Mercedes GLE review: classy plug-in hybrid with impressive electric range

Mercedes has a strong SUV portfolio and the GLE is one of the brand’s most popular models. It’s one of thirteen SUVs offered by the firm (if you include the growing all-electric EQ electric car arm) and the GLE sits between the GLC and GLS in the range alongside the GLE Coupe.

There are three trim levels; AMG Line, AMG Line Premium and AMG Line Premium Plus - that’s before you check out the hot AMG models. There’s seating for up to seven, while all models are fitted with four-wheel drive and a smooth nine-speed automatic transmission. 

Mercedes practically invented the premium SUV segment when it launched the M-Class in 1997 as a direct rival to the Range Rover. This in turn became the GLE-Class when the vehicle was facelifted in 2015. Since then, Mercedes has sold more than two million units of its big SUV.

It’s a hotly contested segment, with the GLE going into battle against heavyweights such as the BMW X5, Volvo XC90 and Audi Q7. Prices start from around £78,000 for the entry-level GLE 300 d, rising to £93,000 for a top-spec GLE 450. Go-faster AMG models start from under £94,000 in ‘53’ guise and the range-topping AMG 63 is priced at around £143,000.

So it’s not cheap, but the high price is offset by extensive standard equipment. Even on the basic AMG Line, you get a “warmth comfort package” with heated seats and even heated armrests, Mercedes’ “Parking Package” featuring a transparent bonnet and 360 degree camera, a Burmester sound system, head-up display and of course an AMG bodykit with 20-inch wheels. 

Also standard is the nine-speed automatic transmission, 4MATIC four-wheel drive and Airmatic air suspension - the latter of which was an option on the entry-level 300 d prior to the GLE’s facelift in 2023. 

There are now two diesel engines offered - a 2.0-litre four-cylinder and a 3.0-litre six-cylinder. As part of its mid-life facelift, these engines gained mild-hybrid technology to boost efficiency and add some extra power. The 400 d diesel engine was removed from the range at the same time.

As for the petrol engines, there’s a mild-hybrid 2.0-litre four-cylinder badged ‘450’ and two AMG variants - a GLE 53 with a mild-hybrid six-cylinder and the GLE 63 with its widely-used 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8. 

There’s just one plug-in hybrid powertrain. It’s a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a rather large 31.2kWh battery, which returns an impressive electric-only range of 60 miles and 60kW recharging speeds. 

While the current GLE’s styling is softer and less aggressive than its predecessor, it’s the interior that is the most impressive. Mercedes has blended leather, open-pore wood and aluminium accents to create the best cabin in its class and an interior that could grace a car costing upwards of £100,000.

The two 12.3-inch screens combine to create a single ultra-wide display, with the front and middle row passengers free to bask in S-Class-like levels of space. The space in the third row of seats is less impressive, making this more of a 5+2 SUV rather than an authentic seven-seater. A Land Rover Discovery or Volvo XC90 remain better options in this regard.

But this doesn’t detract from an otherwise impressive overall package. Few cars offer this level of comfort, while the AMG Line trim means that nobody is going to feel short-changed by the GLE. 

Engines, performance and drive

Whichever way you look at it, the Mercedes GLE is a big car. It’s not quite at the same level as a full-size Range Rover (that task is reserved for the GLS), but it’s taller and wider than an Audi Q7 and larger in every dimension compared to the BMW X5. Don’t think it drives like a bus though, Mercedes has given the GLE surprisingly tidy handling characteristics. 

Most impressive is the ride quality, because the GLE is one of the most comfortable and refined cars in its class. While that used to be especially true if you’ve opted for a six-cylinder model, as these cars were fitted with Airmatic air suspension as standard - that feature is now standard across the board.

It also means that the GLE remains remarkably flat and poised, whether you’re gliding along a motorway or chucking it into some bends. The steering lacks the feel required to deliver the confidence to really press on, but it’s nicely weighted and well suited to a car of this size.

