Overview

What's New for 2021

The GLE comes in five trim levels: GLE 350, GLE 450, AMG GLE 53, GLE 580, and AMG GLE 63 S. The AMG trims are also available in sleek, four-door coupe body styles. All-wheel-drive is standard on all but the entry-level GLE 350, which sends power to the rear wheels only.

Shoppers get many standard comfort and convenience features with the GLE. Exterior highlights include fully-automatic LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, alloy wheels, power-folding memory side mirrors, a compact spare tire, a power moonroof, a hands-free power liftgate, parking sensors, and a backup camera. All new GLEs also get automatic parking assistance. Interior features include premium leatherette or leather upholstery, wood trim, power heated front seats, a 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat, proximity keyless entry, tri-zone climate control, an eight-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, satellite radio, in-vehicle wireless Internet, navigation, USB ports, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen.

As it is a Mercedes-Benz, the optional features list is impressive. There are many interior and exterior color options and high-end wood trims. Buyers can add things like wireless phone charging, massaging front seats, a Burmester premium surround-sound system, a third-row, advanced driver safety aids, and sound-dampening cabin insulation. There are also heated and cooled cupholders, soft-close doors, and four-zone climate control.

Pricing starts around $55,000 for the entry-level GLE 350 and tops out at about $114,000 for the AMG GLE 63 S.

A unique powertrain distinguishes each trim level of the Mercedes-Benz GLE. The GLE 350 has a 255-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is more than enough for daily driving, and the GLE 450's 362-horsepower six-cylinder turbo provides extra confidence when passing other cars on the road. AMG, Mercedes-Benz's in-house performance shop, engineered the AMG GLE 53's turbocharged six-cylinder to produce 429 horsepower. The luxury choice of the group, the GLE 580, has a smooth and powerful turbocharged V8 engine, which generates 483 horsepower. And finally, performance enthusiasts will love the AMG GLE 63 S and its twin-turbo V8, which makes an astounding 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque.

The GLE uses a nine-speed automatic transmission, and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters come in AMG trims. Premium fuel is required, and there is a 22.5-gallon fuel tank.

The EPA estimates a GLE 350 should return 22 mpg combined, which is on the lower end of the class. By contrast, the AMG GLE 63 S and its sports car-like performance should get about 16 mpg overall.

The GLE has a spacious and plush interior that sets the bar for its class in terms of luxury. Few automakers have been able to stay on the cutting-edge of style and technology the way that Mercedes-Benz has, and it shows in their midsize SUV. Nor do smaller vehicles made by the brand exhibit quite the same level of refinement or opulence.

The GLE has a driver layout that nicely balances the upright position of an SUV with design cues from the automaker's top-end vehicles. Dual 12.3-inch screens stretch between the steering wheel to the center of the dashboard, and they handle most of the vehicle's driving information, settings, and entertainment. The MBUX infotainment menus are easy to understand and navigate, and its parking assistance features are not standard in most rivals. There are hefty grab handles on either side of the center console, adding to the GLE's sporty ambiance while also helping occupants get in and out of the vehicle.

The front-seat space is excellent, with plenty of headroom even for taller adults. In back, the GLE shines, with roominess near the top of its class. Unfortunately, the optional third-row seat is not very spacious or comfortable to access, so buyers can skip it unless it's necessary. Cargo space is superb.