2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
MSRP range: $57,700 - $120,000 Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class


360°



+231
great
8.4/10
Edmunds Rating
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is a great pick for a luxury SUV. Besides the impeccable interior and solid construction that make a Mercedes special, the GLE has all of the latest and greatest innovations and upgrades. The GLE 450 is what we'd recommend for its combination of power and efficiency, but even the base GLE 350 will likely satisfy.
Total MSRP | $58,695 |
---|---|
Edmunds suggests you pay | $57,692 |
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2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Review


byReese Counts
Vehicle Test Editor
Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at Edmunds in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.
, rating written byJonathan Elfalan
Director, Vehicle Testing
Jonathan Elfalan has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. As a director of vehicle testing at Edmunds, Jonathan has tested and reviewed thousands of cars and written thousands of car-related articles over the course of his career. Jonathan got his start testing cars for Road & Track magazine as a newly minted mechanical engineer grad from University of California, Irvine, and has also contributed to Motor Trend and the Associated Press. He likes to say he learned to drive a manual transmission in a rear-wheel-drive mid-engine vehicle but often omits it was his family's 1991 Toyota Previa minivan.
Pros
- Attractive, roomy and upscale cabin
- Feature-packed infotainment system
- Easy to see out of
- Wide range of trims and available features to choose from
Cons
- Options quickly drive the price up
- Ride quality with the available Airmatic suspension is too floaty
What's new
- No significant changes for 2023
- Part of the second GLE generation introduced for 2020
Overview
We've long considered the GLE a benchmark when it comes to combining premium luxury appointments, cool technology features, and pleasing comfort and utility in an SUV-shaped package. Mercedes also sells this midsize SUV in a variety of configurations to suit a variety of desires and budgets. You can even get it with a third-row seat — albeit a small one — to provide seven-passenger capacity in a pinch.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class GLE 350 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.10 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$231/mo
GLE-Class GLE 350 4MATIC
vs
$240/mo
Avg. Large SUV
The current-generation GLE has been one of Edmunds' favorite luxury SUVs since it debuted, and for 2023 it returns mostly unchanged. But there are plenty of competitors. The BMW X5 has long been the GLE's closest rival and it offers a similar mix of luxury and capability. Other solid choices include the Audi Q7, Genesis GV80, Land Rover Defender and Porsche Cayenne. Read our Expert Rating below to see our test team's scoring and evaluation of the GLE's comfort, fuel economy and more.
Edmunds Expert Rating
great
8.4/10
Edmunds Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is a great pick for a luxury SUV. Besides the impeccable interior and solid construction that make a Mercedes special, the GLE has all of the latest and greatest innovations and upgrades. The GLE 450 is what we'd recommend for its combination of power and efficiency, but even the base GLE 350 will likely satisfy.
Rated for you by America's best test team.
Performance
8.0/10
How does the GLE-Class drive? Even the base four-cylinder provides sufficient thrust. The GLE 350 we tested accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds, which is an average time for this class of SUV. Stepping up to the 450's six-cylinder engine gives you the speed to match the quickest SUVs in the segment, needing only 5.3 seconds to get to 60 mph at our test track. Braking performance is likewise strong, and the brakes are easy to control in everyday driving.
Steering effort is light, but steering is precise. While the GLE isn't as naturally sporty as a Porsche Cayenne or Audi Q8, it's composed enough to not feel clumsy. The base engine's transmission definitely favors economical driving, and shifts can be a little harsh for a luxury vehicle. But stepping up to the GLE 450 eliminates most if not all of these issues if you are able to spring for it.
Steering effort is light, but steering is precise. While the GLE isn't as naturally sporty as a Porsche Cayenne or Audi Q8, it's composed enough to not feel clumsy. The base engine's transmission definitely favors economical driving, and shifts can be a little harsh for a luxury vehicle. But stepping up to the GLE 450 eliminates most if not all of these issues if you are able to spring for it.
Comfort
7.5/10
How comfortable is the GLE-Class? The GLE's interior is serene and quiet, and the front seats with available massage provide terrific comfort. The rear seats don't slide or recline but remain pleasant for the long haul. Our test vehicle had the optional Acoustic package, and we found it kept exterior sounds well muted. The climate control system is likewise strong. You can just set it and forget it, and the heated and cooled cupholders and the heated armrests are bonuses.
