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.
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.
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 AMG GLE 63 S 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl 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 $3.89 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
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
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
8.4
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
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.
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.
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.
Interior
9/10
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.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $15,736 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; $15,736 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the AMG GLE 63 S trim.
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class AMG GLE 63 S pricing in Ashburn, VA
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.
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.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
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
8/10
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.
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class AMG GLE 63 S 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)
I have leased 7 AMG products over the years. I have now 200 miles on a 2023 GLE 63s AMG after turning in a 2019 GLE 63s AMG. BIG MISTAKE. In the 2023 both front seat ventilation fans whine loudly. The MBUX system does not recognize items that are installed in the vehicle. Sound system is poor lacks base. Suspension system not up to AMG standards therefore handling is way below the 2019 … model.
I read the Edmunds ratings of the 2022 GLE (software, squeaks, drive train etc) and still made a mistake because i got a good deal. BIG MISTAKE! The 2019 was an excellent high performance SUV. The 2023 version is 300 lb heavier, longer and less storage behind the seats and is just big without character. NOT a TRUE AMG. DO NOT PURCHASE without driving it. Mercedes is shipping new vehicles to their dealers with known defects expecting the new owners to sort out the problems with the dealers.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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. 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
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 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. 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 AMG GLE 63 S 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $120,000.
Other versions include:
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 AMG GLE 63 S 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 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 AMG GLE 63 S info
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