The Mercedes-Benz GLE is offered with no fewer than five different engine variations under the hood, starting with a 2.0L inline 4-cylinder engine aided by a turbocharger making 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Despite being the smallest and least powerful engine in the lineup, Mercedes claims a 0-60 time of just 7.1 seconds, making it mildly quick, especially for an SUV. The GLE 450 is powered by a 3.0L turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine making 362 horsepower while the AMG GL 43 uses a different 6-cylinder engine, this one a V-configuration and aided by twin turbochargers for 385 horsepower. The AMG GLE 63 gets a twin-turbo V8 with 550 horsepower and the top of the line GLE 63S uses a tuned version of the same engine for 577 horsepower. Acceleration for the V8-engined GLE 63 models is in the low 4 second range, aided by a 9-speed transmission that sends power to all four wheels, which comes standard across the entire GLE range.
Standard features on the GLE include heated power-adjustable front seats, a powered hands-free liftgate, a smart key with keyless access and keyless go, a remote starter, dual-zone automatic climate control, steering wheel mounted touch controls for the infotainment system, power folding side mirrors, a garage door opener, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, adaptive dampers with several driving modes, voice control, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with five USB ports. Driver assists that come standard include blind spot assist, active brake assist, a rearview camera, and active parking assist. The standard wheels are 19-inches while the interior comes standard with Mercedes' MB-tex leatherette and grey linden wood trim.
Of course, things can get pretty interesting and unique with the option list. There are about eight different wheel designs available, ranging up to 21-inches, seven different trim options for the interior and twelve different upholstery options for the seats. For the exterior of the vehicle, Mercedes-Benz offers touches like a panoramic roof, illuminated running boards, an illuminated 3-pointed star in the grill, and a rear roof spoiler.
Inside, buyers can opt for a third row seating arrangement, allowing the GLE to fit up to seven people, while a Premium Package offers a 590-watt Burmester stereo, along with LED ambient lighting, wireless charging for devices, SiriusXM satellite radio and an additional power outlet. Standalone options include massaging seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, power sunshades for the second row, heated and cooled cup holders, 4-zone climate control, soft close doors, and a memory system for the front seats.
Aggressive Styling
Spacious Interior
Available 3-row Seating
Available High-performance Versions
Technology
Excellent Interior
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE is hot off a full redesign for this year. The new GLE has grown a little bit, offering more interior space and an optional third row seat for those with a bigger family or the need to haul around up to seven people in a pinch. Of course, the GLE continues to offer all of luxury present in the previous generation while adding a big batch of new technology and style to the formula that made it a hit in the first place. In addition, the GLE gets a new range of engines that range from an efficient four-cylinder, all the way up to a twin-turbo, fire breathing V8.
The Mercedes GLE offers excellent value through providing a range of choices to buyers. For those who want a practical, Mercedes-badged competitor to the BMW X5 or Audi Q7, the base GLE 350 4Matic offers a ton of flexibility, practicality and style at a base price of just over $56,000. Buyers looking for something a little more performance-oriented should look at the mid-range AMG GLE 43, which at under $70,000 is an excellent way to get into performance SUVs. At the top of the range, the GLE 63 S offers true sports-car like performance in an incredibly practical package while looking every bit as expensive as it is.
