Overview

As the spiritual successor to the original M-class SUV, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE-class is a rolling technology showpiece that offers a spacious, family-friendly cabin and legit off-road credentials to boot. Three different powertrains are offered, starting with a turbocharged four-cylinder in the GLE350 and graduating to a turbocharged inline-six in the GLE450 and a twin-turbo V-8 in the top-dog GLE580. Myriad extras are available on the GLE-class—including an adjustable air suspension that features a bouncing mode to help the SUV free itself from deep sand or mud—but these options can add up in a hurry. And while most buyers won't venture too far off the beaten path, it's a luxury in and of itself to know that you can if you want to. For the everyday driver, the GLE-class's cabin is spacious, luxurious, and comfortable, while the exterior styling transmits a signal of wealth and status that buyers expect of any car sporting the three-pointed star on its grille.

What's New for 2019?

Entering its second model year after a major redesign, the GLE-class sees only minor changes. Ambient interior lighting, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and SiriusXM satellite radio are all now standard features. Also new this year is a parking damage detection system that notifies the owner via the Mercedes me smartphone app if the GLE is jostled while parked.

After driving two of the three available powertrains, we'd suggest sticking with the entry-level turbocharged four-cylinder GLE350 model. Despite the fact that it's the lowest-powered option, it moves the GLE-class along with enough authority to satisfy most drivers—and returned the best fuel economy in our testing. Since we're saving our hard-earned dollars by going with the base model, we'd allow ourselves to splurge on the Premium package (Burmester audio system, 360-degree camera, and a 115-volt household-style power outlet) and the Warmth and Comfort package (heated front armrests and upper door panels). We'd also add heated seats in the second row and four-zone automatic climate control, both of which are standalone options.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Models wearing the GLE350 badge are powered by a 255-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine with either rear- or all-wheel drive (4Matic in Mercedes parlance) and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Stepping up to the GLE450 brings standard all-wheel drive and a 362-hp hybrid powertrain that consists of a turbocharged inline-six and a novel 48-volt electrical system. The 2019 GLE350 required 6.6 seconds to reach 60 mph at our test track, and the six-cylinder GLE450 managed a 5.3-second time. While the souped-up Mercedes-AMG GLE53 (reviewed separately) brings even more heat, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE580 represents the most powerful and expensive non-AMG model. The 48-volt system combines with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 to make up to 504 horsepower. Every GLE-class can be outfitted with a cutting-edge air-suspension system that can lean into corners and even wiggle itself loose if the driver gets it stuck in sand or mud. The standard setup is traditional steel springs and anti-roll bars.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Surprisingly, it's the six-cylinder GLE450 which earns the highest fuel-economy estimates from the EPA at 21/26/23 mpg city/highway/combined. The four-cylinder GLE350 earns ratings of 19/26/22 mpg city/highway/combined, while the GLE580 burns gas at a faster rate and earns ratings of 17/22/19 mpg. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route, an all-wheel-drive GLE350 4Matic returned 25 mpg, and the GLE450 4Matic delivered 23 mpg. The GLE450 goes head to head with the six-cylinder X5 xDrive40i, but the BMW wins in our fuel-economy testing with its 28-mpg result.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Fine materials such as genuine leather, woods, and metals impart a sense of true luxury, but they also add a pretty penny to the bottom line. Not only can the front seats be heated, but the armrests and center-console lid can, too, quickly taking the chill out of a frigid winter morning. The spacious interior can now be outfitted with an optional third row of seats—which in and of itself is a tad snug for adults—and features modern Mercedes technology found in the company's latest luxury sedans. With the optional third row of seats stowed, we fit 11 carry-on suitcases in the cargo hold. With all seats folded to their flat positions, the GLE-class offers room for up to 26 carry-ons. The rival X5 matches the Mercedes in both metrics, but other competitors such as the more coupe-like Audi Q8 held far fewer.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Dual 12.3-inch infotainment displays stretch nearly the length of the dashboard and offer several ways to interact with the system, including the MBUX voice-recognition system. Like Apple's Siri or Google's virtual assistant, MBUX can respond to many commands, thus enabling the driver to keep his or her hands on the wheel but still turn up the heat, switch on the ventilated-seat function, or tune to a specific radio station. A touchpad on the center console allows for tactile interaction with the infotainment system, and the screen is also touch-sensitive, but the menus aren't all logically structured. Navigating them is better done when the GLE-class is parked. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot are all standard, which makes keeping up with calls, texts, and other communications while on the go a little easier.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hasn't released crash-test results for the new GLE-class, but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named it a Top Safety Pick+ due to its good performance in that agency's testing. A standard suite of driver-assistance features also makes the GLE-class a good pick for families. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
• Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode

INTRODUCTION

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE is a mid-size, five-seat SUV that's powerful, luxurious, spacious, safe, swoopy, and fun to drive, especially in hot AMG versions. It's also hugely versatile, with no fewer than seven versions.

For 2021, there are four new sporty models from AMG, which is Mercedes' high-performance division: the AMG GLE53 and AMG GLE63, in both standard SUV and coupe-like SUV body styles. Also for 2021, wireless smartphone charging and ambient lighting become standard. Options have changed, as well.

The GLE is 194 inches long, with a wheelbase of 118 inches. There's an optional third row that increases seating capacity to seven, if the two passengers in the wayback are kids.