The biggest issue we have is the optional air suspension. There's a floatiness at highway speeds that's a little disconcerting plus a lot of extraneous minor body motions. Bumps are impactful too. We encourage you to test-drive vehicles with the air and standard suspension back to back.
The biggest issue we have is the optional air suspension. There's a floatiness at highway speeds that's a little disconcerting plus a lot of extraneous minor body motions. Bumps are impactful too. We encourage you to test-drive vehicles with the air and standard suspension back to back.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
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2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class pricing
in Ashburn, VAEdmunds suggests you pay
Interior
9.0/10
How’s the interior? The GLE's cabin is close to perfect, exhibiting excellent usability and build quality that is second to none. It's also quite roomy, with plenty of legroom and headroom for second-row passengers. The driving position offers a commanding view of the road and plenty of adjustability, and the controls are within easy reach. Visibility is excellent, with clear sight lines all around.
We like the GLE's intuitive touchpad controller. Functions such as track/preset skipping, home and back are right on the pad, and it has useful haptic feedback. But the steering wheel touchpads are too easy to brush inadvertently.
We like the GLE's intuitive touchpad controller. Functions such as track/preset skipping, home and back are right on the pad, and it has useful haptic feedback. But the steering wheel touchpads are too easy to brush inadvertently.
Technology
9.5/10
How’s the tech? Mercedes' MBUX infotainment system sets a new bar for functionality. It's easy to use and robust to the point you can alter just about every car setting through it. The optional Burmester audio system has a surround-sound option that fully envelops the driver in hi-fi lusciousness. You'll want to crank up every song for an immersive experience — too bad max volume isn't higher.
Another neat feature is the nav system's (optional) augmented reality feature that overlays street names and arrows atop a live front-view video when making turns. For safety, a number of driving aids are standard. Semi-automated driving features are available through the Driver Assistance package. We found the features easy to use, and they helped reduce fatigue in stop-and-go traffic.
Another neat feature is the nav system's (optional) augmented reality feature that overlays street names and arrows atop a live front-view video when making turns. For safety, a number of driving aids are standard. Semi-automated driving features are available through the Driver Assistance package. We found the features easy to use, and they helped reduce fatigue in stop-and-go traffic.
Storage
8.5/10
How’s the storage? The GLE's sizable cabin is well designed. Cubbies and compartments abound for stashing drinks and items. The cargo area is large and flat with no wheelwell intrusion. Max cargo room is among the best in the midsize luxury SUV class. And the GLE's max towing capacity, even with the four-cylinder engine, is similarly strong. The back seat has four easy-to-access car seat anchors, and there's plenty of room for even the bulkiest child safety seats.
Fuel Economy
7.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA rates the GLE 350 4Matic at 22 mpg combined (19 city/26 highway), which is average for a base-level midsize luxury SUV. The GLE 450, incredibly, gets the same 22 mpg combined (20 city/26 highway) but makes an extra 107 hp thanks to its mild hybrid system. That's pretty good power to efficiency, but like any other engine, how to drive will make the most difference in your real-world economy. The 450 is the way to go if you can swing it.
Value
8.0/10
Is the GLE-Class a good value? You get what you pay for in the GLE, but you will pay quite a lot, with well-optioned 450 models coming in at nearly $80,000. Still, the overall impression of quality is exceptional. The four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty is average, but the same coverage for the powertrain is less than what most competitors offer.
Wildcard
8.5/10
While the GLE has decent performance chops, it's really the feeling of luxurious quality, in everything from the design to materials to technology features, that sells this SUV. It's far and away the best in class, with several features you won't find in rivals. Pair those with rich, sumptuous materials and you have a cabin second to none. Sure, it's not as sporty to drive as some top competitors, but in most other areas the GLE is setting new benchmarks.
Which GLE-Class does Edmunds recommend?
The GLE 450 gets our recommendation in the lineup. In addition to standard all-wheel drive, it comes with an excellent turbocharged six-cylinder engine. It's a lot more powerful than the GLE 350's four-cylinder engine and achieves the same EPA-rated fuel economy. More power and no penalty at the pump.
