This updated version of the W166-era Mercedes GLE is a large luxury SUV that now offers more efficient and powerful engines. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

In this updated form, the second generation Mercedes GLE is now a stronger contender in the large part of the luxury SUV segment thanks to more efficient engines. Infotainment and off-road tech has been improved in recent times and, as before, key attrributes include cabin space, a huge boot and the option of sophisticated air suspension. Rivals like BMW's X5 and Porsche's Cayenne must continue to take this car very seriously indeed.

Background

Think of all the reasons not to like a large, luxury SUV. Thirst. Poor performance. Huge tax liabilities. Wobbly handling. Yet upper-middle class motorists still love them, patiently sure that one day, the brands involved would bring us something better. Something perhaps, like this - the W164-era Mercedes GLE, first launched in 2019, then lightly updated four years on. In early 2025, the powertrain range was updated too, all of this creating the car we're going to look at here. This contender sits at the heart of the large section of the luxury SUV segment, just above the brand's more compact Audi Q5 or BMW X3-sized GLC model. And just below the Range Rover-sized Mercedes GLS. As you might be aware, cars in this GLE's class tend to fall into two categories in their approach to likely buyers. Seven-seat practicality is favoured by SUVs like Land Rover's Discovery, Audi's Q7 and Volvo's XC90 - which is one way to go. As an alternative, contenders like BMW's X5, Porsche's Cayenne and Volkswagen's Touareg give you only five seats but offer more dynamic looks and agile handling. Visually, this Mercedes seems naturally to slot into the X5/Cayenne/Touareg category, but it actually comes with seven seats and hopes to appeal to both areas of this segment. There's also separately-styled GLE Coupe model.

Driving Experience

All GLE variants feature 4MATIC 4WD and the wide powerplant range starts with the base four cylinder 2.0-litre GLE 300 d, a mild hybrid with a 269hp 2.0-litre four cylinder diesel unit boosted by a 20hp electric motor. Next up are the two Plug-in Hybrids; starting with the GLE 350 de diesel, a PHEV which offers that 2.0-litre 252hp engine paired to a 152hp electric motor energised by a 31.2kWh battery offering up to 67 miles of EV driving range. If you don't want diesel, there's also a Plug-in Hybrid petrol model, the GLE 400 e, which uses a 2.0-litre 252hp petrol engine paired to a 152hp electric motor, again energised by a 31.2kWh battery, here with up to 68 miles of EV range. If you'd like your conventional GLE with a 3.0-litre six cylinder engine, there's a choice of two mild hybrid models which pair their engines to a 22hp motor; either the GLE 450 d diesel with 367hp or the GLE 450 petrol with 381hp. There's just as much choice in the Mercedes-AMG sporting part of the range. Things there kick off with a 53 4MATIC+ mild hybrid 3.0-litre six cylinder model with 435hp. Next up us the 53 HYBRID, a PHEV model mating a 449hp version of that 3.0-litre 'six' with a 170hp electric motor energised by the aforementioned 31.2kWh battery, which when charged can travel up to 56 miles on EV power; 62mph from rest takes just 4.7s. Finally, if you're totally out of tune with the current zeitgeist, you could stretch to the thumping GLE 63, which has a defiantly un-electrified 612hp 4.0-litre petrol V8 and demolishes 62mph in just 3.9s. As before, in all variants, power is transmitted via 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. Ride comfort and agility are promised by the optional 48V E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension, which is combined with the optional AIRMATIC air suspension. This is the only system in the market where the spring and damping forces can be individually controlled at each wheel. This means that it not only counteracts body roll, but also pitching and squat. On conventional models, an optional 'Off-Road Engineering' package adds under-body protection, air suspension and 30mm of extra ground clearance. If air suspension and the 'E-Active Body Control' system have been fitted, Mercedes says the GLE can tow up to 3.5-tonnes. And the car can be had with a clever 'Trailer Manoevring assist' system and also a 'trailer route planner' in the nav system to help drivers avoid pinch points for long or tall vehicles.

