Mercedes-Benz GLE - TopCarNews

Mercedes-Benz GLE (2019 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

The Mercedes-Benz GLE is a large SUV model that sits between the smaller GLC and larger GLS in the Mercedes-Benz SUV family. The current model arrived in the UK in 2019, and although it’s the second generation to wear the GLE badge, it’s actually the fourth generation of the model (which was originally called the ML from 1997 to 2015).

The GLE range consists of a regular SUV model and a GLE Coupe body style, which is not actually a coupé but rather an almost identical SUV shape with a more raked cargo area. There is also a higher-performance model called the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53, and an even faster GLE 63 version arrived in 2020.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE holds an Expert Rating of 71% as of August 2021, which is some way behind the class-leading Volvo XC90 or the Land Rover Discovery. However, due to coronavirus lockdowns and travel restrictions, many of the reviews in our database are still from the 2019 European launch rather than local reviews. As a result, the overall rating may change as we collate more reviews of the GLE here in the UK.

The GLE has received particular praise for its interior design and quality, as well as its comfortable ride. However, it has been criticised for tight third-row seating and unimpressive handling.

Key specifications

Body style: Large SUVEngines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £59,520 on-road

Launched: Spring 2019Last updated: Winter 2019/20
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

autos, cars, mercedes-benz, mercedes, mercedes-benz gle, mercedes-benz gle

Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV

Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic GLE 300d“The Mercedes-Benz GLE makes an admirable first impression. The biggest feature here is that ride; it’s super-refined and transforms the driving experience. It also means that the GLE will be a great go-to option for those who travel big miles on a regular basis.”
Read review

Auto Express

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic 400 d coupéScore: 8 / 10“Finally, the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé is a viable alternative to the BMW X6, with a superbly smooth and flexible engine in 400 d form. It’s highly refined, too.”
Read review

Model reviewed: GLE range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Mercedes GLE offers seven seats and the best cabin in its class, but it’s not cheap.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 300d AMGScore: 7 / 10“There’s much to like about the new Mercedes GLE: the interior is gorgeous, it’s loaded with clever tech, and for the most part, the four-cylinder diesel remains smooth and refined.”
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 10 / 10“The GLE is Mercedes’ mid-range SUV. It now comes with the option of seven seats, however, making it pretty much all the Mercedes you’ll ever need. With the brand’s new infotainment system aboard, a spacious interior and some smooth engine choices, this is possibly the perfect premium SUV.”
Read review

Autocar

Model reviewed: 2.9-litre diesel automatic GLE 400d CoupéScore: 7 / 10“The Mercedes-Benz GLE 400d Coupé may not be your idea of a desirable luxury car, but it’s certainly an effective one. Refined, efficient, brisk and easy-to-drive, although still not as versatile as a ‘proper’ SUV.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel/electric plug-in hybrid 350de AMG Line PremiumScore: 8 / 10“The driving experience combines a pleasing steering system and a ride that ripples a little on rough surfaces but is for the most part extremely composed and refined. I liked it rather a lot.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 350de CoupeScore: 8 / 10“New diesel-electric hybrid drivetrain adds new dimension to second-generation GLE Coupe, with a class-leading electric range and tax busting CO2 qualities.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 400dScore: 8 / 10“The interior is up there with the very best, as is the engine.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 300d 4Matic AMG-LineScore: 7 / 10“One of the GLE’s strong suits is its cabin, which is impressively roomy, and for the most part well finished.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9 / 10“With the arrival of the new fourth-generation model, the GLE has moved up in the Mercedes-Benz line-up, offering greater space, markedly higher levels of refinement and a range of standard features not even available in the brand’s upper luxury models.”
Read review

Business Car

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel/electric plug-in hybrid 350de AMG Line PremiumScore: 8 / 10“Mercedes-Benz is unique in pairing petrol or diesel engines with its plug-in hybrid models, depending on what they feel is most appropriate. If the BMW X5 hybrid began to transform this sector at the beginning of 2020, the Mercedes-Benz GLE has certainly moved the game on further.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The move to seven-seats may have been a no-brainer, but the rest of the car shows off a carefully thought out SUV that majors on technology and comfort, not to mention a diverse engine range.”
Read review