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class models
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE comes in five trim levels: GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 580, AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S. All trims include standard all-wheel drive except for the GLE 350; it's available with rear- or all-wheel drive. All GLEs include seating for five passengers, but a third row can be optioned on all but the AMG GLE 63 S. Feature highlights for the GLE include:
GLE 350
Starts off the GLE lineup with:
- Turbocharged four-cylinder engine (255 hp)
- LED headlights
- 19-inch wheels
- Power-adjustable, heated front seats
- Power liftgate
- Sunroof
- Multi-color ambient interior lighting
- Synthetic leather upholstery (MB-Tex)
- 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Digital instrument panel
- Integrated navigation system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Wireless smartphone charging
- Automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)
- Blind-spot warning (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
GLE 450
Adds the following features:
- Turbocharged six-cylinder (362 hp, 369 lb-ft)
- All-wheel drive
GLE 580
Ups performance and luxury with:
- Turbocharged V8 (483 hp, 516 lb-ft)
- Adaptive air suspension (can raise or lower the ride height of the vehicle)
- 20-inch wheels
- AMG Line styling package
AMG GLE 53
Focuses on performance with:
- Turbocharged six-cylinder engine (429 hp, 384 lb-ft)
- 20-inch AMG wheels
- Upgraded brakes
- Sporty AMG exterior and interior trim
- 115-volt power outlet
- Burmester surround-sound system
AMG GLE 63 S
Maximizes performance with:
- Turbocharged V8 (603 hp, 627 lb-ft)
- 21-inch wheels
- Electronic limited-slip differential (for enhanced traction)
- Adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
- More supportive seats with AMG badging
The GLE comes well equipped on its own, but Mercedes-Benz offers an assortment of styling, comfort and technology options. Highlights include:
3rd-Row Seat package
Available for all trims except the AMG GLE 63 S:
- Third-row seats
- Upgraded second-row seats with power adjustment
- Two USB-C ports in the third row
Driver Assistance Package Plus
Available on all trims, it adds a host of advanced driver aids, including:
- Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
- Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
- Evasive steering assistance (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance)
- Speed limit assistance (detects and displays posted speed limit signs on the instrument panel, alerting you if the limit is exceeded)
Warmth and Comfort package
Available on all trims:
- Rapid-heating front seats
- Heated front armrests and upper door panels
Exterior Lighting package
Enhances nighttime visibility with:
- Long-range LED high beams
- Automatic/adaptive high beams
AMG Line Interior package
Adds a touch of sport to most GLE trims with:
- Sport-themed interior accents
- Front sport seats
- Aluminum pedals
- Sport steering wheel
- Unique floor mats
Premium package
Available on GLE 350 and 450 trims:
- Upgraded Burmester audio system
- Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the GLE and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
- 115-volt household-type power outlet
Other key stand-alone options include:
- Panoramic sunroof
- Leather or premium leather upholstery
- Multicontour front seats with massage
- Four-zone climate control
- Head-up display

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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.
5 star reviews: 57%
4 star reviews: 7%
3 star reviews: 14%
2 star reviews: 10%
1 star reviews: 12%
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
2/5 stars, Less than 800 miles. In service for WEEKS
DW,
GLE 350 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
The car is beautiful. However, missing several features other cars have.
Less than 800 miles and it’s been in the service department more than in my garage.
Had a bolt missing/ broken, terrible noise of things flapping/rattling on the passenger side.
Picked up car on Wednesday, had it towed on Friday….”Reversing Not Possible. Service Required”. Over a week now waiting to get it … back…..still in a loaner.
