Mercedes Benz GLE Class

Overview: Is the Mercedes Benz Mercedes Benz GLE Class a Good Car?

The Mercedes GLE is the successor to the iconic M Class that helped launch the luxury SUV craze. In 2016, Mercedes revised its model naming structure for greater clarity and consistency, borrowing elements from its passenger car lineup. The “E” in GLE indicates a mid-tier model, like the E-Class sedan. Other Mercedes SUV models include the GLA, GLC, and GLS. The GLE is one of Mercedes’ best sellers and balances space and cost in the automaker’s lineup.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for a used Mercedes Benz GLE Class.

Find a used Mercedes GLE 350 for sale.

Key Features

Mercedes GLE highlights:

• Crossover SUV (four doors/tailgate) or SUV coupe (four doors with a fastback roofline/tailgate; 2015 and later)
• Four-, six-, and eight-cylinder power (varies by trim and year)
• Diesel and hybrid/plug-in hybrid options (varies by year)
• Automatic transmission
• Rear- or all-wheel drive

Trims

The Mercedes GLE has been produced in a mind-numbing array of trims. Examples include the GLE 350, GLE 400, GLE 450, GLE 500, GLE 550, and GLE 580. Alternatively-powered models are labeled as the GLE300d (Diesel) and GLE 400e (plug-in hybrid), to name a few. The performance editions wear badges like AMG GLE 43, AMG GLE 53, AMG GLE63, GLE 63 AMG, and GLE 63 S AMG. Many of these variants are accompanied by a 4MATIC designation, indicating they have all-wheel drive (for example, Mercedes GLE 350 4MATIC). Further, some trim names are shared between the GLE Coupe and SUV, while others are exclusive to the Coupe.

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Comfort, Technology & Cargo

The Mercedes GLE offers ample and comfortable room in both rows, while up to 80 cubic feet (varies by generation) of cargo space makes moving goods and groceries easy. Since the debut of the GLE name in 2016, Mercedes has made advanced driver aids standard on most GLE trims (or at least optional across the range). The same goes for the latest infotainment and connectivity features.

How It Drives

There’s no escaping the GLE’s SUV nature—this vehicle rides tall and requires diligence during tight maneuvering. Its driving characteristics are further influenced by what’s under the hood. All gas engines offer engaging performance, but the AMG editions with Biturbo V8s offer sports car-like acceleration (0-60 MPH in under four seconds).

Safety

The most recent GLE generation (2020 and later) received five-star ratings across the board in crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The GLE gets a four-star rollover rating (typical of taller vehicles).

Reviews

Owners give the 2016-2019 Mercedes GLEs a 4.5 (out of 5.0) rating, according to Kelley Blue Book. The strong points include reliability, quality, and comfort. However, the score for newer editions (2020-2024) is less favorable and averages 3.7. Owners are especially critical of the GLE’s value and quality.

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FAQS

How much is the GLE 350 in the US?

A new GLE 350 starts at around $63,000. Pre-owned examples range from $15,000 to $125,000 depending on age, condition, mileage, and trim, based on a review of CoPilot’s nationwide for-sale listings.

Does GLE 350 have 7 seats?

The Mercedes GLE is available with a two-seat, third-row configuration. Otherwise, the GLE seats five in two rows.

What does GLE-class mean in Mercedes?

The “GL” plays off of Geländewagen, Mercedes’ ultimate SUV (which means all-terrain vehicle in German). The E designates the GLE as a mid-tier vehicle in the automaker’s lineup (think E-Class sedan).

Learn about a Mercedes GLE for sale near me.