The Mercedes GLE is one of the best luxury SUVs on sale today. It brings the heat with a top-notch interior, exceptional build quality, helpful technology features and a diverse lineup of engines. This is a luxury SUV that quietly executes its job with ease.Read full review
Josh Jacquot is a seasoned automotive journalist with a career spanning more than two decades. His passion for cars has been the driving force behind his career, fueling his love for storytelling and technical work. Josh has held staff positions at Edmunds and Car and Driver, where he performed instrumented testing and wrote everything from technical breakdowns to long-form adventure stories. This hands-on enthusiast's early fascination with cars evolved into a professional journey that blends his technical knowledge and deep appreciation for engaging driver's cars.
Clint Simone has worked in the automotive industry since 2015. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Before joining Edmunds as a senior reviews editor, Clint contributed to Motor1.com and InsideEVs, evaluating mostly electric cars. Clint loves hot hatchbacks more than any other type of vehicle but secretly enjoys driving big trucks when he gets the chance. He would never admit to that.
Pros
Well-appointed and quiet interior
Wide range of powertrains deliver both power and efficiency
Helpful voice command system
Plenty of standard and optional features
Cons
Steering wheel controls can be clumsy to operate
Optional third row is cramped
Options quickly drive the price up
What's new
No major updates for 2025
Part of the second GLE generation introduced for 2020
Overview
The 2025 GLE is Mercedes' midsize SUV, slotting into the range below the three-row GLS and above the two-row GLC. It comes standard with two rows of seats and a third row is optional on most trims, though it's compact enough to only be useful for smaller people. The GLE, including the AMG variants, is offered in six different outputs suited to nearly any taste. There's even a plug-in hybrid. The base trim is the only variant that comes in a rear-wheel-drive version. After a significant revision for 2024, Mercedes made only minor changes to the GLE lineup for 2025.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class GLE 350 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 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 $4.08 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
From its modest 350 base trim to the completely uncorked AMG 63 S, Mercedes ensures that the GLE lineup has a product to align with every budget and personality. Power output ranges from a benign 255-horsepower four-cylinder to 603 horsepower from the AMG 63 S's turbocharged V8. There's even a plug-in hybrid, the GLE 450e, that offers 381 combined horsepower and nearly 60 miles of all-electric range to help you reduce your gas consumption. Oh, and if you want a turbo V8 but aren't interested in any AMG shenanigans, there's the 510-horsepower GLE 580. That's some range, people. Don't say the GLE doesn't offer what you want.
Competitors to consider
The BMW X5 is a top alternative to the GLE. Like the Mercedes, it provides similar levels of luxury and technology and also a wide range of versions. You might also want to check out the Genesis GV80 for its value or the Porsche Cayenne if performance is a priority. The Audi Q8 is another good option. Check out our test team's Expert Rating below to help you decide.
Edmunds Expert 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.
Great
8.3
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The Mercedes GLE is one of the best luxury SUVs on sale today. It brings the heat with a top-notch interior, exceptional build quality, helpful technology features and a diverse lineup of engines. This is a luxury SUV that quietly executes its job with ease.
How does the GLE-Class drive? We tested the GLE 450e, which has the plug-in hybrid powertrain. Overall, we're impressed by how easy it is to drive. With a charged battery, the SUV stays in electric mode unless you need all of its power at once, and when the engine kicks in it does so gracefully. At the Edmunds test track, our test vehicle accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 5.7 seconds.
The steering feel is ultra-light. That's great for twirling around parking lots but not so great for giving you a feel for the road. Our GLE 450e also felt less stable and planted around turns compared to other versions of the GLE we've tested; the vehicle's extra mass from its plug-in hybrid components is likely to blame. But overall the GLE is a winner for city commutes and highway driving alike.
Comfort
8/10
How comfortable is the GLE-Class? Interior comfort is a top reason to buy a Mercedes GLE. Our test vehicle came loaded with features such as rapid seat heating, seat ventilation and massage. Those add-ons, alongside the excellent climate control system, provide a truly relaxing experience. The optional brown leather and natural wood trim look nice but we actually prefer the feel of Mercedes' synthetic leather MB-Tex.