A nine-speed automatic transmission is fitted as standard, and it does a slick and effortless job of scrolling through the gears. A pair of paddles mounted behind the steering wheel deliver greater control when you’ve ventured off the motorway. The 4MATIC four-wheel drive system is fitted as standard across the range.

As you’d expect, there’s loads of grip on offer, but the GLE has a tendency to provide safe and controllable understeer if you try to force the issue. The overriding feeling is that this was a car designed to be a luxurious, refined and comfortable SUV, and in this respect it excels. The plug-in hybrid is obviously the quietest when running in electric-only mode, but should you require the assistance of the petrol engine, it’s not as seamlessly integrated as the system on a BMW X5 PHEV. 

The range-topping AMG 63 variant should deliver plenty of thrills with its characterful V8 engine and rampant performance. It also gets a great list of standard equipment, plus an eye-catching bodykit to match the extra noise of the engine.

Engines, 0-60 acceleration and top speed

The entry-level 300 d diesel used to pump out 242bhp, but the addition of mild-hybrid power increased this to 265bhp. There’s also a meaty 550Nm of torque for a 0-62mph time of 6.9 seconds - respectable given it weighs 2,335kg.

The six-cylinder diesel unit is smoother and more refined. The current GLE was initially launched with a 268bhp 350 d and a 362bhp 400 d but sitting atop the diesel range is now the 450 d with 361bhp and 750Nm of torque, allowing for a 0-62mph time of 5.6 seconds. 

The petrol 450 makes use of 375bhp but less torque than its diesel sibling with 500Nm. The acceleration figure is identical to the 450 d’s, however, at 5.6 seconds. 

Despite focusing on efficiency, the plug-in hybrid 450 e returns decent straight-line performance. A 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine is mated to a substantial 31.2kWh battery with a total of 375bhp and 650Nm of torque. The 0-62mph time of 6.1 seconds, is all the more impressive when you learn the PHEV model is the heaviest version by far at 2,645kg. 

Almost every Mercedes model is touched by the Mercedes-AMG performance subdivision these days and this extends to the German firm's range of SUVs too. With the GLE there’s an AMG 53 with a 3-litre six-cylinder mild-hybrid putting out 429bhp and 560Nm of torque for a 0-62mph time of five seconds flat. The GLE 63 S has a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 with 603bhp and 850Nm of torque for a 3.9-second 0-62mph time and 174mph top speed.

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

Predictably, the 300 d will offer the lowest running costs, but the GLE won’t be a cheap car to run. Prices start from around £77,985, increasing to a not inconsiderable £93,265 for the 400 petrol, although the cost is offset by the standard kit, up to a point. 

Compared with its predecessor, there are some incremental fuel economy improvements, with Mercedes improving the car’s aerodynamic properties in order to improve efficiency. These changes extend to revised door mirrors, redesigned rear lights, changes to the underside and aerodynamic wheels.

The result is a car that’ll return a fairly respectable economy in mild-hybrid form and barely-believable figures in plug-in hybrid form. The entry-level 300 d is claimed to offer 39.8mpg with CO2 emissions of 187g/km. The more powerful 450 d will return 35.8mpg and emit 207g/km. With any of the GLE versions, these figures depend on the choice of wheels and optional extras fitted.

As for the mild-hybrid petrol 450, that’s rated at 28mpg and 229g/km. The plug-in hybrid, however, turns in figures of 256.9mpg and just 25g/km of CO2 on the WLTP combined cycle - this obviously requires plenty of electric-only running and if you don’t charge very regularly, you won’t achieve anything like those figures. The GLE’s electric range stands at a maximum of 60 miles – which beats the Audi Q7 TFSIe and BMW X5 PHEV - so if you never drive further than that the plug-in GLE could be a very economical premium SUV. 

The AMG 53 variant understandably fares worse for efficiency with 27mpg and 239g/km. The 63, with its V8 engine, can provide 22.3mpg and 288g/km.

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Insurance groups

The Mercedes GLE is not a cheap car to insure, with even the entry-level 300 d slotting into group 45. Things get more costly as you progress through the range, with Premium and Premium Plus models moving up a group, with the 450 d sitting in groups 47 and 48.