The base GLE350 uses a 255-hp turbo-4. It's the only GLE that comes standard with rear-wheel drive. Otherwise every GLE comes with all-wheel drive.

Power ranges from the turbo-6 in the GLE450 to the GLE53 AMG's mild-hybrid turbo-6, to the twin-turbo V-8 in the AMG GLE63 S. All GLEs use a 9-speed automatic transmission that pairs well with the family of engines.

The GLE350 is EPA-rated at 21 mpg city, 26 highway, 23 combined with rear-wheel drive. The GLE53 AMG and almost all the others get 18/22/19 mpg. The GLE63 S gets 15/19/16 mpg. All GLEs use premium unleaded fuel.

The IIHS gives the GLE its best safety rating, Top Safety Pick+. The NHTSA hasn't crash-tested it yet.

Standard safety equipment includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and blind-spot monitors. Adaptive cruise control is an expensive option on most models. The advanced adaptive cruise control is paired with active lane control and a system that will automatically look for an opening in traffic and switch lanes when the turn signal is tapped.

LINEUP

Made in Alabama, the vast GLE lineup ranges from base SUVs to exotically powered AMG 'Coupe'? models.

The GLE350 starts at around $57,000 with all-wheel drive,and comes with the turbo-4 engine, synthetic leather upholstery, power front seats, twin 12.3-inch screens, navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, keyless start, 19-inch wheels, and LED headlights. The GLE450 uses a turbo-6.

Options on those two models include leather upholstery, wood trim, four-zone automatic climate control, Burmester audio, a third-row seat, 22-inch wheels, and an AMG body kit.

The GLE580 gains most of the above options as standard equipment. So does the GLE63 S, which costs about $117,000, with another $20,000 in available extras.

WALKAROUND

The 2021 GLE marries the swoopy style of Mercedes' sedans with a more upright SUV body, punctuated by a rakish C-pillar. Different models have different grille designs, all of them expressive.

The Coupe versions are nearly identical in the front, but have a more sloping roofline that reduces head room and cargo space. We can't say we get the idea of an SUV with less space, but that's us. Some buyers value looks over versatility. The Coupes are attractive and popular.

INTERIOR

The cabin of the GLE is much like that of the luxurious E-Class sedan. Twin displays housed under a single glass pane dominate the instrument panel. There are many interior hues and trim combinations. We've only driven well-equipped GLEs with lots of leather and wood, but base models are just as nice. Some of the materials are lavish, if not downright decadent.

The front thrones are supportive forever. They can be heated, cooled, and massaged.
The second row isn't quite as luxurious, but access is easy. The optional third row is too small for adults. Cargo space is impressive, at around 80 cubic feet with the second row folded flat.

Outward vision is good, but not great. The relatively high beltline and beefy roof pillars make the optional surround-view camera system a feature to consider. Coupes are even worse.

DRIVING IMPRESSION

The 255-hp 2.0-liter turbo-4 in the GLE350 is quite willing. It easily keeps up with traffic while holding plenty in reserve for passing. It can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds, with all-wheel drive.

But if the GLE is carrying 4 or 5 occupants, the GLE450 is better, with its 362-hp 3.0-liter inline-6. It can accelerate to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, and is capable of towing up to 7,700 pounds. It uses a 48-volt mild-hybrid electrical system that offers a 21 lb-ft of torque boost allowing for more efficient highway cruising.

The GLE580 uses a 4.0-liter V-8 with 483 lb-ft of torque, to reach 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.

New this year are four AMG versions, the GLE53 and GLE63, in both standard SUV and coupe-like SUV body style. The GLE53 uses an AMG-tuned version of the inline-6 making 429 thrilling horsepower. It can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds.

The GLE63 uses a hand-assembled twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 making 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, while its 48-volt system can add up to 21 hp and 184 lb-ft in certain situations. It can accelerate to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds.

All the engines are mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission.

An air suspension comes on the higher models, and is optional on the lower ones. The standard coil springs on the lower models are fine, but the air suspension provides a ride that's more plush, while still being controlled. The air suspension can be augmented by Mercedes' hydropneumatic active body control system. That setup works in concert with various sensors to scan the road ahead and adjust the suspension in anticipation of bumps. It works amazingly well.

SUMMARY

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE is one of the most versatile vehicles in the automaker's lineup. Its sheer range of choices means shoppers can choose from family hauler to luxury chariot with astounding power and grip. We're happy with the GLE450, but the AMG GLE53 can tangle impressively well with other performance SUVs-and with your favorite winding road.

Features

• 2.0L I-4 Engine
• 9-spd auto w/OD Transmission
• 255 @ 5,800 rpm Horsepower
• 273 @ 1,800 rpm Torque
• Rear-wheel Drive type
• ABS and driveline Traction control
• 1st row regular express open/close sliding and tilting glass Sunroof
• 19" silver aluminum Wheels
• Front air conditioning, dual zone automatic
• Driver and front passenger heated-cushion, heated-seatback Heated front seats
• SiriusXM AM/FM/HD/Satellite, seek-scan Radio
• 2 - 1st row LCD monitor
• Keyfob (all doors) Remote keyless entry
• Rear Fog/driving lights
• Heated mirrors
• Windshield wipers - rain sensing
• MB-Tex leatherette Seat trim
• Driver and passenger Lumbar support
• MBUX with voice activation Navigation system
• Active Parking Assist Parking assist