The Mercedes-Benz GLE is a high-end SUV whose image has evolved through time. Mercedes’ sizable luxury SUV, first introduced in 1997 as the M-Class and later known as the ML, changed its name to GLE in 2015. Therefore, even though this most recent version is just the second iteration of the GLE, its ancestry goes far back.
Because fewer alternatives were available back then, huge, luxurious SUVs were just as coveted as they are now. This contributed to the early models’ popularity. However, the GLE faces competition from many capable competitors, including BMW, Audi, Land Rover, and Porsche. Does the large Merc have what it takes to compete is the question.
The most recent Mercedes-Benz GLE already has one upgrade, making it more competitive. The most recent GLE offers you that choice, while the previous model only had five seats in a class of vehicles, where seven seats were standard.
However, it’s also true that the area around these two more seats is somewhat smaller than it is in competitors, making it less valuable or adaptable than the finest seven-seaters. As a result, the extra pair of chairs should only be considered as an emergency solution rather than a regular one. Check out our assessment of the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe if you’d like a more fashionable vehicle in exchange for those additional two seats.
However, the GLE’s cabin is quite competitive with its competitors in other respects. It’s elegant enough to feel at ease in such a wealthy company, and the abundant amenities included as standard are as kind. The GLE’s advanced infotainment system also delivers some serious wow factor thanks to its two high-definition panels with glass fronts, which look excellent and perform well.
There are several options for petrol and diesel engines, and they both do a fantastic job of balancing incredible power and remarkable refinement with more than competitive efficiency. Even a plug-in hybrid model is available; according to official statistics, it can go an amazing 66 miles on electricity alone. That result is pretty astounding, as are the combined CO2 emissions of 19g/km and fuel usage of 257mpg (even if both are lab estimates that will probably never be achieved in practice).
Unfortunately, the Mercedes-Benz GLE falls short of its strongest competitors. Understand us; this is an excellent vehicle to drive with a smooth ride and competent handling. The Audi Q7, one of its most significant competitors, performs so well on that front that the Merc falls short.
Overall, the Mercedes-Benz GLE is a stylish and attractive vehicle in and of itself, and there’s no reason not to get one if you have your heart set on one. We believe the top competitors provide more excellent utility, somewhat higher build quality, and a more refined and sophisticated driving experience.
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLE suitable?
The most recent GLE will seem like a simple step up if you’ve previously purchased a Mercedes M-Class, ML, or GLE. It boasts more luxurious features than ever before, is better to drive than ever, and now provides seven seats like many big SUV competitors.
The seven seats, although adequate, should not be utilized often since they are not as extensive as those of competitors. It’s still a practical choice to have. However, the Mercedes GLE’s infotainment system is where it truly shines. It offers many diverse capabilities, and thanks to a smooth operating system and nifty voice control, using that functionality is simple. It’ll be a hit among techies.
Which Mercedes-Benz GLE model and engine should you select?
The entry-level Mercedes-Benz GLE 300d diesel will serve most consumers well. Aside from the plug-in hybrid model, it is the most affordable to purchase, has a powerful and smooth driving experience and has the highest fuel efficiency. It’s unquestionably the best option for long-distance truckers.
However, you might consider the 350 de PHEV if you commute briefly or use a corporate vehicle. This is due to the vehicle’s ability to travel up to 66 miles on electric power alone, which means that short journeys will only cost pennies and the much lower benefit-in-kind tax payments it provides fleet customers. However, keep in mind that a PHEV cannot have seven seats.
There isn’t much in terms of trim that the base AMG Line trim doesn’t provide, so we’d stay with that.
What are the more vehicles compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLE?
In the past, the BMW X5, Audi Q8, Porsche Cayenne, Range Rover Sport, and any other large, opulent SUV with just five seats would have been the GLE’s main competitors. However, the GLE followed most of its competitors in diversifying into seven-seat models, much like most other large, upscale SUVs. This implies that larger vehicles like the BMW X7 and Merc’s own GLS are also in the running, as are cars like the Audi Q7, Land Rover Discovery, and Volvo XC90.
Comfort and design: Mercedes-Benz GLE interior
All SUV drivers like having a high, commanding driving position, and the Mercedes-Benz GLE offers just that. This makes it easier for you to see clearly in most directions; however, the car’s back window pillars have a peculiar little construction, so your over-the-shoulder perspective isn’t quite as distinct as it is in other competitors.
The driver’s seat may be adjusted manually for the first few seconds, but after that, all adjustments are made electrically, making it quite simple to find the perfect sitting position. The steering column has a lot of manual adjustability as well.
