The 2025 Mercedes-Benz 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
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
Overview
by the Edmunds Experts
Updated: 1/6/2026
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.
We drove the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Driving experience
7.5/10
How does the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class drive? We tested the plug-in hybrid GLE 450e and were 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, great for twirling around parking lots but lacking in feel. Our GLE 450e also felt less stable and planted around turns than other versions of the GLE we've tested; the extra mass from the plug-in hybrid components is likely to blame. But overall the GLE is a winner for city commutes and highway driving.
We recommend skipping the adaptive air suspension. We've tested it on other GLE models 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. The visibility from the driver's seat feels commanding.
The GLE doesn't yet offer a hands-free driving system like some rivals, but otherwise the vehicle's driving aids such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping work well and are unobtrusive in routine driving.
Comfort
8.3/10
How comfortable is the Mercedes-Benz 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' MB-Tex synthetic leather.
The GLE's cabin is very spacious, elegant and built with high-quality materials. 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.
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.
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 small or midsize trailer. Properly equipped, it's rated to tow up to 7,700 pounds.
In-cabin tech
7.9/10
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.
Storage & cargo
9/10
How’s storage and cargo? Storage takes a hit in some plug-in hybrids because the battery pack intrudes 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 the space 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 configuration to help with longer items too. Storage for smaller personal items is plentiful.
Value
7.8/10
Is the Mercedes-Benz 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. The 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 a fairly standard four years/50,000 miles, but nearly every competitor offers more in the way of roadside assistance and corrosion protection coverage by some margin.
Electric range/MPG
7.7/10
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 very good. As a bonus, the GLE 450e has the ability to use DC fast charging, giving it a nice edge over its plug-in hybrid rivals.
X factor
7/10
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.
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2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Plug-in Hybrid pricing in Ashburn, VA
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class trim level differences
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. Compare the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class trim levels in-depth.
Which GLE-Class trim 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.
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 spotlight: Something for everyone
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.
Vehicle rides great, love the plug in hybrid option but it’s been in and out of the shop with under 4000k due to “poor performance.” A ticket was created with Mercedes and the parts will not be available for months.. I was told it was still safe to drive but then completely broke down after being in the shop for the last month. I love my car but I wish I would’ve waited to purchase it … until next year.
The plug in hybrid experience has been interesting. Love the quiet start. Then with a flip of a switch I can have the gas engine on standby in case full power required. Been to 2 charging stations. Go from 15% (5 mile range) to 100% (54 mile range) in 25 minutes. Looking forward to trying overnight trickle charging in my garage. Haven’t used any gas in first 100 miles and charging … stations were about $25.
Online or PDF hyperlinked owners manual has >1000 pages, indicating sophisticated electronics. Can be quite distracting for the driver, though I look forward to a busy railroad crossing to learn and use.
I leased my vehicle as MB is giving the max rebate ($7500). This was my 1st time leasing, and I recommend Edmunds write up of pros and cons of leasing. Also did a “single payment lease” and purchased maintenance coverage.
Looking forward to my 2 years with a plug in hybrid MB.
Update- Returned from road trip to south FL. Highway driving mostly gas powered. Electric driving around town very nice. Very comfortable road trip. Pleasure to drive. No problems.
BUT,
The 450e rides very high. My wife needed a small step stool to enter easily. The running board appears mostly cosmetic as it’s quite narrow.
I hope MB will put this hybrid engine in the station wagon. I would definitely try it.
Love the truck! Mercedes did a great job with the hybrid model.
That said, I probably should have gone with the all-electric version. The hybrid’s battery only gives you about 52 miles of electric range, which means you’ll find yourself charging constantly if you're relying on electric power alone.
Love everything between the real Napa leather 2 tone black and white and the handling is great . Doors are solid and air tight a little getting use to closing them since it’s a Mercedes lol
The Edmunds experts tested the 2025 GLE-Class both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.0 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
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 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 8.0 out of 10. 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 450e 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 9A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $71,350.
Other versions include:
GLE 450e 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 9A) which starts at $71,350
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 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