5/5 stars, Most Luxurious in Class
Christian,
GLE 350 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
I took delivery in December and immediately fell in-love. I upgraded from a 2016 Volkswagen Touareg and everything about this car is worth the $15k increase in MSRP (mine came in at $71k.) I'm averaging 24.8 MPG with mixed/highway driving over 3,600mi. On a recent road-trip I averaged 30MPG by going the speed limit (Sacramento to Los Angeles.) I love that I can drive 500mi on a tank of … gas. I am super disappointed that MBUX doesn't include wireless CarPlay (something available on all 2020+ VW models.) I had issues with the MBUX taking 2+ minutes to load randomly, but that hasn't happened since the recent software update. The panoramic sunroof opens way larger than the X5, but I wish it had the ambient sunroof lighting like the X5. I have the GLE 350 4matic and while the engine doesn't sound pleasant, the performance is on-par and worth it for better efficiency. I do feel like 4matic is more front wheel drive biased compared the competition (I've experienced loss of traction while accelerating hard.) I noticed reviews saying that your pant legs would get dirty when you get in the car; I have this issue too. I feel exceptionally safe in this SUV and love the driver's assistance package. I do wish there was a quicker way to disable the active lane departure warning (it's quite aggressive and disturbs the otherwise exceptional ride.) The active driving assistance (and active lane change assist) make highway driving so easy. The traffic jam assist gets too close to cars for my comfort, but otherwise works as expected. The 360 camera isn't as good as Audi/BMW but it's better than any mainstream brand and I find it very helpful. I tried the automated parallel parking feature twice and it parks as well (or as poorly) as the vehicles you park in-between. Overall, I am very pleased with my purchase and intend to keep it until at least the warranty runs out (which is 10k short bumper-to-bumper and 50k miles short for powertrain compared to my Touareg.)
Update: 9 months, 7,700mi in and I still love my GLE but wish I purchased the X5. My average MPG is 25, mostly highway and combined. A software update fixed my main issue with the MBUX system. Unfortunately, the vehicle has developed a rattle in the steering wheel and in the rear of the vehicle. Then, the steering/suspension occasionally makes a popping sound. The sunroof also makes a horrible popping sound when opening/closing after being parked outside. Also, the driver's seat ventilation fan vibrates excessively randomly. I plan to have this addressed at its first service interval; I am really disappointed with all of these quality control issues, though.
2/5 stars, Great Car But!
MsLim,
GLE 450 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)
Purchased my first Mercedes, GLE 450 2022. It was a beautiful, luxurious and comfortable SUV but the windshield wipers were a deal breaker. The judder, skip, and chatter so loudly. It was embarrassing to have my guests in my new SUV while the wipers were running. I got rid of this SUV although I took it in twice to have it fixed. The Maitland Mercedes repair service was at best … below par. He blamed it on the Florida Summer heat and replaced the wipers' blades. That didn't work. Asked me to wait for the part to replace the entire wiper's mechanism. I waited for two months, but no words from the service department. Finally, I had to call him and he asked me to come in again. Again all they did was just clean the blades, and he blamed and warned me for the next time they will charge me for fixes if I use any cleaners on my windshield. Mind you, I have owned 8 BMWs and I have never had issues with the BMW cars' wipers. If the Mercedes wiper blades were working fine, I would have to desperately try to fix it myself. After just owning this brand new SUV for over two months, I could wait to get rid of it and I did. I sold it back to the dealer! I will never touch another Mercedes again. My many years with BMW were great and will continue to drive a better brand, BMW.
3/5 stars, Pretty but definitely not sporty
RobD,
GLE 350 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
The GLE 350 has a luxury interior and some cool tech, but the driving experience overall leaves me wanting more. Seats are comfy and the ventilated seats are a perk, but at high speeds (75-80mph) the whistle from the side mirrors is annoying. The windshield wiper shuddering will drive you crazy if you’re on a rainy road trip. It’s a well know. Issue for this car an MB has done nothing to … address it. Took to the dealership 3 times where they say they have a solution to fix, but nothing has helped. They replaced the housing in the side mirrors as well for the whistle but no change. For a car at this price point, windshield wipers and wind noise shouldn’t be an issue. I love the MBUX and quality of the tech, ride overall at lower speeds is nice. It’s a big car and is definitely more cush than sporty. The 4 cylinder 350 struggles to accelerate and is underpowered. MB should make the 6 cylinder standard like most luxury SUVs, especially given the gas mileage is worse than the 450. Love the looks on the outside with the AMG package and big wheels- looks aggressive. I’ve had and X5 and Range Rover Sport in the past to compare- all very different. The GLE tops them from the luxury side, RR is definitely more of a truck, X5 wins for overall driving and modern look, especially with the engine. Looking now to replace the GLE after 18 months and the X5 is top contender.
