Three new Mercedes-Benz limited-edition large SUVs add more value

Mercedes-Benz has released three new limited-edition large SUVs, each bringing extra style and value, and each available in “strictly limited” numbers.

However, while the pricing is down for the GLE300d and GLS450d Edition 7 specials, the GLE450 4Matic Coupe AMG Line Plus Edition is pricier than the model on which it’s based.

While the AMG Line Plus Edition is designed to give the GLE Coupe a darker, sportier look and feel, the Edition 7 versions of both the GLE large SUV and the GLS upper-large SUV bring a number of sleek new design elements.

Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.

Outside, the (deep breath) Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4Matic Coupe AMG Line Plus Edition adds black 22-inch AMG five twin-spoke alloy wheels and an AMG spoiler lip to complement the standard Night Package elements.

Inside, there’s black Artico/Microcut seat trim, and this edition rides on the Airmatic Package air suspension system with adaptive damping.

There are no changes to the GLE450 Coupe’s 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, which continues to deliver 270kW of power and 500Nm of torque to all four wheels.

And equipment still extends to AMG Line goodies including a multifunction sports steering wheel, AMG floor mats, front seats with four-way lumbar adjustment, interior chrome package, AMG body styling and larger front brake discs.

Other standard features include heated seats, Thermatic automatic climate control, heat-insulating dark tinted glass, ambient lighting, Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto, wireless phone charging, the Parking Package including 360-degree camera, and a full suite of driver assistance systems.

Pricing is $163,300 before on-road costs – $3400 more than the standard GLE450 Coupe 4Matic ($159,900 plus on-roads).

Meantime, the GLE300d 4matic SUV Edition 7 adds third-row seats and electric rear seat adjustment and heating as standard, plus unique 21-inch AMG alloys.

These features are in addition to standard GLE300d SUV kit like MBUX Augmented Reality navigation, Burmester surround sound, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, heat-insulated dark-tinted glass and rear USB ports with high-voltage charging.

Powered by an unchanged 180kW/500Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel, the GLE300d 4Matic SUV Edition 7 is priced at $141,800 before on-road costs – $3100 less than the GLE wagon variant on which it’s based ($144,900 plus on-roads).

Finally, the GLS450d Edition 7 scores newly added 21-inch five triple-spoke alloys, a multifunction steering wheel in nappa leather, velour floors mats, front seats with four-way lumbar adjustment and the Advanced Plus Package featuring climatised front seats, head-up display, power closing doors, MBUX Augmented Reality, wireless phone charging and Burmester surround cound.

Additionally, the GLS450d Edition 7 gains Thermotronic automatic climate control, heat-insulating tinted glass and a panoramic sunroof, but there are no changes to its 270kW/750Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel.

Both Edition 7 models come with a suite of driver safety aids, including Blind Spot Assist, Exit Warning Assistant, Traffic Sign Recognition, Active Traffic-Assist, Active Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Distance Distronic.

A tow pack is available for both Edition 7 models, priced at $3000.

The GLS450d 4Matic Edition 7 is priced at $171,000 before on-road costs, which is a substantial $13,900 less than the standard variant ($184,900 plus on-roads).

Australian sales of the current (fourth-generation) Mercedes-Benz GLE, which was first launched in 2019 as a wagon and then a ‘coupe’, were down 41 and 52 per cent in 2024, when with 1873 registrations the German brand’s large SUV was outsold by the BMW X5/X6 (3979), Land Rover Defender (3209), Range Rover Sport (2206) and Lexus RX (2075.

Also first launched in 2019, the current (third-generation) Mercedes-Benz GLS found 472 new Australian homes last year – down 27 per cent on 2023 and less than the BMW X7 (1135), Lexus GX (868), Range Rover (685) and Lexus LX (585).