2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE price and specs: Up to $25,000 more expensive

The price of the cheapest 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE luxury SUV has been hiked by close to $26,000 – or 22 per cent – for the facelifted model in showrooms this month.

Available in seven variants – down from eight previously – across wagon and Coupe body styles, Mercedes-Benz's updated GLE brings revised exterior styling, updated interior technology, and higher standard equipment levels.

However prices have risen by between $32 and a significant $25,726, depending on model – and the line-up is now priced from more than $150,000 drive-away for the cheapest model.

The largest price rise has been applied to the entry-level GLE300d wagon, previously $119,174 plus on-road costs but now $144,900 plus on-road costs.

When the current-generation GLE went on sale in late 2018, the base GLE300d wagon was priced from $99,900 plus on-road costs – representing a 45 per cent hike in five years.

The GLE450d wagon – previously badged GLE400d, with a less powerful engine – has risen in price by $25,230, from $141,670 to $166,900 plus on-road costs, while top-of-the-range AMG versions are up to $11,631 dearer.

Features now standard on the GLE300d and GLE450d wagons include adaptive LED headlights, a Burmester surround sound system, panoramic sunroof, memory front seats, 21-inch alloy wheels, traffic-jam assist (as part of the Driving Assistance Package Plus), and the AMG Line exterior package.

New to the AMG GLE53 Coupe and AMG GLE63 S wagon are a number of features previously exclusive to the GLE63 S Coupe, including ventilated front seats, Air Balance, the Energising Package, climate-controlled cupholders, power-closing doors and the interior assistant

The entire GLE range receives a revised design with a tweaked front fascia, new LED headlight and tail-light graphics, and new wheel designs.

Inside, changes announced when the vehicle was unveiled in Europe in February include a new steering wheel from the S-Class, and updated infotainment software.

All models are now fitted with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology which can add up to 15kW/200Nm under hard acceleration in regular models – or 16kW/250Nm in the GLE63 – and turn off the engine after long periods of low accelerator pedal load to reduce fuel consumption.

Previously the mild-hybrid system was exclusive to the GLE63 S.

Powering the GLE300d is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine with 198kW and 550Nm – up 18kW/50Nm – while the GLE450d's 2.9-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder diesel engine now develops 243kW/750Nm (up 50Nm).

The GLE450 – now available in Coupe form only, as the wagon version has been dropped – adds 10kW to its 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder petrol engine, for 280kW and 500Nm.

The entry-level AMG is the GLE53, now developing 40Nm more – for 320kW and 560Nm total – from its GLE450-sourced 3.0-litre turbo inline-six, good for a claimed 0-100km/h time of 5.0 seconds (down 0.3sec).

An updated GLE53 has been announced for Europe in recent weeks with plug-in hybrid power and 400kW, but this is yet to be confirmed for Australia.

The flagship AMG GLE63 S is unchanged, with a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged petrol producing 450kW and 850Nm for a 0-100km/h time of 3.9 seconds.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE is due in Australian showrooms later this month.

Note: All prices above exclude on-road costs.

A third row of seating (with power adjustment) – for seven seats in total – can be optioned on the GLE300d, GLE450d and AMG GLE53 wagons for $3900.

The Guard 360-degree Vehicle Protection Plus system is a $1400 standalone option on GLE450 Coupe.