Helpful shopping links
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class videos
CLINT SIMONE: Look what we have here. It's the new Lexus RX 350 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE. That's right, today it's top seller versus top rated. For years now, you, the consumer, have made the Lexus RX America's best selling mid-sized luxury SUV. You buy a lot of them.
On the other hand, we at Edmunds have the RX ranked in the middle of the pack behind rivals like the Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5, and Genesis GV80. But that was the old RX, and we're lucky enough to have early access to the car that replaces it. Just look at how shiny it is.
In fact, we're so early that this is still a pre-production version, which means the car is basically still in prototype form. This RX is much more upscale than any ones that came before it. And there's also a new standard powertrain. But most importantly, Lexus took that old touchpad-style infotainment system and they threw it right where it belongs-- the garbage.
[CHILDREN CHEERING]
So, is this generation the car that finally unites popular opinion and our sometimes nitpicky editors? Let's find out. Before we start this test, do us a favor and give this video a like, and don't forget to subscribe to the Edmunds Cars YouTube channel. And if you want an instant cash offer on your car, head over to edmunds.com/sellmycar.
The RX has been a sales Goliath for years now, and it's pretty easy to understand why. I mean, Lexus basically created the luxury crossover segment with the RX over 2 decades ago. And since that time, it's built up a solid reputation for quality, reliability, an affordable price tag, and strong resale value.
This new model is very much a case of if it ain't broke, you'll probably a million more of them. The RX is now 4-cylinder only, and there's going to be hybrid, plug-in hybrid, even a high-performance version. The RX is getting spicy, folks.
The new Lexus RX starts at $48,550, including the destination charge. And that is for the entry level, front-wheel-drive version. The car in our test is an all-wheel-drive F Sport version which costs $57,750. Although it does cost more than before, the RX is still the bargain of the bunch in this segment.
But don't forget about the GLE. This car was redesigned for the 2020 model year, and it still sits pretty here today. This is the GLE 350 model, and at won over our vehicle testing team with awesome road manners, an incredibly luxurious interior, and a super smart MBUX infotainment system. And at least for now, Mercedes will sell you this car with 4, 6, and even 8-cylinder engine options.
The new Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 starts at $56,150 before destination. Add in active safety tech and the interior features we want, like the Burmester sound system and ambient lighting, that number is more like $60,000. So let's line these two up next to each other so we can see two very different takes on design.
Now, this RX has an evolved look to it. But honestly, it looks a lot better than before. That said, there is a giant spindle grille on the front of it because they had to make at least a few of you upset, right? I think I'm just used to it at this point. I have no more hot takes on the spindle grille other than this little blue right here, this body color matching, actually does it some good. And it makes the nose on the RX a lot more prominent and strong.
I love these swept-back headlights that run into a much smoother body side that doesn't have too much fuss going on. The same can be said about those 21-inch dark gray wheels, too. But honestly, the best stuff is at the back. That single-bar tail light looks very nice, and the actual detailing in the light is super elegant.
The whole vibe here is a car that looks smaller and lower than it really is. And you know what? That's because it is smaller, at least compared to the GLE. This GLE is 2 inches longer than the RX overall, and it has a 6-inch-longer wheelbase. That's a big difference.
And over here on the side, you can actually see right next to each other the GLE is also 3 inches taller than the Lexus, which gives it a much more rugged presence overall. But presence is one thing. Practicality is another.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Let's talk cargo for a second. Now, Lexus used to make the RXL, which had three rows of seats. But it turns out nobody liked that one, so now the RX is back to two rows only.
[RECORD SCRATCH]
But between you and me, they're going to make another crossover, and it's going to have three rows. Just don't tell anybody. But back to the car that does exist and the one that you can buy right now. Behind these two rows of seats, there's just under 30 cubic feet of space. And when you fold down the seats, that number grows to 46 cubic feet of space.
So, in real terms, take an object like this. One. Thank you. And two. They fit no problem in a car this size. But if you look closely, that second row doesn't fold very flat, and that's a problem for some people.