The two digital panels we’ll cover in the infotainment section below dominate the dashboard, but we like that the air conditioning settings are on separate tactile buttons. You can now make quick tweaks without navigating through options after the menu, which is good. The multi-function steering wheel is littered with several buttons and switches, and because of this, it might be challenging to remember what each one performs.
quality and execution
The Mercedes-Benz GLE provides its passengers with the upscale atmosphere that any premium SUV should, and it does it well. All models have leather seats and an artificial velvet touch dashboard cover (very reasonable). Along with those infotainment displays, the dark wood trimmings that come standard on every version further contribute to the vehicle’s air of contemporary luxury. Overall, the GLE’s interior is nice and feels just as luxurious as its competitors.
However stylish, the inside of the GLE doesn’t seem quite as substantial or robust as competitors from Audi and BMW; poking and prodding different parts and components causes a few more creaks and flexes than they do in the other German vehicles, making the Merc feel less thick. Despite this, you won’t have any cause for complaint since it isn’t far behind.
Infotainment:
Two 12.3-inch displays with glass fronts set side-by-side in front of the driver dominate the Mercedes-Benz GLE’s interior. These offer most of the car’s many operations, together with the data typically displayed on analogue gauges, in a single integrated device. First and foremost, it looks fantastic.
The left-hand screen may be navigated by touching and swiping, while the touchpad and shortcut buttons on the centre panel between the front seats can also be used. The clear visuals and logical menu architecture make the system relatively simple. Still, the touchpad controller is no match for the iDrive rotary dial you get in a BMW X5. As a consequence, it is less exact and more annoying. On the other hand, a sophisticated voice control system intended to recognize everyday speech rather than particular orders may also be used to run the system, and luckily, it does so well.
All GLEs offer the majority of infotainment features you’d expect, including DAB radio, sat-nav, Bluetooth, and many linked services. A wireless phone charging plate is also included as standard. However, the entry-level AMG Line model does not come with Apple Carplay or Android Auto as standard equipment; instead, you must upgrade to the AMG Line Executive trim, which adds some larger wheels. That was cheeky.
For your sat-nav, upgrading to a trim level further adds augmented reality. This indicates the direction you should be travelling by superimposing instruction graphics over a camera picture of the road in front of you. It has a tremendously lovely appearance and is reasonably practical. A Burmester surround sound system is also included when upgrading to the highest trim level.
Space and practicality:
Everyone will have plenty of head- and legroom in the front seats, and the rear seats are even more stunning. There is more room back there than in a Q7 or Discovery, enabling passengers to stretch out sore muscles if necessary. Despite not being as broad as the seats on either side, the centre seat on the back bench will still be wide enough to make short journeys pleasant. Three people may also fit across the back bar of the cabin since it is broad enough for them.
While some GLEs continue to have a five-seat configuration, the most recent model also has a seven-seat option. While some less expensive versions demand you purchase them as an option pack, most costly versions come with seven as standard. In contrast to the additional seats in a Q7, Discovery, or XC90, these chairs are substantially smaller, and accessing them requires clambering through a much smaller opening. As a result, the GLE cannot compete with the finest as a traditional seven-seater.
All GLEs, including the five- and seven-seat models, have a 40-20-40 split for the second-row bench. In five-seat vehicles, these sections are manually lifted and lowered; however, in seven-seat cars, it is done electronically, and the seats slide and recline. Additionally, seven-seat models include four temperature zones (instead of the two that are typical) and more USB-C connectors.
With all seven seats in position, there is quite a bit of boot space with the capacity for a couple of carry-on suitcases. The Mercedes-Benz GLE’s boot space is 630 litres with five seats in place (down to 490 litres in the plug-in hybrid), which is remarkable but not quite as large as a Q7’s. All the seats fold down into the floor when the vehicle is in two-seat mode, providing a surprisingly large cargo bay and a load surface that is reasonably flat and level.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is only a hair wider at 2157mm (with the mirrors pulled down) than the BMW X5, which is virtually the same size at 4924mm long and 1797mm in height (with roof rails).
Ride and handling quality:
The entry-level 300d has more basic steel springs than the air suspension standard on most Mercedes-Benz GLE models. Despite driving a 300d (more on the engine below), we haven’t tested steel springs since our vehicle had an optional air suspension system, which isn’t available in the UK. Strange, yet there you are.
Nevertheless, we have used the air suspension that is offered on pricier versions, and it is excellent. Body motions are more tightly controlled than with specific competitors, such as the Land Rover Discovery, resulting in a flatter, more equal ride. Uneven surfaces are cleaned up quite efficiently, keeping you incredibly comfortable.
