2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Review
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class GLE 350 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Review
byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test EditorKurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE is Mercedes' midsize luxury SUV. Mercedes redesigned it last year, and ever since it's maintained a top spot in our rankings because of its high levels of luxury, refinement and technology. This year, Mercedes is expanding the GLE's lineup with the performance-focused AMG GLE 53 and 63 S variants. These new performance versions only add to the segment's most impressive range of engines, topped by the raucous 603-horsepower AMG GLE 63 S.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class GLE 350 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.
Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota$213/mo for GLE-Class GLE 350
GLE-Class GLE 350
GLE 350 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $54,750 MSRPGLE 350 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) (Most Popular) - $57,250 MSRPGLE 450 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) - $62,500 MSRPAMG GLE 53 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) - $72,350 MSRPGLE 580 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) - $78,900 MSRPAMG GLE 63 S 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) - $113,950 MSRP
vs
$229/mo
Avg. Large SUV
The GLE continues to offer optional third-row seating, exceptional luxury appointments and Mercedes' advanced MBUX infotainment system. It's a great pick for a luxury SUV, though you might also want to check out the Audi Q7, BMW X5 and Volvo XC90 as part of your SUV search. Want more details on the GLE? Check out our Expert Rating for our in-depth test and evaluation.
zzdcar Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Great
8.4
out of 10
zzdcar TESTED
Rated for you by America's best test team.
Performance
8.0/10How does the GLE-Class drive? Even the base four-cylinder provides sufficient thrust. The GLE 350 we tested accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds, which is an average time for this class of SUV. Braking performance is likewise strong, and the brakes are easy to control in everyday driving.
Steering effort is light, but steering is precise, and the GLE stays stable and flat while cornering. The transmission definitely favors economical driving, but shifts are a little harsh for a luxury vehicle, even when you're only light on the throttle. Overall, the GLE is capable and confident, even if it's not meant to be a sporty option.
Comfort
7.5/10How comfortable is the GLE-Class? The GLE's interior is serene and quiet, and the front seats with available massage provide terrific comfort. The rear seats don't slide or recline but remain pleasant for the long haul. Our test vehicle had the optional Acoustic package, and we found it kept exterior sounds well muted. The climate control system is likewise strong. You can just set it and forget it, and the heated and cooled cupholders and the heated armrests are bonuses.
The biggest issue we have is the optional air suspension. There's a floatiness at highway speeds that's a little disconcerting plus a lot of extraneous minor body motions. Bumps are impactful too. We encourage shoppers to drive vehicles with the air and standard suspension back to back.
Interior
9.0/10How’s the interior? The GLE's cabin is close to perfect, exhibiting excellent usability and build quality that is second to none. It's also quite roomy, with plenty of leg- and headroom for second-row passengers. The driving position offers a commanding view of the road and plenty of adjustability, and the controls are within easy reach. 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. But the steering wheel touchpads are too easy to brush inadvertently.
Technology
9.5/10How’s the tech? Mercedes' MBUX infotainment system sets a new bar for functionality. It's easy to use and robust to the point you can alter just about every car setting through it. The optional Burmester audio system has a surround-sound option that fully envelops the driver in hi-fi lusciousness. You'll want to crank up every song for an immersive experience — too bad max volume isn't higher.
Another neat feature is the nav system's (optional) augmented reality feature that overlays street names and arrows atop a live front-view video when making turns. For safety, a number of driving aids are standard. Semi-automated driving features are available through the Driver Assistance package. We found the features easy to use, and they helped reduce fatigue in stop-and-go traffic.
Storage
8.5/10How’s the storage? The GLE's sizable cabin is well designed. Cubbies and compartments abound for stashing drinks and items. The cargo area is large and flat with no wheelwell intrusion. Max cargo room is among the best in the midsize luxury SUV class. And the GLE's max towing capacity, even with the four-cylinder engine, is similarly strong. The back seat has four easy-to-access car seat anchors, and there's plenty of room for even the bulkiest child safety seats.
Fuel Economy
6.5/10How’s the fuel economy? The EPA rates the GLE 350 4Matic at 22 mpg combined (19 city/26 highway), which is average for a base-level midsize luxury SUV. Notably, the GLE 450 gives up only 1 mpg combined and for an extra 100 hp.