We also recommend skipping the adaptive air suspension. We've tested it on GLE models in the past and found it too floaty for everyday use. This GLE's standard suspension works just fine for riding comfortably while keeping the SUV in control.
Interior
9/10
How’s the interior? This is what a luxury SUV's interior should look like. The GLE's cabin is elegant and built with high-quality materials. The GLE's cabin is very spacious. There's plenty of room in both rows. The GLE does sit relatively high off the ground (especially on these 21-inch wheels), so speccing the running boards is a good idea for the shorter friends among us. The visibility from the driver's seat feels commanding, with plenty of seat adjustability to find the right angle.
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 and get an input that you didn't want.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $3,627 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $3,627 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the GLE 450e trim.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class pricing in Columbus, OH
How’s the tech? The GLE's touchscreen is bright and colorful, with high resolution and impressive response times. The menus can become confusing if you dig in too far, but the main features are just a press or two away. The available 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.
Rivals like Cadillac and BMW now offer hands-free driving assist features. The GLE doesn't yet offer such a system, but otherwise the vehicle's driving aids such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping work well and are unobtrusive in routine driving.
Storage
8.5/10
How’s the storage? In some plug-in hybrids, storage takes a hit because of the battery pack intruding on cargo capacity. But that is not a worry with the GLE 450e. This Mercedes does have slightly less room than its gas-only counterpart but is still outstanding. It's also better than the majority of the competition. And considering how big the battery pack is, the packaging is even more impressive. The second row has a 60/40 split to help with longer items too. Storage for smaller personal items is plentiful.
Got small children? The back seat has easy-to-access car seat anchors, and there's plenty of room for even the bulkiest child safety seats. The GLE will also work out well if you plan to tow a trailer. Properly equipped, it's rated to tow up to 7,700 pounds, which is enough to handle most small or midsize trailers.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Fuel Economy
9/10
How’s the fuel economy? Fuel economy will vary widely depending on the version you pick. We tested the GLE 450e, which is the most frugal of the bunch. It's a plug-in hybrid, and we were able to drive it about 59 miles on a full battery before it switched over to typical hybrid operation. That's above average for a plug-in SUV. Once the battery was flat, our GLE posted 28 mpg in combined driving, which is still very good. As an added bonus the GLE 450e has the ability to use DC fast charging, giving it a nice edge over its plug-in hybrid rivals.
Value
8/10
Is the GLE-Class a good value? The GLE can get expensive when you load it up with a lot of options, but overall we think you're getting your money's worth. Build quality on our test GLE was excellent. If there is an unimpressive aspect to the GLE, it's the warranty coverage. The powertrain and bumper-to-bumper warranties are fairly standard four-year/50,000-mile offerings, but nearly every competitor offers more in the way of roadside assistance and corrosion protection coverage by some margin.
Wildcard
8/10
Non-AMG versions of the Mercedes-Benz GLE offer the quintessential luxury SUV experience. They might not have the most over-the-top styling or personality, but they tick every box they otherwise need to.
Which GLE-Class does Edmunds recommend?
You might have a hard time picking a GLE because there are so many versions. But you won't go wrong with the GLE 450. The extra power from its six-cylinder engine is more fitting for a midsize luxury SUV than the GLE 350's. The optional Driver Assistance package is also a near must-have.
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class models
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE comes in seven trim levels: GLE 350, GLE 350 4Matic, GLE 450 4MaticGLE 450e 4Matic, GLE 580 4Matic, AMG GLE 53 4Matic and AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic. Every GLE uses a nine-speed automatic transmission and all trims include standard all-wheel drive except for the GLE 350, which can be had with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. A mild hybrid system is also included on all trims except the GLE 450e 4Matic, which is a plug-in hybrid. Seating for five passengers is standard, but a third row can be optioned that expands capacity to seven passengers on all trims except the GLE 450e 4Matic and the AMG models. The related GLE Coupe is reviewed separately on Edmunds. Keep reading for our breakdown of each trim's significant features and options.