Car Keys

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic AMG LineScore: 8 / 10“The GLE is another fantastic Mercedes-Benz SUV, which would be a superb choice for those covering long distances on a regular basis – particularly when paired with the excellent adaptive suspension.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7.4 / 10“The Mercedes GLE is one of the classiest SUV buys, but not the best all-rounder.”
Read review

Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“The new Mercedes GLE offers superb space, luxury and technology. It’s a shame that the entry-level car isn’t particularly comfortable and space in the rearmost seats is tight.”
Read review

Company Car Today

Model reviewed: GLE 400d AMG Line“Big improvement across the board makes the GLE a much more competitive package, although we’d advise waiting until summer, when the PHEV will be the one to have.”
Read review

Evo

Model reviewed: GLE 400dScore: 7 / 10“Overall the GLE is not the most dynamic option in the class – that accolade still belongs to the Porsche Cayenne S – but it is still one worth considering thanks to that brilliant powertrain and its hewn-from-stone solidity.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8.4 / 10“Impressively tech-laden and desirable SUV”
Read review

The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic GLE 300d AMG LineScore: 8 / 10“A quiet and spacious five or seven-set SUV”
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic GLE 300d AMG LineScore: 6 / 10“The GLE is as lovely as any Merc to sit in, and in its five best seats it’s very roomy. Standard equipment is hard to fault, too. But the gruff engine in this 300d means it’s not the one to have, while suspect ride quality and ponderous handling mean you have to ask why you’d pick the GLE over one of its more rounded rivals.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: GLE Coupé rangeScore: 7 / 10“Superb at striding along motorways. Not comfy enough in town. But it’s all about the image, right?”
Read review

Model reviewed: HybridScore: 7 / 10“This offers everything a regular GLE does – right up to its 3.5-tonne towing capacity – but with the added bonus of making less noise. Both for you and passers-by.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 300dScore: 6 / 10“It’s a pretty complete car, the Mercedes GLE.”
Read review

What Car?

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“Some rivals are more practical and better to drive, but the Mercedes GLE has a dazzling interior, and on air suspension, is a comfortable cruiser.”
Read review

Which?

Model reviewed: GLE Coupé rangeScore: 7.3 / 10“The smooth, refined and powerful drive, combined with reasonable practicality and a sumptuous interior, are compelling, but the sheer bulk makes it cumbersome in town.”
Read review

Model reviewed: GLE 350 de diesel/electric plug-in hybrid automaticScore: 7.7 / 10“Just as with the regular model, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 de plug-in hybrid qualifies as a Which? Best Buy. It combines all the benefits of a luxury SUV – including huge space and masses of comfort – with lower potential fuel costs than a conventional diesel, even if its overall energy consumption is still quite high.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7.5 / 10“The new Mercedes-Benz GLE is an impressive luxury SUV and a suitable riposte to the likes of the Audi Q7 and BMW X5. It can’t quite match those models’ sharpness in the corners, but offers a comfort-biased driving experience that will take the sting out of even the most demanding journeys.”
Read review

Safety rating

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: July 2019

91%

ADULT OCCUPANT

90%

CHILD OCCUPANT

78%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

78%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

Eco rating

No eco rating

The Mercedes-Benz GLE has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP, and only a few cars have do far been assessed.

If the GLE is chosen for assessment, we’ll update this page with the results.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Mercedes-Benz GLE has received

2021

Auto Trader New Car Awards – Best 7-seater

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Mercedes-Benz GLE, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Buy or lease a Mercedes-Benz GLE

Regardless of whether you’re looking for a new or used GLE, The Car Expert’s partners have thousands of cars to choose from

Buy a car online from your sofa.
We’ll deliver it.

We only have the best used cars for sale from selected dealers.

Search less, live more. We make finding the right car simple.

The UK’s automotive search engine. All the cars in one place.

Personal contract hire deals from Carparison Leasing.

Personal contract hire deals from Rivervale Leasing.

Personal contract hire deals from Hippo Leasing.

Personal contract hire deals from Leasing.com.

Keyword: Mercedes-Benz GLE