Used Mercedes-Benz GLE Class for sale near Southend-On-Sea

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 30.5%
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' lineup. 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 sportiness, featuring a beautifully designed interior with premium materials and a range of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains to suit different needs.

Space is abundant throughout the GLE, with excellent boot capacity of up to 630 litres in five-seat models. The air suspension option provides supreme comfort on long journeys, whilst the plug-in hybrid 350de offers up to 66 miles of electric-only range and potential fuel savings of up to 403.6mpg. Running costs are higher than mainstream rivals, with insurance starting at group 44 and the AMG models in the highest group. The GLE excels as a refined cruiser offering genuine luxury, a wide range of models and excellent family accommodation, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a premium large SUV.

Best for: Buyers seeking a luxurious, comfortable large SUV with premium interior quality, families requiring spacious seven-seat accommodation, and company car drivers interested in the tax-efficient plug-in hybrid option.

Not ideal for: Those prioritising sporty handling (like the BMW X5), maximum interior space (like the Land Rover Discovery), or budget-conscious buyers concerned with running costs and insurance premiums.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the GLE if: You're seeking a luxurious, comfortable large SUV with premium interior quality, require spacious seven-seat family accommodation, or are a company car driver interested in the tax-efficient plug-in hybrid option.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise sporty handling, require maximum interior space, or are concerned with running costs and insurance premiums.

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 offers sportier handling and the Audi Q7 provides marginally better value, the GLE distinguishes itself through its beautifully appointed interior, supremely comfortable air suspension and tax-efficient plug-in hybrid option. The Land Rover Discovery offers more interior space but lacks the premium feel. For buyers prioritising comfort, luxury and a refined driving experience, the GLE represents an excellent choice in a highly competitive market.

Read our full Mercedes-Benz GLE Class Review

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