2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLS Quick Drive: Stars and Screens

A racetrack might not be the most traditional place to test family-friendly SUVs, but it’s where we first got to get our heads around Mercedes-Benz’s new large SUV offering. It was part of the most recent ‘Mercedes-Benz Driving Event’, where the brand invites its customers to Hampton Downs to test out its range on track. 

It isn’t until you actually see the full Mercedes-Benz line-up that you realise how expansive it is. Depending on how you split it, there are around 15 different vehicles on offer, all serving a separate part of the market. It runs from the city-friendly A-Class hatchbacks to the all-conquering G-Class off-roader, with all manner of AMG performance along the way. But we were there for the big SUVs, as these represented the most modern metal on show. 

Recently arriving in New Zealand, the new GLE is priced from $157,900, and the larger GLS starts at $198,900. 

A Fresh Face, Inside and Out

It’s fair to say that the current GLE has been around for a while. First introduced in 2018, it underwent its first facelift in 2023, and then again in 2026. The GLS has followed a similar pattern; introduced in 2019, updated in 2023, and then again this year. 

This most recent update brings very similar changes to both models, with the new aesthetic representing the most obvious ones. 

It’s clear Mercedes’ tri-star logo is in vogue with the German designers, as they are plastered across almost every inch of these SUVs’ front fascias. Aside from the normal tri-star badge, you’ve got tri-star headlights, a tri-star grille, and even tri-star detailing in the bumper if that wasn’t enough. 

The rear of the SUVs carry a very similar theme, although the tri-stars are kept to just the taillights. 

While these changes have updated the front and rear details of the SUVs, the overall aesthetic has remained the same, but the same can’t be said for the interior. 

On the inside, the ‘MBUX Superscreen’ is now standard across both GLE and GLS models. It comprises three 12.3-inch displays, and stretches across the entire width of the dash. Obviously this is nothing new for the digital cluster, and centre infotainment display, but the screen in front of the passenger is an interesting addition. Adding to this futuristic feeling is the fact these screens are housed beneath a large glass layer, making it look like one big screen, hence the name. 

Running Mercedes’ MB.OS system, it reportedly uses artificial intelligence (AI) and powerful chips as well as being fully connected to cloud services to assist with any requests you might have. 

There are also a total of 40 apps currently available for the system, including audio, video, gaming, and other services. 

Tech aside, it’s clear comfort and luxury are still the two priorities inside these SUVs. The examples we drove were fitted with a black leather upholstery, accented with woodgrain panelling. 

A Refined Drive

While we only managed to snag a couple of laps driving in each SUV, there’s no denying the level of refinement that has carried through with this recent update. 

Both entry-level SUVs in New Zealand use the same six-cylinder turbo diesel engine, although the tune is different between them. The nine-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive system are also shared between them. 

In the GLE 350 d 4MATIC, the engine produces 210kW, and the hybrid system chips in an extra 17kW. Peak torque is rated at 650Nm. Mercedes-Benz claims a 0-100km/h time of 6.2-seconds. 

It’s worth noting that a petrol plug-in hybrid 450 e, and AMG 53/63 models are also available, although just the diesel was at the recent event. 

It’s a very similar story for the bigger GLS, as the GLS 450 d 4MATIC represents the entry point. Its diesel engine produces 270kW/750Nm, and this extra grunt drops the 0-100km/h sprint to 5.7-seconds. 

The higher-spec model range is more limited for the GLS, with just the 63 set to be available in New Zealand. If you want to spend more money, an updated Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 will also be arriving locally. 

Despite the differing outputs between the SUVs, the same theme of more than enough grunt was clear on the track. I have always been fond of Mercedes’ six-cylinder diesel engines, and the new ones are no different. 

The ride between the new GLE and GLS SUVs is also exactly what you’d expect in terms of refinement, although that comes with the caveat of only having tested it on immaculate asphalt. 

I would have loved to have spent more time behind the wheel of these new SUVs, to bring back more findings, but this is about all I got from the day. 

Keep an eye out for a full review and video of both SUVs, which will be coming soon.