But to those numbers, the Mercedes says, hold my beer. Or hold my White Claw, probably. If you do want that third row of seats, Mercedes will happily give it to you for $2,100. Or if you're like most people, you'll get the two-row option, like we have here.
Now, with that middle row folded up you get 33 cubic feet of space. But with that middle row folded down, you get more. A lot more, actually. 75 cubic feet of space. And that is 40% more.
This is the test of luxury SUVs. So a nice interior is super important. Now, the RX has always been a nice place to sit in, but it never had up-to-date technology. It was kind of like going and sitting in your grandma's living room. But now, all of a sudden, Grandma got a smartphone and she's showing you how to play "Candy Crush" because the tech in here is really decent.
Right here in front of me is a 14-inch Lexus interface infotainment system. And it's a mixture of actual physical dials and knobs, and then menu settings and buttons. So the climate controls stay fixed down here-- your heated, ventilated seats, your HVAC controls, et cetera.
And then look at this. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. So I can leave my phone down here on the wireless charging pad. It charges up. You shut this. You can use CarPlay if you want it, don't if you don't.
Over here in front of me, I'm going to get a little bit more nitpicky. It's just these touch capacitive buttons on the steering wheel. So it doesn't actually control the screen in front of me as the driver. Instead, it's way up there on the head-up display. So if I want to change a song or if I want to pick up a phone call, you're going to just have to move your thumb around in a circle until you find the right button. And if you're wearing polarized sunglasses, forget about it. You can't see anything.
Don't get me wrong, though. The story in here, everything is a million times better than it was before. The downside is that they make you pay for it. To get this car's full range of functionality with all of its smartphone access and cloud-based navigation, it's about $16 a month. That's Netflix money.
Let's take a step back from the tech and just look around us because the interior in here is really lovely. There's all these shapes on the doors and fun patterns. There's 64 colors of ambient lighting, and you can do pretty much any color you want.
And these seats, they're nice. They're soft to the touch, for sure. They have heating and ventilation. There's a heated steering wheel in front of me.
Legroom in the back of the RX is definitely adequate, but you know what? Headroom could be much better, especially for a car this size. But both passengers back here do get a place to plug-in their phone, and there's this nice panoramic sunroof to let in a bunch of light.
But then we get to the saga of the door handles-- or buttons, I should say. All you have to do is push it right here and you can get out. But I feel like people's inclination is to look for a handle, and the handle is not there. Good luck if you're using this car for an Uber.
SPEAKER: Stupid space car. Get me out.
CLINT SIMONE: The buttons--
SPEAKER: Get me out.
CLINT SIMONE: --to get out of this car are very hard to find.
SPEAKER: Get me out.
[THUMPING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
CLINT SIMONE: What you see here set the bar for what it takes to compete in this space. The GLE's interior is more luxurious than a BMW. It's higher quality than a Genesis. And while that RX improves in so many important ways, the GLE still has it beat. This is the best in class.
I love this gorgeous matte wood trim that spans across the entire dash, and these really neat Burmester speaker grills. They kind of look like the world's fanciest cheese grater. And then in front of me, we have twin 12.3-inch MBUX displays. And they're actually integrated into the dash. It was designed like they're supposed to be there. It's not just two iPads stuck wherever the designers think they should go.
You get two choices for interacting with the screen. You can either use this little touchpad that works well, or you can actually touch the screen, if you want. You do get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, but they're wired connections, not wireless.
And the driver's display actually has a surprising amount of functionality. You can hit this Home button right here. You can put your navigation, what song you're listening to. And if you scroll over all the way to the right, you can even change the design of the way the gauge cluster looks, from classic to sport to progressive.
The car I'm sitting in right now is a little light on options, but Mercedes rolls out a huge menu of luxury features to pick from. Massaging seats? Yes. Perfume that comes out of the air vents? Definitely. Even augmented reality navigation. And every luxury car now has ambient lighting, but the Mercedes wrote the book on that.