Design and Build

As before, there's a choice of two body shapes, the standard SUV version and the sleeker-looking GLE Coupe. The most recent visual update back in 2023 saw the front grille gain extra chrome, while the front bumper was re-shaped, the running light signature was changed on the LED headlamps and the rear LED tail lamps were restyled. Most GLEs are ordered with the 'AMG Line' exterior that most customers want, with its diamond-patterned front grille, deeper bumper and extended wheel arches. Otherwise, things are much as they were when this fourth generation model was first launched in 2019, which means there's an upright grille and a purposefully-sculpted bonnet with two power domes. This GLE also cuts an athletic figure from the rear, something particularly emphasised by the powerful shoulder muscle line extending from the C-pillar to the rear lights.  Inside, it's much as it was back in 2019 too, though in recent times, Mercedes has redesigned steering wheel, which has touch controls that allow access to central screen functions. The brand has also added extra chrome to the air vents and made available various fresh colour and trim combinations. Otherwise, the cabin's broadly untouched, with twin 12.3-inch TFT screens, one in the instrument binnacle and one in the centre of the dash that works with the 'MBUX' voice-activated multimedia system. There's plenty of space in the second row - plus if you avoid the PHEV version, you get a standard third seating row too. When you're not using it, there's 630-litres of luggage space in conventionally-engined models - or up to 2,055-litres if you can fold down all the seats. The PHEV version compromises again here - down to 490 and 1,915-litres. In conjunction with  AIRMATIC air suspension, the vehicle's rear can be lowered by around 40 millimetres using a switch, for easier loading and unloading.

Market and Model

For the GLE SUV, pricing kicks off from around £75,000 and there are three trim levels - 'Urban Edition', 'AMG Line Premium' and 'AMG Line Premium Plus'. The various Mercedes-AMG models are positioned above that, priced from around £94,000 with a choice of 'Premium' and 'Night Edition Premium Plus' trim options. Across the range, you'll need around £3,000 more for the alternative Coupe body shape. As you'd hope given this kind of spend, equipment levels are generous. Even base 'Urban Edition' trim gets you 'KEYLESS GO' keyless entry, MULTIBEAM LED Headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, an AMG Bodystyling kit and a 'Parking Package' with 360 camera. there's also AIRMATIC Air suspension with Adapative Damping, 21-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light alloy wheels and a powered tailgate. Inside, even with 'Urban Edition' trim, you can expect to find the brand's pair of 'Widescreen cockpit' screens for infotainment and instrument dials, the centre display featuring MBUX Navigation with Augmented Reality, plus you get a 'Live Traffic' system and a premium Burmester Surround Sound audio set-up. There's also 'THERMATIC' Climate Control, along with ambient lighting, electric front seats with memory setting, electrically adjustable rear seats, a wireless charging mat, a Dashcam and 'Aluminium-look' illuminated running boards with rubber studs. 'AMG Line Premium'-spec adds multi-spoke 21-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, climatised front seats, the 'Air Balance' package that adds scents to the interior, temperature-controlled cup holders and the brand's 'Energizing Package', which gives you selectable sounds and colour themes in the cabin. Plus, (if you don't have a PHEV) there's a third boot-mounted seating row. For off road driving, there's also a 'transparent bonnet' function that allows you to see the rocky terrain more clearly on the centre display by showing a virtual view of the trail ahead. 'AMG Line Premium Plus'-spec adds 22-inch wheels, soft-close doors, Multicontour front seats that react to corners, surround lighting and extra camera safety features.

Cost of Ownership

Let's get to the efficiency figures. Starting with the three mild hybrids; 41.5mpg on the combined cycle and 199g/km of CO2 for the base 300 d diesel, 37.2mpg and 219g/km for the 450 d diesel and 37.2mpg and 242g/km for the 450 petrol. Obviously, you'll do much better with the PHEVs. The 350 de diesel amanges up to 470.8mpg and 21g/km, while the 400 e manages up to 353.1mpg and 24g/km. In the Mercedes-AMG GLE range, the mild hybrid Mercedes-AMG 53 4MATIC+ manages 26.7mpg and 241g/km; the PHEV Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 HYBRID 4MATIC+ manages 217.3mpg and 30g/km of CO2. And the top Mercedes-AMG 63 S 4MATIC+ manages just 22.2mpg and a smoky 288g/km of CO2. What else? Well, we'll tell you that the comprehensive three year warranty is built upon by Mercedes' Mobilo scheme which delivers breakdown cover for up to thirty years, as long as you continue to have your car serviced at a Mercedes main dealer. And it's worth knowing that your maintenance outlay can be kept a little in check by going for the optional Service Care package that takes care of routine maintenance, spreading the cost of regular servicing, guaranteeing the price of parts and labour for up to four services and covering the cost of all recommended service items such as brake fluid, spark plugs, air filters, fuel filters and screen wash. There's also an ASSYST dashboard service indicator that monitors engine use and tells you exactly when a garage visit is due. It's also worth mentioning that the 'Mercedes me' remote online services package that comes as part of the infotainment system includes remote self-diagnostic capability, enabling your GLE to monitor wear and tear items and alert your local dealer to let you know if something needs seeing to.