GLE 350 and GLE 350 4Matic
Starts off the GLE lineup with:
Every GLE also comes with these driver assist features:
Forward collision warning with automatic braking (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Blind-spot warning (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the GLE and its surroundings in tight parking situations)
Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)
Automatic high beams
Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
GLE 450 4Matic
The GLE 450 has the same features as the GLE 350 but comes with a more powerful turbocharged six-cylinder engine (375 hp, 369 lb-ft).
GLE 450e 4Matic
The GLE 450e is a plug-in hybrid. It swaps the GLE 450's V6 for a turbocharged four-cylinder and hybrid componentry and produces a total system output of 381 hp. The EPA says the GLE 450e can drive 49 miles on a single charge, but in our testing we found it capable of going nearly 60 miles on a single charge.
GLE 580 4Matic
Ups performance and luxury with:
Turbocharged V8 (510 hp, 538 lb-ft)
Adaptive air suspension (adjusts to improve ride comfort and handling; can also raise or lower the vehicle's ride height)
20-inch wheels
Ventilated front seats
Burmester premium audio system
AMG GLE 53 4Matic
Focuses on performance and adds luxury touches with:
Drove off the dealer lot in my new GLE450e, with 8 miles on it. Within two hours, at 16 miles, the hood latch alarm activated and the car would not stay in EV mode. Visual inspection showed the hood was not aligned with right fender, but it was when I left the dealer. Drove back to the dealer and the hood unlatched while driving with a service tech in the car. Service manager thinks … one latch is defective. Received a loaner. Had the car less than four hours, and it suffered a serious safety issue. I was planning on a trip the following day, and I hate to think that the hood could have unlatched and caused me to have an accident at highway speeds. I will update this post when it is repaired. How does a car with an issue like this pass quality control inspections at the factory and at the dealer?
I purchased my 2024 GLE450E in September 2023. Shortly after 40 days, with less than 1,000 miles on the car, the service engine light came on. The dealership did not get me in for two weeks, but gave me the car back the next day telling me the car is good to go. 13 miles after picking the car up, the dashboard reported "Performance Extremely Limited" followed by something like "Pull … over and Stop Immediately", at which point the accelerator pedal did nothing. A tow back to the shop resulted in 7 days in the shop. Three days after picking up the car at the chop again, the car reported "Performance Extremely Limited". I switched it to Battery Hold which let me drive the 1.5 miles back home to have it towed back to the shop. About 42 days later I was told the car was ready to be picked up, this was the end of December 2023. Mid-February the Service Engine light came back on resulting in another day in the shop, apparently a sensor in the charging port door. At no time has anyone from AutoNation nor Mercedes Benz offered any compensation, a replacement for what seems to be a Lemon. AutoNation has simply told me Mercedes Benz will ask them what I want, but Mercedes Benz has asked me what AutoNation has offered. Note that when the car's service engine light came on the first time, I lifted the hood and noticed an air delivery hose completely detached and another whose clamps were completely disengaged. When towing the second time, I noticed a twisted pair wire hanging under the car between the muffler and the bumper. These items indicate, to me, the car was not assembled properly, perhaps why it is spending so much time in the shop. I cannot recommend any AutoNation dealership nor Mercedes Benz who has not called me back after filing a complaint with them in late December / Early January. They have my money and do not care, clearly.
I've had my GLE 450e for a month now, and its powertrain, transmission, interior (including the a/c system) are perfect: smooth and intuitive. I'd give it 5 stars, except for these quibbles: MB gave NO storage alternatives in the way-back when they filled up the rear with the PHEV battery -- it needs some cubbies and bag hooks; now, the tire-repair kit and portable charger just slide … around with nowhere to go (even some Velcro tabs would help). Next, the purse/bag hook in the passenger footwell is missing-in-action. Next, the SUV is pretty high and, IF it does not come from the factory with the $600 running boards (which look very nice), there is no factory kit for dealer installation; my dealer quoted $5,000 to install post delivery, and strongly recommended against it (as if!). Finally (short list, eh?), exterior styling has some bogus fake elements that could easily have been made functional: the exhaust ports and the rear-end brake vents are totally fake; the front brake vents occupy about 1/10th of the allotted space but that space does not accommodate fog lamps or any other functional use. That said, I am very satisfied with the 2024 GLE 450e.
