns both models with the S-class’s hardware, allowing for over-the-air updates and additional apps and systems.
## Hands-Free Highway Assist
Mercedes’s new Hands-Free Highway Assist and City Pro features will be enabled via software update at some point in the future.
## Powertrain Upgrades
The existing turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine gains an electric compressor for quicker and smoother torque delivery.
## 3.0-Liter Inline-Six Boost
The 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine gains 44 pound-feet of torque for a new total of 413 pound-feet.
## Plug-In Hybrid Upgrade
The plug-in hybrid option gets a bigger engine and more powerful electric motor, increasing output to 429 horsepower and 502 pound-feet.
## V-8 Powertrain
The top-tier models inherit a new 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine from the S-class, producing 530 horsepower and 553 pound-feet.
## Smooth Driving Experience
The reworked chassis and suspension offer improved comfort and smoothness, with cloud-based predictive damping for pavement disturbances.
## Pricing Details
The GLE350 4Matic starts at $69,850, while the GLS450 4Matic begins at $95,500, with the top models priced at $97,750 and $122,500 respectively.
## What's Next
Mercedes-Benz notes that the GLE Coupe gets stiffer suspension tuning and quicker steering than its SUV counterpart.
## 2027 GLE and GLS Review
Bringing both models up to current S-class spec wasn’t cheap, but it pays dividends in comfort and luxury.
## Key takeaway

Mercedes-Benz introduces updated 2027 GLE and GLS SUVs with S-class tech, including new powertrains and features.