Summary

So, how to sum up this GLE? First, here's what it won't do: stride across the Gobi desert quite like any Land Rover product. Or power round Brands Hatch quite like a more sporting BMW X5. But for us, that's not a problem: this car, after all, intentionally sets out to offer more of a middle ground between these two extremes and it's a place in which the improved version of this second generation GLE seems far more comfortable than its predecessors. It's true that there are sportier, more dynamic models of this kind you could buy. But we're struggling to think of many that offer a better all-round package. Quick, capable, practical and luxurious, this is at last the car Mercedes always should have had in this segment.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Heated windscreen washers

Magic vision control

Electric windows with one touch opening/closing and obstruction sensors

Rain sensing windscreen wipers

Top surround of side windows in polished aluminium

Brakes

Red Brake caliper

Electronic parking brake

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)

High performance perforated front brake discs and brake calipers with AMG lettering

Carpets/Rugs

AMG floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

AMG active ride control with adaptive dampers

Communication

Wireless charging

Driver Aids

Attention assist

Direct steer speed sensitive steering

360 degree camera

DYNAMIC SELECT with a choice of driving modes (ECO, Comfort, Sport and Individual)

Active parking assist with PARKTRONIC

Driver Convenience

Remote boot release

Easy-pack tailgate - Powered opening/closing automatically

ECO start/stop function

Driver Information

Head up Display

Outside temperature display

Service indicator (Active Service System)

AMG track pace

Hard-disk navigation

Status display for rear seat belts in instrument cluster

Brake wear warning display

Traffic sign assist

Trip computer in multifunction display showing current fuel consumption

MBUX Interior assistant

Mercedes Benz emergency call system

MBUX voice control activated by keywords "Hey Mercedes"

Pre-installation for digital key transfer

12.3 High resolution wide screen cockpit display with choice of three display styles Classic, Progressive or Sport and unique ambient lighting setting

MBUX augmented reality for navigation and live traffic

Mercedes me connect - vehicle set up and monitoring

Wireless smartphone integration including Apple CarPlay and Android auto

Driving Mirrors

Automatically dimming rear view mirror

Electrically adjustable, heated, folding exterior mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Dashboard and door beltlines in nappa leather

Carbon fibre trim elements

Engine

Carbon fibre engine covers

85 litre fuel tank

Petrol Particulate Filter (PPF)

Mild Hybrid starter alternator

Entertainment

Burmester surround sound system

Bluetooth interface for hands free and audio streaming

Additional USB connection

DAB digital radio tuner

Front and rear USB ports

Sound personalisation

Exterior Body Features

Roof rail system

Body coloured bumpers

Matt black roof rails

Panoramic sliding sunroof

AMG performance exhaust system

Waistline in polished aluminium

Visible twin pipe exhaust system integrated into bumper

Aluminium look, illuminated running boards with rubber studs

Radio aerial integrated into rear window

Rear side wing doors

Transparent Bonnet

Exterior styling - front bumper, radiator grille and front air intakes

AMG bodystyling front and rear aprons

AMG exhaust system with two black chrome rectangular twin tailpipes

Exterior Lights

Adaptive brake lights

LED rear lights

Multibeam LED headlights with adaptive highbeam assist plus

Auto headlights

LED 3rd brake light

LED daytime running light signet

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Thermotronic automatic 4 zone climate control

