Mercedes-Benz is expanding its SUV lineup in Australia with one of its most significant updates in recent years. The automaker announced an extensive roll-out of new and revised models, including an all-electric GLC, updated AMG GLC 53 variants, and comprehensively refreshed GLE and GLS ranges. Prices for the new vehicles start from $112,200 plus on-road costs, with customer orders now open and first deliveries scheduled to begin in November.
Leading the program is the new GLC 400 4Matic electric. This marks the first time battery power has been offered on Mercedes-Benz’s highest-volume SUV nameplate. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive model develops 360kW and 800Nm, accelerating from 0-100km/h in a claimed 4.3 seconds. It offers up to 630km of WLTP driving range.
A limited Launch Edition is available priced from $110,000 plus on-road costs. This version replaces the standard MBUX Superscreen’s passenger-side display with a static panel capable of showing wallpapers, ambient themes, and branding animations. Energy is supplied by a 94.4kWh usable-capacity nickel-manganese-cobalt battery.
Mercedes-Benz states up to 300km of range can be added in 10 minutes under ideal conditions. An 800-volt electrical architecture enables DC charging at up to 330kW, while AC charging is supported at up to 22kW. A two-speed gearbox on the rear axle and a disconnect unit for the front motor are intended to improve efficiency, with WLTP consumption rated at 17.1kWh per 100km.
Compared with the combustion-powered GLC, the electric model has an 84mm-longer wheelbase. This provides increased passenger room and 570 litres of rear luggage capacity, expanding to 1740 litres with the rear seats folded. A further 128 litres of storage is provided beneath the bonnet.
Standard equipment includes the MBUX Superscreen, Digital Light LED headlights, head-up display, panoramic roof with Sky Control, Burmester 3D surround-sound system, heated front sports seats, and the latest MB.Drive assistance systems. An optional 39.1-inch seamless MBUX Hyperscreen—the largest display yet offered in a Mercedes-Benz production model—is included as part of an Luxury Package. This package also adds climatised front seats with massage, heated rear seats, a roof-mounted illuminated star pattern, upgraded Burmester 4D audio, and additional driver-assistance functions. A $5200 Agility and Comfort Package adds Airmatic suspension and rear-axle steering.
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AMG and Maybach additions
The electric GLC is joined by the latest Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 4Matic+ SUV and Coupé, priced from $140,600 and $151,300 plus on-road costs respectively. Both revert to a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol engine with an electric auxiliary compressor and second-generation integrated starter-generator. Outputs are rated at 330kW and 600Nm, with a further 40Nm available briefly via overboost.
Drive is sent through an AMG Speedshift nine-speed transmission and fully variable AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive, producing a claimed 0-100km/h time of 4.2 seconds. AMG Ride Control suspension and rear-axle steering are standard, along with 21-inch forged wheels, Night Package and Night Package II exterior treatments, heated leather sports seats, panoramic sunroof, head-up display, and Burmester 3D audio. AMG Real Performance Sound is also standard, using additional resonators and exhaust tuning to amplify the six-cylinder engine note.
Mercedes-AMG will offer four optional packages for the new GLC 53 range. The $3700 AMG Dynamic Plus Package adds an electronically controlled rear differential, dynamic engine mounts, Race mode, red brake callipers, and a Drift Mode intended for closed-circuit use. A limited $6000 Golden Accents Package combines Obsidian Black paint with gold-coloured exterior highlights, black and gold forged wheels, upgraded AMG styling, and a matching interior treatment. The $5800 Performance Ergonomic Package adds AMG Performance front seats, an AMG Performance steering wheel and Track Pace data logging, while the $5500 Plus Package includes expanded driver assistance, augmented-reality navigation, and acoustic glass.
Further up the range, Mercedes-Benz has overhauled its GLE SUV, GLE Coupé, and GLS SUV families with refreshed styling, expanded standard equipment, and revised six- and eight-cylinder powertrains. The updated models feature redesigned front and rear aprons, revised LED lighting signatures and a new illuminated grille surround incorporating the central Mercedes-Benz star. AMG Line exterior styling and the Night Package are now standard across Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG GLE and GLS variants.
Inside, the ranges adopt the latest Mercedes-Benz Operating System and MBUX Superscreen, comprising three 12.3-inch displays beneath a continuous glass panel. Digital Vehicle Key functionality and the latest MB.Drive assistance systems are also standard. The entry point is the GLE 350 d 4Matic SUV at $142,300 plus on-road costs. Its previous four-cylinder diesel has been replaced by a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder producing 210kW and 650Nm, supported by a 48-volt integrated starter-generator. The GLE 450 4Matic Coupé is priced from $160,400 plus on-road costs and uses a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine developing 280kW and 560Nm.
The GLE 53 AMG SUV and Coupé are each priced at $187,900 plus on-road costs. Their revised six-cylinder powertrain produces 330kW and 600Nm, up from 320kW and 560Nm previously, with up to 640Nm available for 10 seconds. The flagship Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S retains a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 with 450kW and 850Nm, priced from $277,900 for the SUV and $279,900 for the Coupé.
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The larger seven-seat GLS range opens with the returning GLS 450 4Matic at $181,900 plus on-road costs. Its 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol engine produces 280kW and 560Nm, while the GLS 450 d 4Matic costs $188,900 plus on-road costs and offers 270kW and 750Nm from a six-cylinder diesel. Both use a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and integrated starter-generator. The Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 S 4Matic+ is priced at $313,900 plus on-road costs and shares its 450kW/850Nm twin-turbocharged V8 with the GLE 63 S. It also gains an electronic rear-axle limited-slip differential, in addition to AMG Performance all-wheel drive and AMG Ride Control+ suspension.
Sitting at the top of the expanded range is the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 4Matic at $424,900 plus on-road costs. The Maybach retains a 450kW and 850Nm twin-turbocharged V8, but gains a revised engine setup, additional insulation, more direct steering, and an illuminated grille outline with illuminated Maybach lettering. Its standard equipment includes Digital Light, the MBUX Superscreen, Energising Comfort, executive rear seating and climate-controlled multi-contour seats. A $14,700 First Class Rear Package substitutes two individual rear chairs and adds a refrigerated compartment, champagne flute holders and folding tables. A $37,500 Night Series Package introduces darkened exterior trim, black 23-inch wheels, model-specific upholstery and black open-pore wood with rose-gold accents.
All GLS variants include third-row seating as standard, while seven seats remain optional on selected GLE variants through a $3500 package. Mercedes-Benz will offer a broad range of additional options across the GLE and GLS portfolio, including towing packages, air suspension, rear-seat entertainment, upgraded comfort equipment, and carbon-fibre trim. Towbar packages for both ranges increase braked towing capacity to 3500kg.
The revised Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLS models are expected to arrive in Australia from November, with AMG and Maybach variants following in early 2027. Customers who order selected GLE 350 d, GLE 450 Coupé, GLS 450 or GLS 450 d models between July 22 and September 30 will receive a complimentary three-year service plan.
This mix of electrification and internal combustion engines signals a deliberate strategy rather than a wholesale shift to battery-electric vehicles. For Australian buyers, the breadth of the portfolio—from the $110,000 electric family SUV to the $424,900 V8-powered Maybach flagship—provides a wide spectrum of choices that cater to different needs, from daily commuting to long-distance touring and heavy towing.