The story in the back seat is very similar to the cargo area. There's just a lot more space to work with. There's almost 4 inches more legroom than the RX, but let's make things fair. I complained about the door handles in the RX, so I found one thing that I don't like back here. If you can tell me what that shelf is good for holding, let me in the comments, because the answer is not an iPhone.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
As I mentioned, the RX lineup is now 4-cylinder only. V-6 out, 4-cylinder in. So this turbocharged 2.4-liter engine has 275 horsepower and 317 pound feet of torque. There's a bit of a trade-off there. It's less horsepower than before, but more torque. Don't be sad. I promise, it's a good thing.
The RX rides on a front-wheel-drive-based platform, but this particular car is all-wheel-drive. The engine is shared with the Lexus NX, which is a smaller crossover than this one. And when I drove that car a few months ago, I was a bit unimpressed with this little 4-cylinder. It felt loud and kind of buzzy and intrusive. Unrefined is actually the best word to describe it.
And I'm not sure what trickery Lexus has done, but the RX feels much better. It's a lot more calm and a lot more refined. And that calm demeanor extends beyond the engine to the ride quality. Very nice. And the throttle input, the braking feel, everything is just kind of smooth. It's very easy to drive at city speeds.
Is it fun to drive? No. No, not particularly. But for the first time ever, Lexus has an answer for you. They now have the RX 500h, a car that has over 400 pound feet of torque. But my question is, who are the people asking for that?
If you are that person, the one that wants to drive your RX as fast as possible, please reach out to us. We'd love to say hi to you. We'll send you a T-shirt in the mail.
This RX is much more of a highway hero. That 4-cylinder has plenty of power to get up to speed. And once you're there, everything is pretty much effortless. The car does almost all of the work for you.
And the other benefit of having this powertrain is pretty stellar fuel economy, to be honest. 22 in the city, 29 on the highway, and overall 25 combined. And remember, they're doing a hybrid version and a plug-in hybrid version. Things only get better from here.
But speaking of driving on the highway for long periods of time, that's how we find out small things that annoy you with these cars. I'm driving the right way right now at 10 and 2. But over time, if you're on the highway, traffic gets heavy, you slide your hand over do one of the leans. I don't know if you heard that. The car says--
[LOW BEEP]
--no thank you. This sensor right in front of me is part of the safety system, so it's monitoring everything I'm doing. The second you move your hand over and it can't see you anymore, freaks out. Puts up a little thing on the screen, says, what are you doing? What are you doing? And then it goes away. But it will not stop doing it and, over time, gets really annoying.
And as soon as I was done exchanging some colorful language with the sensor in front of me, I realized that the technology in this car is, most of the time, working with you and not against you. Lexus put in the time to get those small details right. And all of that adds up to just a really nice driving experience.
So I just hopped into this car a few moments ago, and our producer had classical music playing. And I reached for the volume knob to turn it down because I'm not really a huge classical music fan. But then I realized, this actually makes sense in here. The GLE is a classical music kind of place, and I mean that in a good way.
All that that I just said about the RX and how easy it is to drive and effortless at what it does, that's all true. But Mercedes just does everything across the board 10% to 20% better. The GLE rides on a rear-wheel-drive-based platform, so it's just a touch more athletic in all of its movements. The way it carries itself on the road just feels a bit more sporty because of it.
And we know that this chassis can handle a lot more than what the GLE 350 offers. I mean, there's a version of this car with over 600 horsepower. But this is not a 600 horsepower party. No, the GLE 350 has a turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder with 255 horsepower and 273 pound feet of torque.
On paper, that's less than the Lexus RX. But actually, in practice, it feels punchier. I prefer this powertrain for city driving to the Lexus. It just downshifts a little bit smooth, and you can access the power more easily.
Really, the only spot where the Mercedes hurts you is in fuel economy. This does 19 city, 27 MPG on the highway, and 22 combined. So you're dropping two to three miles per gallon compared to the RX.
This is a big SUV with a great ride quality, very quiet interior, and an upright driving position that lets me easily see everything in front of me with really no bad blind spots behind me. And at the end of the day, that's what people want when they're buying a car like this. On the road, the Mercedes just does luxury better.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
The GLE is at the top of our list for a reason. It's a fantastic luxury SUV with a spacious interior and long list of amenities to pick from. Credit where it's due, the Lexus RX has come a long way, but it just doesn't have what it takes to knock off the king. We look forward to getting our hands on a full production model in the future to see if that changes our mind. Thanks for watching. Now, somebody had the keys to the Benz.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
2023 Lexus RX 350 vs. 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE | Can the Redesigned RX Beat the Luxurious GLE?