Interior Features

Heated steering wheel

Luggage compartment cover

Electric height/reach adjustable steering column

Gearshift paddles on steering wheel

Soft close doors

Temperature controlled cupholder

Touchpad

Dinamica microfibre roof liner in black

Glove compartment - lockable, air conditioned and illuminated

Front centre armrest with stowage compartment and illuminated grab handles

AMG steering wheel buttons

Double sunvisor

Sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs

Illuminated door sill with AMG lettering

3 spoke AMG Performance multifunction steering wheel in carbon fiber/MICROCUT

Quilted seat with AMG crest in headrests

Black MICROCUT Headlining

Crystal grey manufaktur seat belts

Interior Lights

Interior lighting - 64 colour Ambient lighting

Packs

Keyless go comfort package - GLE

Air balance package - GLE

AMG Drivers package - GLE 63

Energizing plus package - GLE

Driving assistance package - GLE

Warmth comfort pack - GLE

Exclusive Trim package - GLE

AMG night package - GLE

Safety

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Drivers knee airbag

Active bonnet

Three point rear seat belts

Childproof locks manually operated for rear doors and electrically operated for rear power windows

Pre safe impulse side

Airbags - driver and front passenger, front sidebag, pelvis bag and window airbags

Seats

Heated rear seats

Electrically adjustable rear seats

40:20:40 split folding rear seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Seat occupancy sensor for front passenger seat

Automatic child seat recognition sensor

4 way adjustable front head restraints and 2 way rear head restraints

Electrically adjustable front seats with memory function

Single front passenger seat

ISOFIX child seat points with automatic child seat recognition

Luxury head restraints in front

Security

Alarm system/interior protection/immobiliser

Chrome surround electric key

Central locking with interior switch, automatic locking and crash sensor with emergency opening function

Dashcam

Guard 360 degree vehicle protection plus

Transmission

AMG rear axle limited slip differential lock

AMG Speedshift TCT 9 speed transmission

Vanity Mirrors

Sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Wheels - Alloy

22" AMG cross spoke forged alloy wheels in matte black

Wheels - Spare

TIREFIT with tyre inflation compressor

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Noise Level dB(A): 77

CO: 0.426

HC: 0.024

NOx: 0.02

HC+NOx: N

Particles: 0.0002

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 288

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 289

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 287

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 83

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 92

CC: 3982

Cylinders: 8

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 32

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TWIN TURBO

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Compression Ratio: 8.6:1

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 9 SPEED

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - MPG - Low: 14.5

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 22.2

WLTP - MPG - High: 25.9

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 24.4

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 22.2

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 14.5

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 14.5

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 22.2

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 22.1

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 25.9

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 25.7

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 24.4

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 24.1

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 22.2

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 22.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 19.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 12.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 10.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 11.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 12.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 19.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 19.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 12.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 12.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 10.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 11

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 11.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 11.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 12.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 12.7

General

Coin Series: Night Ed Prem+

Coin Description: 4Matic+

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 30

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 50E

Service Interval Mileage: 15500

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 91

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 90

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 78

NCAP Safety Assist %: 78

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 612

Badge Engine CC: 4.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 2

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 3.9

Top Speed: 174

Engine Power - BHP: 612

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 450

Engine Power - RPM: 5750

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 627

Engine Torque - NM: 850

Engine Torque - RPM: 2500

Engine Torque - MKG: 86.7

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 285/40 R22

Tyre Size Rear: 325/35 R22

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 22" ALLOY

Wheel Style: AMG CROSS SPOKE

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4947

Width: 2018

Wheelbase: 2995

Width (including mirrors): 2157

Height: N

Height (including roof rails): 1782

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2658

Gross Vehicle Weight: 3120

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 85

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 3500

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 462

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 630

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 100

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 2055

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.4

Brakes

AMG high performance ceramic composite braking system

Exterior Body Features

Manufaktur metallic paint

Manufaktur solid paint

Interior Features

AMG exclusive two tone nappa leather upholstery

Packs

Towing package with Electrically folding trailer hitch - GLE

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Obsidian black

Metallic - Selenite Grey

Metallic - High tech silver

Metallic - Sodalite blue

Paint - Special

Manufaktur metallic - Opalite white

Manufaktur solid - Alpine grey

Trim - Leather

AMG exclusive Nappa leather - Black

AMG exclusive two tone nappa leather - Macchiato beige/Black