Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Mercedes GLE (2015-2019) review

The Mercedes GLE is a rebadge of the ML-Class with a mild facelift and newer tech, but it's showing its age now

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Pros
  • Plenty of tech
  • Efficient engines
  • Roomy five-seat interior
Cons
  • Interior not as slick as rivals'
  • Unsettled ride at times
  • Feeling dated
Find your Mercedes GLE
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Luxury SUVs are ten a penny these days, and unfortunately the Mercedes GLE-Class is falling behind the front-runners in the pack thanks to its ageing design. It's a big, heavy SUV that majors on comfort, but not a lot else, as rivals offer more space, better technology and a more engaging driving experience.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The AMG models are fast in a straight line, but running costs are steep, although the V6 and V8 engines offer plenty of torque for towing. The GLE has roots that can be traced back over a decade, though, and that means it can't match its rivals for running costs or ease of driving, while the interior isn't the most spacious.

The Mercedes GLE is a luxury SUV that slots in between the smaller GLC and huge seven-seat GLS in the Mercedes SUV line-up. The GLE name connects it with the E-Class executive, so gives an idea of its size and the kind of engines and trims you can get it in. However, while the all-new E-Class is a front-runner in the executive class, the GLE has more in common with the previous generation E-Class in terms of tech, engines and quality.

That's because while the GLE has been on sale since 2015, it can trace its roots further back to 2011, as it's essentially a rebadge of the Mk2 ML-Class that was launched that year. That means the GLE is a distant relative of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, as both were initially developed together before parent firms Daimler and Chrysler when their separate ways.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Arona

2024 SEAT

Arona

43,492 milesAutomaticPetrol1.0L

Cash £14,397
View Arona
Range Rover Evoque

2021 Land Rover

Range Rover Evoque

42,684 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £24,200
View Range Rover Evoque
Q2

2025 Audi

Q2

13,777 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £22,848
View Q2
1 Series

2024 BMW

1 Series

25,010 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £19,703
View 1 Series

• Best SUVs to buy now

Anyway, back to the GLE-Class. While the name was changed in 2015, most other things stayed the same. The only big update was the introduction of the GLE Coupe, a more expensive, less spacious but more stylish SUV designed to rival the BMW X6. Engines included GLE 250, GLE 350 and GLE 450 variants with four or six cylinders, although today the standard range is pared down to just 250 and 350 variants as Mercedes winds down production in advance of an all-new GLE arriving in 2019.

The GLE 250 d is a four-cylinder model with Mercedes' ageing 2.1-litre unit under the bonnet. It's the most efficient diesel GLE you can buy as the 204bhp unit has claimed economy of 47.9mpg. The GLE 350 d gets a 258bhp V6 diesel that's good for a claimed 37.7mpg, but if you're a company car buyer, then you'll want to have a look at the GLE 500e.

This model features a petrol-electric plug-in drive system that's good for 449bhp, but if you keep the battery charged up, you should be able to travel up to 19 miles on a charge before the engine cuts in, boosting your fuel economy. Company car users will also appreciate emissions of 78g/km which will help keep tax costs down.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

At the other end of the spectrum are the AMG versions of the GLE. There's the V6 twin-turbo AMG 43, which has 390bhp and a 0-62mph time of 5.7 seconds, or there's the full-house V8 twin-turbo AMG 63, which has 585bhp and a supercar-rivalling 0-62mph time of 4.2 seconds. And if you want to know what kind of economy these models can achieve, then you're buying them for the wrong reasons.

All versions of the Mercedes GLE feature 4MATIC four-wheel drive and an auto gearbox, with a nine-speed G-Tronic on the 250 d, 350 d and AMG 43 models, while the 500 e hybrid and AMG 63 get a seven-speed G-Tronic box.

With Mercedes winding down production of the GLE in the US, the last off the line will get every option thrown at them. While Sport, AMG Line and designo versions have been offered in the past, the run-out variants are sold in AMG Night Edition trim, even the AMG 43 and 63 models. These cars get Mercedes’ Dynamic Select drive mode system, sat-nav, all-round parking sensors with a reversing camera, a powered tailgate, LED headlights, alloy wheels starting from 20-inches, climate control, heated memory seats with Artico faux leather. Add the Premium Plus pack, and you get a panoramic glass, a premium Dolby surround sound system and 360 degree cameras.

• Mercedes GLE Coupe review

But you do pay for all this luxury - prices start from around £55,000 for the most basic model, while the rapid AMG 63 is six figures, at £102,000. THe hybrid model is pretty pricey, too, at £67,700.

These prices are on a par with rivals, but the Mercedes GLE does feel a little dated next to newer cars. In fact, its closest opponent is the BMW X5, although like the Mercedes, this model isn't in the prime of life, and both cars lag behind market leaders such as the Range Rover Sport, Audi Q7, Volvo XC90 and Porsche Cayenne. Unlike some of these rivals, there's no seven-seat option offered on the GLE-Class.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,568 off RRP*Used from £12,295
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,721 off RRP*Used from £8,773
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,704 off RRP*Used from £7,649
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,911 off RRP*Used from £31,499
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering
Opinion - Shanghai Auto Show

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering

This new brand of cars might have battery tech on their side, but European buyers want much more than that
Opinion
25 Apr 2025
New electric car MoT tests could be coming to the UK
Tesla Model X on two-post inspection ramp

New electric car MoT tests could be coming to the UK

New technology and driver assistance systems require changes to annual testing, says EC
News
25 Apr 2025
Buying a modern used car for under £10k is almost impossible
Opinion - £10k used cars

Buying a modern used car for under £10k is almost impossible

Phil McNamara discovers that it’s harder than ever to find a good-value car at the affordable end of the market
Opinion
24 Apr 2025