The BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE have long been the default choice for China's affluent consumers. Since the BMW X5 entered local production in 2022, the market has been eagerly awaiting the same treatment for its arch-rival, the Mercedes-Benz GLE. After two years of speculation, the locally produced GLE has finally reached a tangible milestone.
Pictured: Overseas version of the GLE
In May this year, the China-made Mercedes-Benz GLE was officially filed with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). The automaker has now confirmed that the new model will make its world debut at the Chengdu Motor Show, which opens on the 21st of this month. The domestic GLE will be offered with two powertrain options — a 2.0T and a 3.0T — and features a significantly lengthened body.
MIIT filing images of the domestic GLE
According to the filing information, the China-made GLE measures 5,051/2,018/1,784 mm in length, width and height, with a wheelbase of 3,115 mm. Compared with the current imported model, the length has increased by 124 mm and the wheelbase by 120 mm — the extra length almost entirely dedicated to rear legroom.
The domestic GLE largely retains the overseas version's design language with no major exterior changes. Up front, the large grille houses the prominent Mercedes star, while the new star-pattern LED headlights incorporate three-pointed star elements, combining style with strong brand recognition.
The vehicle has a robust and substantial stance. The classic thick C-pillar, paired with blacked-out B- and D-pillars, creates a contrasting visual effect and a modern feel, while the deliberately sculpted lines on the wheel arches further emphasize its muscular character. The taillights also feature star motifs, with a black trim panel connecting the two units to create a quasi-through-tail-light design.
The curb weight stands at 2,377 kg (2.0T) / 2,450 kg (3.0T), with a gross vehicle weight of 2,900 kg (2.0T) / 2,960 kg (3.0T). Multiple wheel designs in 20- and 21-inch sizes will be available. Notably, despite the substantial lengthening, all filed versions are five-seater configurations — no seven-seat option is planned.
Two powertrains have been registered: the GLE 350 L is powered by the M254 2.0T engine with a maximum output of 190 kW, while the GLE 450 L uses the M256 3.0T engine producing 280 kW. Both are expected to be paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and come standard with the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.
Top: Spy shot of the domestic GLE interior; Bottom: Interior of the all-new overseas GLE
The interior of the domestic GLE remains under wraps, but spy shots suggest it will closely follow the overseas version's layout — a triple 12.3-inch connected screen setup spanning nearly the entire dashboard, running Mercedes-Benz's in-house MB.OS operating system.
The Mercedes-Benz brand pedigree combined with the GLE's strong nameplate recognition ensures the domestic model will draw considerable attention. The improved space from the longer wheelbase and the expected price reduction from local production are clear advantages. That said, new energy vehicles have now become the mainstream in China's market, and the traditional fuel-powered BBA luxury brands no longer command the same market influence and brand premium they once did — making the domestic GLE's pricing strategy all the more critical. Given the current market environment, the new model is likely to be priced in the same range as the BMW X5 L, setting the stage for a direct head-to-head rivalry.
