Mercedes-Benz GLE L Revealed in China with 120mm Longer Wheelbase and Boss Mode

The long-wheelbase variant of Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV, known as GLE L, has been revealed at the 2026 Chengdu Auto Show in China. The car is assembled locally in China and comes with a larger wheelbase and two turbo-petrol engines.

Larger wheelbase means more spacious and comfortable rear seats, which makes the SUV ideal for those customers who are interested in passenger experience rather than driving itself. Moreover, the car gets updated rear-seat entertainment screens, a China-specific AI assistant and a special “boss mode” for increased rear-seat legroom.

Longer Wheelbase for More Rear Space

Compared to the standard-wheelbase GLE, the new GLE L has been provided with a 120mm longer wheelbase. Such an increased length was used primarily for rear-seat comfort.

In China, long-wheelbase variants of luxury SUVs are especially popular because usually, rear-seat passengers are either family members or business associates of the driver. Thus, they spend much time in the car.

There are two variants of GLE L – 350 L 4Matic and 450 L 4Matic. The two variants are equipped with the same engines as the standard-wheelbase GLE.

Boss Mode and Rear Entertainment

One of the key innovations of the GLE L is the new boss mode feature. Once it’s turned on, the function will tilt the front passenger seat forward by 10.91 degrees thus providing more legroom for the rear passenger sitting behind.

According to Mercedes-Benz, the feature was inspired by the more luxurious Maybach GLS. In this way, the carmaker wanted to make rear-seat experience of GLE even more comfortable for important passengers like senior executives or family members.

Also, the GLE L comes with new rear-seat entertainment screens. With their help, rear passengers can watch videos, access media or connect some external device without using the front infotainment system.

Moreover, there is a China-specific AI assistant in the GLE L. Unlike the global voice assistant that might be less efficient for Chinese users, this system was tailored specifically for the needs of local people.

Engine Options

Two turbo-petrol engines will be offered with the GLE L. Both engines are accompanied by 45V mild-hybrid assistance technology.

The 350 L 4Matic model is driven by 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 258hp and 400Nm of torque. The 450 L 4Matic is driven by 3.0-litre inline-six turbo-petrol engine developing 381hp and 560Nm of torque.

Both of them have the nine-speed automatic gearbox and are all-wheel drive using 4Matic system. The mild-hybrid assist contributes to increased efficiency, improved start-stop function and torque assistance when accelerating.

In addition to the GLE L, standard-wheelbase GLE comes with different options, such as the 580 model featuring 537hp 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, plug-in-hybrid 450e and 350d and 450d diesel versions. They are not included in the first line-up of GLE L in China.

Read this- New Skoda Superb Diesel Confirmed for India with 7-Speed DSG and Luxury-Focused Cabin

Exterior and Interior Design

Apart from the increased wheelbase and new alloy wheels, GLE L is visually indistinguishable from the regular GLE. It keeps the black glossy front grille surrounded by chrome strip and with several tristar elements, as well as dual-barrel front headlights with tristar-shaped LED DRLs.

Also, the rear design did not change: it includes the wraparound LED taillights with triangular LED elements, black strip joining the rear lamps and dual exhaust tips.

As for the interior design, it is completely identical to the regular GLE’s. The interior consists of three 12.3-inch screens: for the instrument cluster, infotainment system and front passenger entertainment. The three-spoke steering wheel has touch buttons plus rocker and roller buttons.

The interior design highlights the combination of digital technology and high-quality materials. The increased wheelbase does not affect the layout of the cabin but increases the comfort of the back seats.

India Launch Uncertain

Mercedes-Benz has not stated that the GLE L will come to India. At the same time, the company has already launched long-wheelbase versions of the E-Class and V-Class in the country, which means that there is a demand for the long-wheelbase luxury vehicles.

The interest in long-wheelbase models is increasing in the luxury car segment in India. Customers that use their vehicles for chauffeurs or are concerned about the rear-seat comfort may be interested in the GLE L.

Moreover, it can be important that BMW is preparing to launch the long-wheelbase version of the X5 in India in 2027. If Mercedes-Benz launches GLE L in India, it will compete with the X5 LWB.

Now the GLE L is the exclusive model for China only. The success of this vehicle in the Chinese market and the customers’ reaction to the rear-seat options can influence the decision of Mercedes-Benz on bringing such a long-wheelbase SUV to other countries, for example, India.

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