Used Mercedes-Benz GLE Class for sale near Southampton

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 30.2%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 400
Average Price: Around £37,000

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

Pros	Cons
Luxurious cabin	Not as sporty as a BMW X5
Models with air suspension are supremely comfortable	A Land Rover Discovery is roomier
The plug-in hybrid is tax-efficient for company car drivers	Mercedes performs poorly in reliability surveys

Quick Summary

The Mercedes-Benz GLE Class (2018-present) is a large, premium SUV that sits above the GLC but below the GLS in Mercedes' line-up. Available as a conventional seven-seat SUV or as the sportier GLE Coupe, it competes directly with the BMW X5, Audi Q7, Volvo XC90 and Land Rover Discovery. The GLE prioritises comfort and luxury over sporting dynamics, offering a beautifully designed interior with premium materials and a refined driving experience. Space is abundant, with excellent boot capacity of up to 630 litres in five-seat models, though the third row is best suited for children.

The GLE offers a comprehensive range of powertrains, including efficient diesel engines (300d, 350d, 400d), a petrol 450 model, and a plug-in hybrid 350de that can travel up to 66 miles on electric power alone. Air suspension models provide supreme comfort on motorway journeys, though the car feels heavy and ponderous on twisty roads. Running costs vary by model, with the 300d diesel achieving up to 40.4mpg and the plug-in hybrid offering potential fuel savings for regular charging users. Insurance costs are substantial, starting at group 44, with AMG models in the highest bracket. Mercedes' fixed-price service plans provide cost certainty from £37 monthly.

Best for: Buyers seeking a refined, luxurious large SUV for comfortable family cruising, those wanting a premium cabin experience, and company car drivers interested in the tax-efficient plug-in hybrid.

Not ideal for: Drivers prioritising sporty handling, those needing maximum interior space, or buyers concerned about reliability ratings.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the GLE if: You're seeking a refined, luxurious large SUV for comfortable family cruising, value a premium cabin experience, or are a company car driver interested in the tax-efficient plug-in hybrid.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise sporty handling, need maximum interior space, or are concerned about reliability ratings.

Competitive Position: The Mercedes-Benz GLE Class (2018-present) is a strong contender in the premium large SUV segment, excelling in luxury, comfort and refinement. Whilst the BMW X5 and Audi Q7 offer superior expert ratings and better value propositions, the GLE distinguishes itself through its beautifully appointed interior and comprehensive powertrain options, including an efficient plug-in hybrid. The Land Rover Discovery provides more space, but the GLE's focus on premium comfort and the availability of air suspension make it an excellent choice for buyers prioritising a refined driving experience. Its wide range of models ensures broad appeal, from efficient diesel variants to high-performance AMG versions.

Read our full Mercedes-Benz GLE Class Review

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