CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.0%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 430
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, with excellent boot capacity of up to 630 litres in five-seat models, and the air suspension option delivers supremely comfortable motorway cruising. The plug-in hybrid 350de offers impressive fuel efficiency of up to 403.6mpg (official) for those with regular charging access, whilst diesel models like the 300d achieve around 40.4mpg. Running costs are substantial, with insurance starting at group 44 and AMG models in the highest group. Mercedes' fixed-price service plans provide cost certainty, starting at £37 per month.

Best for: Buyers seeking a refined, luxurious large SUV with excellent comfort, a wide range of powertrains, and those wanting tax-efficient company car options via the plug-in hybrid.

Not ideal for: Drivers prioritising sporty handling (like the BMW X5), maximum interior space (like the Land Rover Discovery), or those concerned about reliability ratings.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the GLE if: You're seeking a refined, luxurious large SUV with excellent comfort, a wide range of powertrains, or want a tax-efficient company car option via the plug-in hybrid.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise sporty handling, maximum interior space, or have concerns about reliability ratings.

Competitive Position: The Mercedes-Benz GLE Class is a strong contender in the premium large SUV segment, offering genuine luxury, a beautifully appointed interior, and excellent comfort, particularly with air suspension. Whilst the BMW X5 and Audi Q7 score slightly higher overall and offer sportier handling or more interior space respectively, the GLE excels at delivering a refined cruising experience. The plug-in hybrid variant provides exceptional fuel efficiency and tax benefits for company car drivers. For buyers prioritising comfort and prestige over sportiness, the GLE represents an excellent choice, though reliability concerns should be considered when making your decision.

Read our full Mercedes-Benz GLE Class Review

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

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