The Mercedes-Benz GLE is a large SUV model that sits between the smaller GLC and larger GLS in the Mercedes-Benz SUV family. The current model arrived in the UK in 2019, and although it’s the second generation to wear the GLE badge, it’s actually the fourth generation of the model (which was originally called the ML from 1997 to 2015).
The GLE range consists of a regular SUV model and a GLE Coupe body style, which is not actually a coupé but rather an almost identical SUV shape with a more raked cargo area. There is also a higher-performance model called the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53, and an even faster GLE 63 version arriving in 2020.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE holds an Expert Rating of 77% as of May 2020, which is some way behind the class-leading Volvo XC90 or the Land Rover Discovery. However, many of the reviews in our database are still from the 2019 European launch, so the overall rating may change as we collate more reviews of the GLE here in the UK.
The GLE has received particular praise for its interior design and quality, as well as its comfortable ride. However, it has been criticised for tight third-row seating and unimpressive handling.
More Mercedes-Benz news, reviews, features and offers
Body style: Large SUV
Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £52,235 on-road
Launched: Spring 2015
Last updated: Summer 2019
Replacement due: TBA
Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe
MEDIA REVIEWS
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media

The Car Expert
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic GLE 300d
“The Mercedes-Benz GLE makes an admirable first impression. The biggest feature here is that ride; it’s super-refined and transforms the driving experience. It also means that the GLE will be a great go-to option for those who travel big miles on a regular basis.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: 400 d
Score: 7 / 10
“You’ll buy a Mercedes GLE Coupe for what it represents, rather than what it can offer in a rational sense.”
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Model reviewed: GLE range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes GLE offers seven seats and the best cabin in its class, but it’s not cheap.”
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Model reviewed: 300d AMG
Score: 7 / 10
“There’s much to like about the new Mercedes GLE: the interior is gorgeous, it’s loaded with clever tech, and for the most part, the four-cylinder diesel remains smooth and refined.”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“The GLE is Mercedes’ mid-range SUV. It now comes with the option of seven seats, however, making it pretty much all the Mercedes you’ll ever need. With the brand’s new infotainment system aboard, a spacious interior and some smooth engine choices, this is possibly the perfect premium SUV.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: 350de Coupe
Score: 8 / 10
“New diesel-electric hybrid drivetrain adds new dimension to second-generation GLE Coupe, with a class-leading electric range and tax busting CO2 qualities.”
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Model reviewed: 350de 4Matic
Score: 9 / 10
“Few cars deliver quite the same broad operating qualities, and the overall refinement on part-throttle loads is such that there are times when you’re scarcely aware of what power source is doing the work.”
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Model reviewed: 400d
Score: 8 / 10
“The interior is up there with the very best, as is the engine.”
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Model reviewed: 300d 4Matic AMG-Line
Score: 7 / 10
“One of the GLE’s strong suits is its cabin, which is impressively roomy, and for the most part well finished.”
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Score: 9 / 10
“With the arrival of the new fourth-generation model, the GLE has moved up in the Mercedes-Benz line-up, offering greater space, markedly higher levels of refinement and a range of standard features not even available in the brand’s upper luxury models.”
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Car
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The move to seven-seats may have been a no-brainer, but the rest of the car shows off a carefully thought out SUV that majors on technology and comfort, not to mention a diverse engine range.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.4 / 10
“The Mercedes GLE is one of the classiest SUV buys, but not the best all-rounder.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The new Mercedes GLE offers superb space, luxury and technology. It’s a shame that the entry-level car isn’t particularly comfortable and space in the rearmost seats is tight.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: GLE 400d AMG Line
“Big improvement across the board makes the GLE a much more competitive package, although we’d advise waiting until summer, when the PHEV will be the one to have.”
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Evo
Model reviewed: GLE 400d
Score: 7 / 10
“Overall the GLE is not the most dynamic option in the class – that accolade still belongs to the Porsche Cayenne S – but it is still one worth considering thanks to that brilliant powertrain and its hewn-from-stone solidity.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8.4 / 10
“Impressively tech-laden and desirable SUV”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic GLE 300d AMG Line
Score: 8 / 10
“A quiet and spacious five or seven-set SUV”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic GLE 300d AMG Line
Score: 6 / 10
“The GLE is as lovely as any Merc to sit in, and in its five best seats it’s very roomy. Standard equipment is hard to fault, too. But the gruff engine in this 300d means it’s not the one to have, while suspect ride quality and ponderous handling mean you have to ask why you’d pick the GLE over one of its more rounded rivals.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Hybrid
Score: 7 / 10
“This offers everything a regular GLE does – right up to its 3.5-tonne towing capacity – but with the added bonus of making less noise. Both for you and passers-by.”
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Model reviewed: 300d
Score: 6 / 10
“It’s a pretty complete car, the Mercedes GLE.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Some rivals are more practical and better to drive, but the Mercedes GLE has a dazzling interior, and on air suspension, is a comfortable cruiser.”
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Which?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.4 / 10
“The new Mercedes-Benz GLE is an impressive luxury SUV and a suitable riposte to the likes of the Audi Q7 and BMW X5. It can’t quite match those models’ sharpness in the corners, but offers a comfort-biased driving experience that will take the sting out of even the most demanding journeys.”
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SAFETY RATING
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: July 2019
Eco rating
Independent emissions and efficiency ratings from Green NCAP
The Mercedes-Benz GLE has not yet been lab tested by Green NCAP. Check back soon.
Similar cars
If you’re interested in the Mercedes-Benz GLE, you may also like to consider these alternatives
Audi Q7 | BMW X5 | Jeep Grand Cherokee | Land Rover Discovery | Lexus RX L | Maserati Levante | Porsche Cayenne | Range Rover Sport | Volkswagen Touareg | Volvo XC90