Updated: February 23, 2022
WHY IS THIS INFORMATION IMPORTANT?
This page will tell you everything that you need to know about this SUV. Buying a vehicle is a huge accomplishment and a large financial outlay. We want you to have as much information as possible, so that you can make the best decision for you.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, formerly Mercedes-Benz M-Class, is a mid-size luxury SUV produced by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz since 1997. In terms of size, it is slotted in between the smaller GLC-Class (based on the C-Class) and the larger GLS-Class, the latter with which it shares platforms.
For a short time, between 1999 and 2002, the M-Class was also built by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria, for the European market, before all production moved to the U.S. plant near Vance, Alabama. From late 2012, the M-Class was also assembled at new plants in India, Indonesia and Thailand.
Since April 2015, the M-Class has been renamed to the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class in an effort to harmonize the various nameplates, aligning it with the E-Class.
— Source Wikipedia
- Official Page – Mercedes-Benz GLE
- Price: Starts at $69,900 CAD
- Comparable to: Audi Q8, BMW X5, Lexus RX
- Maintenance costs: Approximately $12,000 over 10 years.
OUR SCORE
We rank the Mercedes-Benz GLE #2 in the Mid-Size Luxury SUV Category.
SCORES BY PUBLICATION:
Cars.com : No Score
Kelley Blue Book: 4.3 / 5
Car and Driver: 8 / 10
USNews: 8.5 / 10
Edmunds: 8.4 / 10
J.D. Power: 80/ 100
What the critics have to say…
Within the GLE range is a balanced, well-executed luxury SUV, but tick the wrong boxes on the order sheet, and you’ll end up with a poorly finished SUV.
— Motortrend
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE is a terrific luxury midsize SUV. Further, it’s one of those rare vehicles with no obvious faults. The GLE has a jaw-dropping interior with top-notch materials, a futuristic yet user-friendly infotainment system, and generous seating and cargo space. It can even seat up to seven passengers when optioned with its third row.
— USNews
HOW DOES IT DRIVE?
Though the base 4-cylinder in the GLE 350 is a capable engine, we recommend the 6-cylinder in the 450. Braking performance strong, and the brakes are easy to control in everyday driving.
Driving this vehicle is a delight. Steering effort is light, but tight, and the GLE stays stable and flat while cornering. Overall, the GLE is capable and confident, but it won’t drive like a sports car.
IS IT RELIABLE AND HIGH QUALITY?
The Mercedes GLE has a predicted reliability score of 78out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
Mercedes-Benz GLE Warranty
Mercedes-Benz covers the GLE with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty.
HOW COMFORTABLE IS IT?
The GLE’s interior is wonderfully quiet, and the front seats provide great comfort. The rear seats aren’t as comfortable, but are above average. The climate control system fire and forget. You never have to fiddle with it. The heated and cooled cupholders and the heated armrests are extras that you don’t realize the benefit of until you have them.
WHAT IS THE INTERIOR LIKE?
The GLE’s cabin is extraordinary from the usability to the build quality. 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.
WHAT IS THE TECHNOLOGY LIKE?
Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system is in our opinion the best in any vehicle. It’s intuitive and expansive at the same time.
The Nav system’s (optional) augmented reality feature that overlays street names and arrows atop a live front-view video when making turns is fantastic.
WHAT IS THE CARGO SPACE LIKE?
There are plenty of cubby holes and compartments your stuff. Max cargo room is among the best in the midsize luxury SUV class.
IS THIS VEHICLE A GOOD VALUE?
You get in the GLE, but you pay for it in equal measure. 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.
IS THE mercedes gle A GOOD SUV?
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE is a fantastic SUV. It is a gem of a vehicle with no glaring faults. The GLE has a jaw-dropping interior with top-notch materials, a futuristic yet user-friendly infotainment system, and generous seating and cargo space.
SHOULD I BUY THE mercedes gle?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE should be on your short list if you’re shopping for a luxury midsize SUV. It is not an inexpensive SUV, but you get what you pay for. If you have a tighter budget, consider the Lexus RX 350, Acura MDX, or even Mercedes’ smaller GLB and GLC SUVs.
THE FINAL WORD
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is arguably the most well-rounded luxury midsize SUVs available. It is ranked at or near the top in every possible category.
REVIEWS AND IMPRESSIONS
We have put together as many reviews and impressions as we could find. Each finds a way to touch upon something that the others missed. If you are serious about this vehicle then these videos are worth watching. If you have review or first impressions that helped you and that aren’t listed here, please contact us!