I test drove quite a few luxury SUVs before the GLE 450, but then I finally tried it... Love at first sight. At present I've driven it for over a year, and still can't suppress a huge smile every time I climb in - It only gets better with time.
It's more than the sum of the parts. Sure, excellent build quality, beautiful materials inside, butter smooth inline six engine with more than … enough power, great handling, all the fancy tech you could want, more leather than a herd of cows... Blah blah, I could go on. But the real magic happens in how all those things come together into one incredible vehicle. It's not the flashiest looking SUV in its category, or the fastest. It's not trying to be a sports car, or an off-road mud crawler, or anything else it's not. It is unapologetically a luxury vehicle and oozes the quiet confidence of something designed exactly for that purpose by people who knew exactly what they were doing and did their job with focus and pathological attention to detail. There are other SUVs I tried that ticked most or all of the same boxes, objectively good machines, but they didn't even come close to the GLE.
If I had to pick one thing to highlight, it would be the interior: The first thing you'll notice is how elegant it looks and feels, and those prominent twin screens in the dash (which don't stick out of the top like they were an afterthought as in so many other cars). Exclusive to the pinnacle trim is a crisp heads-up display that I absolutely love and can't live without now. The HUD works fine in direct sunlight, and when using the built-in navigation it displays a map floating before your eyes, which feels like you're driving in a video game. Every interaction with the car's interior and infotainment system feels well thought out and well executed. Seats are very comfortable and the massage function (with quite a few different massage programs available) is better than I ever imagined it would be. When winter came, I got another pleasant surprise: It's not just the seats and steering wheel that are heated. The door panels and center console are also heated, which feels amazing when it's freezing out, and you can adjust which areas receive more heat.
The worst trend in modern cars, if you ask me, is moving virtually every single function into awkward touchscreen menus... I tried an otherwise nice 2024 BMW X5 that was ruined by a particularly horrible example of this. The GLE ignores this trend and includes buttons for everything important. Nice, solid feeling, satisfying, tactile, real buttons! These buttons are laid out in a way that makes sense, as if the engineers knew that a car should stay out of your way and just let you focus on driving. I've never needed to use the touchscreen while driving: All your climate settings, heated/cooled seats and seat adjustments, exterior 360 camera view, maps, phone interface have real physical controls, and I sincerely hope they keep it that way in future models. As in other Benzes, you also get a laptop-like touchpad in the center console (surrounded by buttons for the map, cameras, drive modes, etc.) which works nicely and allows you to do things like navigate on-screen menus or scroll through your music without using the touchscreen. The touchpad also includes a nice wrist rest behind it, making it easy to use without looking down at it. There's also a voice assistant, but I rarely use it since everything important has physical controls.
Speaking of the center console, that's another aspect worth noting. It's large, elegant, solid, and features two sturdy grab bars on either side. These serve two purposes: Making you feel like you're in a spaceship, and making it easier for older or disabled people to get into the car. Just another of the small details that really add up to something special.
Honorable mention goes to the engine and handling. The inline six in the GLE 450 is smooth as butter and more than powerful enough, featuring both a large turbo and an electric supercharger to pick up the slack while the turbo spools up, and a 48V mild hybrid system that gives it a nice extra acceleration boost when you take off. And that sound... When you floor it, the engine goes from quiet and polite to a roaring beast with just the right amount of audible turbo noise. That never gets old. Handling is excellent.
Other nice things worth mentioning:
- It comes with excellent Pirelli all-season tires, not run-flats, and includes a real spare tire! Many other cars today come with run-flats and a near-useless inflator kit instead of a spare tire, since it's cheaper.
- There's a built-in dashcam feature, you just need to pay $200 one-time to activate it and buy a USB-C memory stick for storage. It records in 720p from one of the windshield cameras.
