Mercedes-Benz GLE Class Review (2018-present)
Mercedes-Benz GLE Class cars for sale
4.0
Expert review
Pros
Luxurious cabin
Models with air suspension are supremely comfortable
The plug-in hybrid is tax-efficient for company car drivers
Cons
Not as sporty as a BMW X5
A Land Rover Discovery is roomier
Mercedes performs poorly in reliability surveys
The CarGurus verdict
There are more spacious rivals than the Mercedes GLE, and some are better to drive, but what the big Merc excels at is a feeling of occasion and genuine luxury. It looks great both inside and out, has a wide range of models to choose from and will easily accommodate a big family. If you want a refined cruiser then it has you covered, and if you want a supercar-rivalling monster then there’s a GLE for you, too. With the arrival of a plug-in hybrid version, it has the potential to be one of the most fuel-efficient cars on the road and not just for its size. If you’re looking at a large, premium SUV then the GLE should at the very least be on your list.
What is the Mercedes-Benz GLE Class?
The GLE is one of Mercedes-Benz’s larger SUVs, sitting above the GLC but below the leviathan that is the GLS.
This is the second-generation GLE model, introduced in 2018, although the previous GLE was actually known as the M-Class, until it changed its name in 2015. All rather complicated, but information that could be useful in a pub quiz one day.
You can get it as a straightforward SUV, or as the GLE Coupe, which sacrifices the third row of seats and lowers the roofline for a sportier look, and aims to take on cars like the BMW X6 and Audi Q8.
The regular GLE gives you a seven-seat, luxurious SUV that comes in a range of trims from swanky to sporty, and with several petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid power options. With a broad range of models to choose from it appeals to a wide audience, and that’s important as it has some stiff competition in the marketplace from the likes of the BMW X5, Audi Q7, Volvo XC90 and Land Rover Discovery. So what can the Merc offer that its rivals can’t?
How practical is it?
Well, what it’s not trying to do is be sporty, like the BMW X5, at least outside of the high-performance AMG models, which we’ll get to shortly. Mercedes is going for ‘comfortable cruiser’ with the GLE, with the idea that its driver and passengers will be wafted along in the kind of premium opulence that they’d expect for a car of this type. Accordingly, it’s fitted with a beautifully designed and built interior that’s full of expensive-feeling materials. Is it as rock solid as Audi’s Q7? Maybe not quite, but you’re unlikely to feel short-changed.
Space is abundant in the GLE SUV, and second-row passengers have plenty of head and legroom, even in cars with a panoramic sunroof. While there are some five-seat models out there, most versions of the standard car get seven-seats, although the plug-in hybrids cannot be ordered with the third row of seats. Bear in mind, though, that the two rearmost seats aren't quite as spacious as in the GLE’s rivals, so they're best reserved for kids. The five-seat Coupe does lose a bit of headroom due to that lower roof, but there’s still plenty of space for adults.
Boot space is excellent, especially with five-seat models, which give you an enormous 630 litres (with the back two seats folded down but the middle three in place). That's bigger than the X5's boot, but smaller than those of the Discovery and the Q7. The plug-in hybrid model’s boot is smaller, though, at 430 litres, because the battery pack takes up extra space. Impressively, the GLE Coupe's boot is 655 litres, which is 25 litres bigger than the conventional SUV's, largely because it doesn’t need to house the third row of seats.
What's it like to drive?
Different versions of the GLE come with one of two different suspension set-ups. The standard system is a conventional steel spring affair, while more expensive models get air suspension.
The latter is supremely comfortable and quiet on long motorway journeys, although it’s better with smaller alloy wheels and perhaps not quite as wafty as the Audi Q7.
The downside is that both GLE versions can feel rather heavy and ponderous on more twisty country roads, particularly in the heavy plug-in hybrid models. It is a big car, after all, but it doesn’t feel particularly nimble, unlike the BMW or Porsche Cayenne. Light steering doesn’t help, but that does mean it’s easy to manoeuvre and park in town.
Technology, equipment & infotainment
All models are all-wheel drive, which Mercedes calls 4Matic, and come with a nine-speed automatic gearbox. Engines in the non-AMG models come in a range of flavours. The diesel range starts with the 2.0-litre 300d, which has 245bhp and, for a lot of people, will be perfectly sufficient. If you just want to cruise around all day without demanding serious acceleration, this will do the job brilliantly. For a bit more poke there’s the six-cylinder 350d with 268bhp, and the 400d with 325bhp, which have lots of grunt while still maintaining a smooth demeanour. Both are also a bit quieter than the 300d, as you don’t need to work them as hard.
The petrol range covers the AMG models and also the GLE 450, which has a six-cylinder, 3.0-litre engine with 362bhp. It’s strong, but you need to rev it quite high to get to the best of its performance. For that reason, we think the diesel models better suit the GLE’s character.