Depreciation

Premium SUVs usually have strong residual values, but the GLE is decidedly average when compared to some models. Buyers can expect to lose around 54 per cent of the GLE’s list price in three years and after 60,000 miles. That’s not as good as the Q7 which averages 59 per cent and the BMW X5 which averages 57 per cent. 

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Interior, design and technology

The GLE has been redesigned inside and out, with the exterior of the latest version looking softer and less aggressive than before. Several trim levels are available in the UK, based on the sporty AMG Line, so whatever GLE you choose, it’ll look the part. 

A set of 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels are fitted as standard, but you can upgrade to 22-inch wheels on certain models for around £1,300. AMG body styling comprises a pair of side skirts and redesigned front and rear bumpers, while aluminium-look illuminated running boards complete the makeover.

According to Mercedes, the standard-fit LED headlights produce the maximum light intensity permitted by law, with LED lights also fitted to the rear. Black and white are the only no-cost colours, with the GLE also available in a choice of seven metallic paints (at around £700) and two special paints (slightly more at around £900).

But it’s on the inside where the GLE truly excels. In our opinion, the cabin is good enough to warrant its high price tag. It feels premium and when it launched we thought it ranked above its peers, but even with the facelift in 2023 it now feels a little behind in terms of technology. Fit and finish remain excellent, however. 

The quality inside is first rate, with the GLE combining anthracite open-pore oak wood trim with Nappa leather and aluminium accents to create a classy cabin that’s easy on the eye and quality to the touch.

Ambient lighting in 64 colours, four-way lumbar support, heated front seats and a multifunction steering wheel complete the effect. And because all except the entry-level 300 d are seven-seaters in the UK, four-zone climate control comes as standard, as do additional USB ports for all three rows, meaning family feuds and cries of “are we nearly there yet?” could be consigned to history.

You’re unlikely to need to add any options, but the Premium equipment line (about £2,000) adds memory seats, parking assist with a 360º camera, multibeam LED headlights with adaptive high-beam and wireless phone charging.

For around £4,300, the Premium Plus line adds a Burmester surround sound system, keyless entry and go, an ‘Air-balance’ car fragrancing system, ‘Energising’ wellness package, and a panoramic sunroof, which doesn’t rob passengers of headroom.

The latest MBUX infotainment system is standard across the range and is one of the most intuitive systems on the market. It’s controlled using a multi-gesture touchpad or via voice recognition, simply by saying the words “Hey Mercedes”. If you’ve experienced Alexa or Siri, you’ll find it a doddle to use.

Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

The dashboard has been influenced by the Mercedes S-Class, but it has a look of its own thanks to a set of beautifully-finished rectangular air vents. These sit below an impressive 12.3-inch touchscreen display, while the driver faces another 12.3-inch cockpit display – both of which are fitted as standard. A car sitting this high up in Mercedes ranks should probably have the option of the new Superscreen found in the latest E-Class or even the Hyperscreen infotainment option, neither of which are offered.

Practicality, comfort and boot space

The latest GLE feels noticeably more spacious than its predecessor, helped in no small part by a longer wheelbase, which has increased by 80mm. The outgoing model was the first to offer a seven-seat option, but this latest model has a third row of seats as standard on all but the entry-level 300 d model.

Dimensions and size

The GLE measures 4,924mm in length, 1,947mm wide and 1,772mm tall. This makes it bigger than the BMW X5. The Audi Q7 is longer than the Mercedes GLE, but not as tall or wide. Crucially, the GLE’s 2,995mm wheelbase is 80mm longer than before, which results in a larger cabin.

Leg room, head room & passenger space

You’re unlikely to feel uncomfortable and cramped in the GLE, as there’s plenty of space in the first two rows of seats. Front seat passengers can stretch out in limo-like comfort, while there are similar levels of legroom in the second row.

In fact, thanks to the generous headroom and width of the cabin, adults can comfortably sit three abreast in the back, with only a marginally smaller amount of leg- and knee-room for the middle seat passenger.

