2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 and GLE 580 Instrumented Test Reveals Air Suspension Flaws

The fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class (formerly known as the ML) originally went on sale in 2019 as a 2020 model and received a planned midcycle update in 2023 for the 2024 model year. Now, going on eight years old, the luxury SUV has received an unusual emergency second refresh for the 2027 model year. According to a company insider, the GLE and EQE SUV were originally supposed to merge into a single new electric SUV around this time, but slower-than-expected EV adoption prompted Mercedes-Benz to postpone the merger and give the GLE a second update.

Cosmetically, the 2027 GLE adopts the corporate front fascia surrounded by black plastic, along with numerous three-pointed star motifs across the grille, headlights, and taillights. Inside, Mercedes installed the lesser version of its dash-spanning Superscreen—consisting of three displays under a single pane of glass—while retaining the outdated center console touchpad. Unlike the continuous end-to-end screen found in the less expensive GLC, the GLE's setup feels less cohesive.

Under the hood, both tested models feature mild-hybrid powertrains paired with a 0.8-kWh NMC lithium-ion battery, a permanent-magnet electric motor (23 hp and 151 lb-ft), a 9-speed automatic transmission, and 4Matic all-wheel drive. The GLE 450 uses a 3.0-liter inline-six that is now both turbocharged and supercharged, adding 44 lb-ft for a total output of 375 hp at 5,000 rpm and 413 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm. Weighing 5,385 pounds, the GLE 450 matches the 2025 GLE 450 Coupe with a 0–60 mph time of 4.9 seconds and a quarter-mile run of 13.5 seconds at 102.8 mph, while delivering exceptionally smooth, vibration-free operation.

The GLE 580 receives a new 4.0-liter twin-turbo flat-plane-crank V-8 equipped with balance shafts. It gains 20 hp and 15 lb-ft over its predecessor, producing 530 hp at 5,500 rpm and 553 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm. Despite weighing 5,591 pounds, the GLE 580 cuts a tenth of a second off its acceleration figures, reaching 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and completing the quarter mile in 12.3 seconds at 112.0 mph.

In braking and handling tests on 21-inch Pirelli P Zero PZ5 MO-S tires (275/45R21 front, 315/40R21 rear), the GLE 450 stops from 60 mph in 108 feet, pulls 0.90 g on the skidpad, and laps the figure-eight course in 25.7–25.8 seconds. The heavier GLE 580 shortens its 60–0 mph stopping distance by 7 feet to 103 feet, achieves 0.91 g of lateral acceleration, and improves its figure-eight time by 0.7 second to 25.0 seconds at 0.80 average g.

Both vehicles share a 117.9-inch wheelbase, a 193.9-inch length, and a 79.5-inch width, with heights of 70.7 inches for the 450 and 70.2 inches for the 580. EPA fuel economy is rated at 19/24/21 mpg (473-mile estimated range) for the GLE 450 and an estimated 14/19/16 mpg (360-mile range) for the GLE 580. Base prices start at $76,250 for the GLE 450 ($101,560 as tested) and $97,750 for the GLE 580 ($128,400 as tested).

Despite freshly retuned air suspension (optional on the 450, standard on the 580) that delivers a quiet, smooth ride on perfect pavement, ride quality deteriorates rapidly on uneven surfaces. Imperfections in corners cause a floating motion and lateral rear-axle movement, while larger and offset bumps send harsh shudders through the cabin and cause severe head toss both on the road and during light off-roading.