Mercedes GLE review: You won’t believe what’s changed!

Meet the new Mercedes GLE!

The GLE sits between the GLC and GLS in Mercedes’s SUV range. The question is, should you choose it over its smaller or bigger brother? And does it offer enough to sway you away from competitors like the BMW X5 or Audi Q7?

Well for starters, let’s check out the design. On the outside, the car is still relatively similar to the previous car, but with a few key changes. Around the back there’s a set of new taillights, and along the side there are some new alloy wheel designs to choose from. Up front, it’s more of the same, although you’ll find an updated grille flanked by a set of new headlights and daytime running lights.

Step inside and you’ll find even more similarities to the old car. One of the key updates is the steering wheel, which now comes equipped with a load of touch sensitive buttons. But to be honest, we think they’re a bit fiddly to use, and if anything we’d rather have the old steering wheel back! Otherwise though the design is pretty nice, and there are soft touch materials throughout most of the cabin - just don’t reach down too low if you’re afraid of scratchy plastics!

When it comes to engine choices, there are a load to choose from. We’ve got our hands on the plug-in hybrid edition, which comes equipped with a 2-litre 4 cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor, which combine to produce 380hp. There are two diesels to choose from, with the range-topper being a 3-litre straight-six that delivers 390hp, and finally there are a few petrol options to choose from, with the range-topper of course being the AMG 63, which comes with a 4-litre twin-turbo V8 that puts down 634hp.

Here’s the thing though, the GLE isn’t cheap! It starts from around £78,000, and if you’re looking for the plug-in hybrid like we have here, that’ll set you back around £93,000! So is it worth it? You’ll need to stick with Mat and see for yourself!

Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:26 Design
01:20 Price
02:10 Interior
04:30 Back Seats
06:18 Boot
07:07 5 Annoying Things
09:38 5 Good Things
12:19 Engines
13:27 Town Driving
16:01 Motorway Driving
18:25 Country Road Driving
19:53 0-60mph
21:39 Verdict

[carwow]

Mercedes GLE v BMW X5: Which is best? VOTE below!

[NicoSchurr]

The delay on the fuel flap (and the reason you have to use the button) is because the tank is pressurised and not vented like a normal tank. It needs to vent before you can open the cap. This reduces hydrocarbons evaporating from your fuel which reduces emissions and your fuel keeps its quality longer. Also the wood is actually real veneer

[katlegomogwera]

You're Mat Watson and I'm watching carwow, all the way from South Africa🇿🇦

[InfoHubZA]

Now that the updated GLE and X5 are out, you should do a comparative test between the two.

[Lambierto]

We spent awhile looking at EV and Hybrid. We chose hybrid as having option for petrol for long trips just made sense. It’s 100% the way to go to have the flexibility. Decided hybrid and narrowed to X5 and GLE hybrid. They are the clear top IMO as you really need 50-60 miles EV to make it make sense. Went MB as we couldn’t find a BMW spec we liked as choices are slim ATM. I disagree most won’t charge it as the car comes with a standard charger and only takes 3 hours. No fast charger install needed. Super easy and convenient to simply plug in at night vs. going to a gas station. We have averaged 58 miles in our GLE 450e in EV so if your daily commute is around 60 miles you can’t go wrong with it. $2.50 EV vs. $15 in gas where we are per day. We are saving around $300/mo in fuel differential but more
Importantly is just the convenience of simple plug in at night but still having gas engine for longer commutes.

[stanleyfamUK]

I just replaced my GLE 350DE after 60k miles of use, totally loved it despite the size. The size was an odd issue for me as its bulk was mainly the flared arches and general design, looks great but in tight city spaces and narrow roads cumbersome. I only changed it as they dropped the diesel hybrid, which is an amazing engine combination - powerful and 45 mpg average economy. The petrol replacement at low 20 mpg makes little sense for me, especially as the electric motor range averaged 40 miles in summer and 25 in winter. The comfort was amazing, although the air suspension rolled too much for some passengers at times. I have now taken delivery of the new GLC 300DE, similar spec as the GLE, bit smaller, much tighter to drive and with an 80 mile average electric range and 72 mpg (so far) overall average, jumping from the GLE to the GLC no real compromise in comfort, bit less space in the back and a much better interior than the GLE.

[mrsteve]

My E class hybrid saloon with the same engine/electric drivetrain also suffers from the added weight, especially in comfort mode. In any bend you are always aware of the mass behind you, and the air suspension struggles to cope with bumps. It's only really at home on smooth motorways. The rear tyres also cost a small fortune and don't last long. I recently drove a non plug in hybrid E class and it was much better, even without air suspension. Having said that, if you stick my hybrid in sport+ it transforms the whole car and the engine really does sound good for a four cylinder.

[VisionCityMayor]

i've been the second owner of my grandpa's '22 GLE350. got about 3-4k miles on it myself and i'm glad to see the facelift's still pretty much as good as it used to be, although im not a fan of the new steering wheel touch controls and such. however, its good that they fixed stuff like the gas/brake tuning because thats one of the biggest downside of the pre-facelift imo

[adithyaarun]

Love the design, it stands out on the road a lot. But I like the old headlights way more

[cianbrennan]

Just saying about the steering wheel, I have a e class coupe with the same wheel and you DO get used to it and it’s not annoying at all

[varudds]

Good that you test the acceleration but it would be even better if you also tested the deceleration which is more important in my opinion

[josetomasoyarzun]

The fact that the x5 plug in has a 3litre i6 and gle a 2.0 engine speaks for itself

[loeb]

The fake tip exhaust...would make it to
real exhaust from bumper

[officialFUKU]

i bet all those changes are related to cost saving and maximising profits 😂

[friznutzs]

I wonder if the motor will wear quicker since you would only use it when you need more power; it wouldn't be heated up so you are essentially running a cold started engine at high loads.

[ResizeFilms]

Best SUV in the market. Great job Mercedes.

[mtbman]

Matt is never boring to watch, Cheers car wow!

[Aryan_The_Barbarian]

Great review Matt. Was thinking of asking you of a review for the new 2024 Gls 450 petrol.

[farhanaliborker]

Matt did you check for all the rattling plastic panels of the door and dashboard. Substandard quality of fitment.

[emog]

Great review! I think i still prefer the looks of the x5 it's much more aggressive Can you get heated seats for the rear?