Value
8.0/10Is the GLE-Class a good value? You get what you pay for in the GLE, but you will pay quite a lot, with well-optioned models coming in around $70,000. Still, the overall impression of quality is exceptional. 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.
Wildcard
8.5/10While the GLE has decent performance chops, it's really the feeling of luxurious quality, in everything from the design to materials to technology features, that sells this SUV. It's far and away the best in class, with several features you won't find in rivals. Pair those with rich, sumptuous materials and you have a cabin second to none. Sure, it's not as sporty to drive as some top competitors, but in most other areas the GLE is setting new benchmarks.
Which GLE-Class does zzdcar recommend?
For not a whole lot of extra money than the entry-level four-cylinder GLE, we'd strongly recommend the GLE 450. The 450 upgrades you to a strong and smooth six-cylinder engine that's also respectably fuel-efficient. To that we'd add the Premium package (premium audio system, surround-view camera) and the Driver Assistance Package Plus (an array of extra safety features).
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class models
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is a midsize luxury SUV with five available trim levels: GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 580, AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S. All trim levels come standard with all-wheel drive (4Matic in Mercedes-Benz speak) with the exception of the GLE 350, which comes in your choice of rear- or all-wheel drive. All GLE models come standard with five-passenger seating but can be optioned with three rows to seat seven people, with the exception of the AMG GLE 63 S, which is five-passenger only.GLE 350
Feature highlights for this base GLE include:
Turbocharged four-cylinder engine (255 hp) LED headlights 19-inch wheels Power-adjustable, heated front seats Keyless entry and push-button start Power liftgate Sunroof Simulated leather upholstery (MB-Tex) 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen 12.3-inch digital instrument panel Integrated navigation system Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility Automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time) Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)GLE 450
Adds the following features:
Turbocharged six-cylinder (362 hp) Wireless device charging Multi-color ambient interior lightingGLE 580
Ups performance and luxury with:
Turbocharged V8 (483 hp) Adaptive air suspension (can raise or lower the ride height of the vehicle) 20-inch wheels AMG Line styling packageAMG GLE 53
Focuses on performance with:
Turbocharged six-cylinder engine (429 hp) Active LED headlights 20-inch AMG wheels Upgraded brakes Sporty AMG exterior and interior trimAMG GLE 63 S
Maximizes performance with:
Turbocharged V8 (603 hp) 21-inch wheels Electronic limited-slip differential (for enhanced traction) More supportive seats with AMG badging The GLE comes well equipped on its own, but Mercedes-Benz still offers an assortment of styling, comfort and technology options. Highlights include:
3rd-Row Seat package
Available for all trims except the AMG GLE 63 S:
Third-row seats Upgraded second-row seats with power adjustment Two USB-C ports in the third rowDriver Assistance Package Plus
Available on all trims, it adds a host of advanced driver aids, including:
Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front) Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane) Evasive steering assist (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance) Speed limit assist (detects and displays posted speed limit signs on the instrument panel, alerting you if the limit is exceeded)Warmth and Comfort package
Available on all trims:
Rapid-heating front seats Heated front armrests and upper door panelsExterior Lighting package
Enhances nighttime visibility with:
Ultra-wide LED high beams Automatic high-beam headlightsAMG Line Interior package
Adds a touch of sport to most GLE trims with:
Sport-themed interior accents Sport front seats Aluminum pedals Sport steering wheel Unique floor matsPremium Package
Available on GLE 350 and 450 trims:
Upgraded audio system Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the GLE and its surroundings for tight parking situations) Household-type 115-volt power outletOther key stand-alone options include:
Panoramic sunroof Leather or premium leather upholstery Multicontour front seats with massage Four-zone climate control
2021 GLE-Class Highlights
Type: AMG GLE 63 SSUVAMG GLE 53SUVTrim: GLE 350GLE 350 4MATICGLE 450 4MATICAMG GLE 53GLE 580 4MATICAMG GLE 63 SGLE 350
Base MSRP | $54,750 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $213/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 33.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
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