You can also buy the 350de plug-in hybrid model, which combines a diesel engine with an electric motor. Performance is comparable to the 300d, but if you use it correctly it has the potential to save you a fortune on fuel. It’ll do up to 66 miles on electric power only, so if you have somewhere to regularly charge the battery, and do mostly shorter journeys, your visits to the pumps could be very infrequent.
Mercedes-Benz GLE Class running costs
The GLE is a high-end car, and fairly new still, so used models will cost significantly more to buy than the previous generation of GLE. You’ll find that the Coupe models will likely be slightly more expensive still.
Running costs will vary depending on which model you go for. While the plug-in hybrid, which is newer, will be more expensive to buy, it has the potential to be very cheap on fuel, with an official consumption figure of up to 403.6mpg. As stated, though, this will depend a great deal on how you use it.
For other models, the diesels will be more fuel efficient than the petrols. The 300d is the best performer with an official figure of up to 40.4mpg, and the 400d the thirstiest at up to 33.6mpg. The petrol cars will get through fuel rather more quickly; the 450 has an official fuel consumption figure of up to 28mpg, the AMG 53 up to 26.2mpg and the AMG 63 S can only scrape an MPG figure of 22.8.
Insurance costs won’t be particularly low, with even the most affordable model starting at group 44 out of 50. The AMG models all sit in the most expensive group, so be sure to budget for your premiums accordingly.
Mercedes offers a fixed-price service plan covering up to four services, which should protect you against any inflation. Prices start at £37 a month at the time of writing, or you can pay £1,776 up front for all four. It covers all parts and labour, and things like brake fluid and screen wash.
Mercedes-Benz GLE Class reliability
Mercedes doesn’t have the finest reliability record in the world, and as a brand is usually well towards the bottom end of independent reliability studies. However, the GLE came third in the Luxury SUV class in the What Car? 2020 Reliability Study, ahead of several rivals.
The GLE is still fairly new, so all used cars will still be covered by Mercedes’ three-year, unlimited mile warranty, which is fairly standard for this end of the market, and comparable to its rivals. It also comes with three years of roadside assistance.
As it’s so fresh, it’s too early to see if there are many commonly occurring issues. That said, there have been several recalls. Issues have included problematic welds underneath the car and on the fuel system, another was to reroute some wiring, and another to fix some trim on the rear windows. There have also been issues with incorrectly fitted air conditioning drain hoses. None are particularly serious, and all should have been remedied by a dealer, but it’s worth checking before you buy.
- The infotainment system is excellent, with two 12.3-inch displays that stretch across the car. One is behind the steering wheel, replacing traditional dials. The system features an unusually competent voice control system, much like Siri or Alexa, that can take care of plenty of commands, or you can use a touchpad between the front seats to adjust settings. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available, but not on every model; it was only included on AMG Line Premium models and upwards.
- The GLE’s driving experience changes considerably in the performance versions. The GLE 53 and GLE 63 S models have a much more sporty set up (and a considerably higher price), with the former powered by a 3.0-litre straight six engine with 429bhp, and the latter with a 4.0-litre V8 with a monstrous 603bhp. Both are very powerful in a straight line, and the 63 S will rival supercars with its acceleration. They also have more sophisticated, stiffer suspension that makes them much more agile in the bends, although not to the level of Porsche’s excellent Cayenne.
- If you’re looking at the GLE because you need to tow something, then be careful. Even the best-performing model can only tow 2,700kg, which is quite a bit less than rivals like the Land Rover Discovery and the Audi Q7. Unless, that is, you can find a car fitted with the optional Towing Package. This is available on all cars except the 300d, and will up the towing capacity to 3,500kg. It also features an electronically folding tow bar and 13-pin socket, as well as trailer stability system.
- If you want the best all-rounder: While most people will find the 300d engine adequate, the effortless nature of the 350d really suits the GLE, so we’d recommend that as a balance between cost and performance. It’s a similar story with the trim level; the entry-level AMG Line has everything you’ll need, but in a luxury car like the GLE, it would be a shame not to splash a bit more on some extras, and the AMG Line Premium trim does that without emptying your bank account. The AMG Premium Plus models have even more features, but they’re very expensive.
- If you want the best fuel economy: If you have the ability to use it in the most efficient way, the 350de plug-in hybrid will use far less fuel than any other model. But if you don’t charge it, you’re just hauling an electric motor around with a diesel engine, so make sure it fits your driving profile.
- If you want the most fun: Either of the AMG cars will be a hoot to drive, but the 63 S model really is a riot. It’s better in the bends, a rocketship in a straight line and sounds fantastic.
- If you’re on a budget: The most affordable GLE to buy will be the five-seat GLE 300d AMG Line. You’ll miss out on a few fancy gadgets, and larger families will have to leave a couple of kids at home, but this is still a very accomplished and comfortable car.
