Used Mercedes-Benz GLE Class for sale nearDarlington

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.5%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 400
Average Price: Around £35,000

Mercedes-Benz GLE Class (2018-2026) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Luxurious cabin	Not as sporty as a BMW X5
Air suspension delivers supreme comfort	Audi offers more robust-feeling interiors
Plug-in hybrid versions sip fuel	Poor performance in reliability surveys

Quick Summary

The Mercedes-Benz GLE Class is a large, premium SUV that prioritises comfort and luxury over sporting dynamics. Available as a five- or seven-seat SUV or a sportier two-row Coupe variant, it offers a beautifully designed interior with high-quality materials and comprehensive technology. The GLE delivers excellent practicality with abundant space for passengers and luggage, with seven-seat models offering up to 2,055 litres of boot space when rear seats are folded. Air suspension on higher trims provides supremely comfortable cruising, whilst the light steering makes it remarkably easy to manoeuvre in town despite its substantial size.

Engine options range from the efficient 2.0-litre 300d diesel with 265bhp to the potent AMG 63 S with a 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 delivering 604bhp and 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds. Plug-in hybrid models, both petrol and diesel, offer impressive electric ranges of 53 to 67 miles, making them ideal for town driving when regularly charged. All models feature Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel-drive system and a nine-speed automatic gearbox. Whilst not as nimble as a BMW X5 or as robust-feeling as an Audi Q7, the GLE excels at delivering genuine luxury and a sense of occasion, with a wide range of powertrains and trim levels to suit different needs and budgets.

Best for: Buyers seeking a refined, luxurious large SUV with excellent comfort and practicality, families requiring spacious seven-seat accommodation, and those interested in plug-in hybrid efficiency.

Not ideal for: Drivers prioritising sporty handling, those seeking maximum reliability, or buyers wanting a more robust-feeling interior like an Audi Q7.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the GLE if: You prioritise luxury and comfort, require spacious seven-seat accommodation, seek a refined cruiser, or are interested in plug-in hybrid efficiency for town driving.

Consider alternatives if: You want the sportiest handling, demand maximum reliability, or prefer a more robust-feeling interior like an Audi Q7.

Competitive Position: The Mercedes-Benz GLE Class is a strong contender in the premium large SUV market, excelling at delivering genuine luxury and comfort. Whilst the BMW X5 and Audi Q7 score higher with experts and offer sportier handling or more robust interiors respectively, the GLE's beautifully designed cabin, air suspension comfort, and comprehensive plug-in hybrid options make it highly competitive. For buyers prioritising refinement and a sense of occasion over outright sportiness, the GLE is an excellent choice that deserves serious consideration alongside its rivals.

Read our full Mercedes-Benz GLE Class Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.