It’s only when you clamber into the third row that things start to go awry. The electric folding middle seat takes an age to move forward, resulting in a long wait for anyone needing to travel in the very back. Once there, the space is suitable for children and early teens – anyone taller won’t thank you for spending a prolonged period in the back.

In fairness, this is no different to many of the 5+2-seat large SUVs on the market, although the Volvo XC90 and Land Rover Discovery are more suited to full-time seven-seat SUV duties.

It’s also worth noting that the seven-seat equipment line is an option on the GLE 300 d that costs around £2,000, which makes the other models look like better value. The package includes additional USB ports for the front, middle and rear seats, four-zone climate control and electrically folding rear seats. All of this is standard on the other models.

It’s only when you clamber into the third row that things start to go awry. The electric folding middle seat takes an age to move forward, resulting in a long wait for anyone needing to travel in the very back. Once there, the space is suitable for children and early teens – anyone taller won’t thank you for spending a prolonged period in the back.

In fairness, this is no different to many of the 5+2-seat large SUVs on the market, although the Volvo XC90 and Land Rover Discovery are more suited to full-time seven-seat SUV duties.

It’s also worth noting that the seven-seat equipment line is an option on the GLE 300 d that costs around £2,000, which makes the other models look like better value. The package includes additional USB ports for the front, middle and rear seats, four-zone climate control and electrically folding rear seats. All of this is standard on the other models.

Boot space

The additional space is certainly noticeable in the boot, with a generous 630 litres of luggage capacity. That figure is unchanged for the PHEV as well, with the battery impacting on the fuel tank instead (20 litres less than the mild-hybrids). Slide the middle seats forward and this extends to 825 litres – up 125 litres on its predecessor. With the middle seats folded away, this extends to a van-like 2,055 litres – nearly 200 litres more than in the BMW X5.

Mercedes hasn’t quoted a figure for boot space with the third row of seats in their upright position, but this isn’t a car for travelling with seven people and their luggage.

The boot lip is relatively high off the ground, but standard for this segment, and you’re greeted with a flat load area and a wide opening. Thanks to the Airmatic package, the rear of the vehicle can be lowered by 40mm to allow for easier loading and unloading.

Towing

In standard form, the Mercedes GLE has a maximum braked towing capacity of 2,700kg. However, in all but the entry-level 300 d, this can be extended to 3,500kg by adding the £1,500 towing package.

The pack comprises trailer manoeuvring assist, which controls the steering angle of the GLE at speeds of up to 5km/h, with dynamic guidelines displayed on the infotainment screen. An electronically folding tow bar includes a 13-pin socket and electronic stability control. All GLE models feature trailer stability assist, regardless of whether or not the towing package has been added.

Reliability and Safety

The GLE achieved a full five-star rating from Euro NCAP in 2019, with strong ratings of 91 and 90 per cent for adult and child protection respectively. The 78 per cent scores for the vulnerable road users and safety assist are also respectable.

We have every reason to believe that the 2019 GLE will follow suit, even though the test has been made tougher in recent years. That’s because it’s packed with the latest safety equipment, including blind spot assist, active bonnet, active braking assist, multiple airbags, lane-keeping assist and Isofix points on the two outer seats in the second row.

A Driving Assistance package is available for around £1,700, comprising autonomous emergency braking, active steering assist, evasive steering assist, traffic sign assist and route-based speed adjustment. It also features Pre-Safe Plus, which initiates preventative measures when a rear-end collision is detected.

Mercedes finished a respectable third on the list of the most reliable car manufacturers in our 2018 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey. More recently the brand came 25th in the 2023 survey.

Warranty

When some volume car manufacturers offer five- and seven-year warranties, the GLE’s three-year cover feels a bit miserly, but at least there’s no mileage restriction. In comparison, Audi restricts its three-year warranty to 60,000 miles, although BMW’s cover is the same as Mercedes. Extended warranties are also available.

Servicing

Mercedes maintenance isn’t cheap, but you can lower the cost by using a ServiceCare package. For around £35 a month, you can have two services in two years, three services in three years or four in four years. The service intervals are yearly or every 15,500 miles, whichever comes soonest.