Nevertheless, these motions aren’t nearly as well coordinated as in some of the competition, such as the Audi Q7. In contrast, the Mercedes GLE has a somewhat willowy, ponderous style that still bounces you about more than some people would prefer. It also lacks the same buoyancy and confidence while changing directions due to a significant body roll that can be felt in bends. At more incredible speeds, the same light steering that aids you in manoeuvres at lower rates begins to seem a little hazy and distant, further deterring you from moving forward. Overall, the GLE drives well, although not quite as well as the top competitors in its class.
What Mercedes-Benz GLE engines and transmissions are offered?
Please be patient with us as we take you through several different engines. The gallons of fuel will be our first topic as they are the most common.
The GLE 300 d, which features a 2.0-litre engine with 245PS, is the base model in the lineup. The 350 de, which uses a detuned version of this engine and combines it with an electric motor in a very efficient plug-in hybrid package to produce 320PS, is perhaps the most intriguing variation. Avoid confusing it with the GLE 350d, which has the same terminology but a 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine with 272PS, or the GLE 400d, which has the same motor but 330PS more power.
Currently, two gasoline alternatives exist, starting with the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450. This has a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine that sometimes receives little electric assistance (from a fancy starting motor) for an additional push. It is a mild hybrid as a result. The GLE AMG 53, which employs the same hardware but has powered up to 435PS, operates similarly. All variants come equipped with four-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Continue with us? Good.
We’ve only had the chance to test a few engines, but we want to change that as soon as possible. The 300 d is one of them; we believe it is all consumers need. Performance is more than commendable, and progress is made with eager power delivery. The 400 d, the other device we’ve tested, is much faster. It won’t need to be very reckless with the accelerator for it to start racing down the road. The only vehicle more quickly than the stopwatch is the AMG 53.
Refinement and noise levels
Here, the Mercedes-Benz GLE performs well. The 300d is undoubtedly the noisiest engine we’ve driven, but it’s still far from loud, with very little noise and vibration making it into the cabin. Yes, it is much quieter than the Land Rover Discovery’s engine, but it isn’t as soft as the same engines in the Audi Q7 and BMW X5.
The 400d is much smoother and quieter. Because of its quicker acceleration, it doesn’t have to work as hard as much of the time, instantly making it more comfortable. However, it also requires a higher rpm to be audible. And when you comply, it sounds good as opposed to forced.
The nine-speed automatic transmission shares this problem with all big SUV competitors. If you press the accelerator to request a fast burst of forward momentum, the vehicle will wait a moment to decide which gear is best for the situation. In contrast to other competitors, this isn’t nearly as severe in the more significant Mercedes; otherwise, the gearbox operates quickly, smoothly, and fairly unobtrusively.
The Mercedes GLE is also well-isolated from wind and traffic noise at most speeds, making it a perfect highway cruiser.
Safety equipment:
The Mercedes-Benz AMG Line and Mercedes-Benz AMG Line Executive have seven airbags, adaptive LED high beam illumination, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane keep assist. An active pop-up cover to better protect pedestrians, self-parking systems with sensors and a rear camera, and traffic sign recognition with automatic speed adjustment are all available on the lane. It is not bad at all.
The Mercedes-Benz AMG Line Premium has better Multi-beam headlights and an improved parking package with a 360-degree camera, while the top-of-the-line AMG Line Premium Plus adds a driver assistance package. Essentially, this adaptive cruise control has several extra sophisticated capabilities that sometimes allow the car to almost drive itself.
Trim levels and standard equipment
With the Mercedes-Benz GLE AMG Line basic model, you essentially get everything. Along with the previously mentioned infotainment and safety features, the list of standard luxury features also includes two-zone climate control, heated front seats, power-folding door mirrors, automatic lights and wipers, four powered windows, keyless entry, cruise control, leather upholstery, a dashboard with a leather-effect, and ambient lighting with at least 64 different colours.
The addition of Apple Carplay/Android Auto, which we think should be standard, and some bigger alloy wheels are the only real advantages of upgrading to the Mercedes-Benz GLE AMG Line Executive. The wheels on each successive ladder level are also bigger or of a different design.
The only additions to the Mercedes-Benz GLE AMG Line Premium are augmented reality navigation and a memory package for the electric seats. Still, the Mercedes-Benz GLE AMG Line Premium Plus also has a panoramic roof.
The base for the different trims on the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 versions is the AMG Line Premium and AMG Line Premium Plus. They are almost similar, with just a few slight variations, and all 53s feature more sophisticated air suspension.
If you choose the seven-seat option, you will get two more chairs, four-zone climate control, additional USB ports (C type), and power seats in the second row.