- All the accessories that would normally run off a belt from the engine (coolant pump, air conditioner, etc) instead run off the 48V electrical system. This means when it's 110 degrees outside and the engine shuts off at a stop light (which you can still disable) the A/C keeps working at full capacity. Incidentally, the A/C is noticeably more powerful than any other car I've driven and cools the car down FAST.
- The Burmester sound system is freaking awesome.
And now for the few minor details that I think could use improvement. These aren't problems by any means, but worth mentioning:
- When using the remote start, the engine will shut off once you open the door. Remote start is also limited to run for only 10 minutes, and can only be used twice in a row before manually starting the engine. This isn't exclusive to the GLE by any means though, and may be a mandatory limitation in some countries.
- No sunglasses holder in the roof area - This seems to be common in German cars; I don't know why.
- Interior could use more storage space besides the glovebox and center console.
- Fragrance canister (pinnacle trim only) takes up a little space inside the glovebox and isn't really something I care about, but if you want the HUD and massaging seats (trust me, if you're already shelling out the cash for a Benz, you want those) you're getting that too.
- Adaptive cruise control and other automated driving features require the Driver Assist Plus package, which is a little annoying since those features come standard in many other cars that cost 1/3 the price of a Mercedes. This is another thing that seems to be common with German cars; BMW does the same.
Conclusion: Expensive? Yes. Worth every penny? Yes, and then some.
Specific model: 2024 GLE 450 4Matic, pinnacle trim, warmth and comfort package, driver assist plus package, AMG line exterior with 21" multi-spoke wheels.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the GLE-Class since its last redesign.
These Are the Best Luxury SUVs You Can Buy in 2024
NOTE: This video is about the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, but since the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
Got a taste (and a budget) for the finer things in life? A luxury SUV might be right up your alley, and there are a whole lot to choose from. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of all the best. In this video, Edmunds’ Nick Yekikian tells you all about the best luxury SUVs on sale in 2024 and why we love them.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is currently our favorite offering in the midsize luxury SUV category. The current GLE was introduced in 2020, and the SUV received significant updates for 2024, including refreshed styling, an improved interior, updated infotainment system and a new plug-in hybrid option. As such, we don't expect to see many changes for 2025, though minor tweaks to options and packages are possible.
Edmunds spotlight: Interior and tech
If there's one thing the GLE gets really right, it's how to do a luxury SUV interior. The cabin is spacious with high-quality materials used throughout, and the central touchscreen running the outstanding MBUX infotainment system is easy to use and very easy on the eyes with its bright, colorful graphics. If you don't like using the touchscreen, there's also a touchpad controller that's surprisingly intuitive.
Competitors to consider
The GLE competes in the midsize luxury SUV class, and its rivals include the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Genesis GV80, Lexus RX, Land Rover Range Rover Sport and Porsche Cayenne. The class also includes coupe-like SUV variants, such as the Audi Q8, Porsche Cayenne Coupe and the GLE's own raked-roofline counterpart, the GLE Coupe.
Edmunds says
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is a well-rounded luxury SUV that overdelivers on interior quality and comfort without compromising in the areas of performance, utility and efficiency.
FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2025 GLE-Class both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.3 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2025 GLE-Class gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 48 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 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class:
No major updates for 2025
Part of the second GLE generation introduced for 2020
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 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2025 GLE-Class and gave it a 8.3 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2025 GLE-Class gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 48 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2025 GLE-Class is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?
The least-expensive 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class GLE 350 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $61,850.
Other versions include:
GLE 350 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) which starts at $61,850
GLE 350 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) which starts at $64,350
GLE 450 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) which starts at $71,350
GLE 450e 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 9A) which starts at $71,350
AMG GLE 53 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) which starts at $89,200
GLE 580 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) which starts at $89,200
AMG GLE 63 S 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) which starts at $130,800
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 gas/electric mild hybrid 9A), GLE 350 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A), GLE 450 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A), and GLE 450e 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 9A). For a full list of GLE-Class models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more