NOTE: This video is about the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, but since the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
The Lexus RX 350 is all-new for 2023, with sharp new styling, a revamped interior, and way more technology than the prior model. The RX has long been Lexus’ top-selling vehicle, as well as the sales champion of the highly competitive midsize luxury SUV class — but that doesn’t mean… it’s always been the best overall product. For us, that’s been the Mercedes-Benz GLE. Now several years into its current generation, the GLE still feels modern and luxurious. Edmunds’ Clint Simone put these two bread-and-butter midsize luxury SUVs head-to-head to see if Lexus has upgraded the latest RX enough to unseat the GLE. Head to the video above to see the results!
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV Features & Specs
- Total MSRP
- $58,695
- MPG & Fuel
- 19 City / 27 Hwy / 22 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 22.5 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: rear wheel drive
- Transmission: 9-speed shiftable automatic
- Engine
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 255 hp @ 5,800 rpm
- Torque: 273 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50,000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 194.3 in. / Height: 70.7 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: 84.9 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 76.7 in.
- Curb Weight: 4,608 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 33.3 cu.ft.
Compare the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Compare selected vehiclesCompare Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class to any vehicle See full list of Midsize luxury SUVs rankings
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class vs. BMW X5
For years, the X5 has been the GLE's closest competitor, offering similar levels of tech, utility and space. The GLE is slightly less expensive than the X5, though the BMW comes standard with six-cylinder power. The GLE's interior feels a bit more premium than the X5's, and we prefer Mercedes' in-car tech to the BMW's too.
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class vs. Genesis GV80
The Genesis GV80 is one of the newest competitors in this class, with the South Korean luxury automaker coming out strong with its first three-row effort. While we don't think it's quite as premium as the GLE, it's very comfortable and well appointed. It doesn't hurt that the Genesis undercuts the Mercedes by a few thousand dollars and includes a warranty that's unparalleled in this class.
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class vs. Audi Q7
The Q7 is slightly larger than the GLE and includes three rows of seating from the get-go. Yet these two still have a lot of overlap, especially when it comes to features and pricing. In addition to three rows of seating, the Q7 comes standard with all-wheel drive. The in-car tech isn't quite as robust or as impressive as the GLE's, but it's among the best you'll find in a luxury SUV.

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Safety
Our experts’ favorite GLE-Class safety features:
- Active Brake Assist
- Warns if a front collision is imminent and applies the brakes if the driver doesn't respond in time.
- Blind-Spot Assist
- Warns if a vehicle is lurking in the blind spot and alerts passengers to approaching cars or cyclists before they open their door.
- Active Steering Assist
- Helps to keep the vehicle centered in its lane, even on curves.
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test | Good |
---|---|
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test | Good |
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original | Good |
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated | Not Tested |
Side Impact Test – Original | Good |
Side Impact Test – Updated | Not Tested |
Roof Strength Test | Good |
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint | Good |
FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 GLE-Class both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.4 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 GLE-Class gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 28 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the GLE-Class has 33.3 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. Learn more
What's new in the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class:
- No significant changes for 2023
- Part of the second GLE generation introduced for 2020
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class reliable?
To determine whether the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the GLE-Class. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the GLE-Class's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 GLE-Class and gave it a 8.4 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 GLE-Class gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 28 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 GLE-Class is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?
The least-expensive 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class GLE 350 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $57,700.
Other versions include:
- GLE 350 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $57,700
- GLE 350 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $60,200
- GLE 450 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) which starts at $66,450
- AMG GLE 53 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) which starts at $76,950
- GLE 580 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) which starts at $83,850
- AMG GLE 63 S 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) which starts at $120,000
What are the different models of Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?
If you're interested in the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, the next question is, which GLE-Class model is right for you? GLE-Class variants include GLE 350 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A), GLE 350 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A), GLE 450 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A), and AMG GLE 53 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A). For a full list of GLE-Class models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
Related 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class info
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