2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, last redesigned in 2020 and facelifted in 2024, stood out among Mercedes-Benz SUVs with its unique design. It shared some visual bulk with the GLS-Class, GLC-Class, and GLB-Class but maintained a more rounded profile reminiscent of its predecessors. The squared-off wheel arches, horizontal grille, and headlights gave it a wide stance, while the sharply tapering side glass, windshield, and back window created odd proportions, especially on the GLE Coupe models. Despite not being the most handsome model in the lineup, its styling adhered closely to the brand's orthodoxy, ensuring it was unmistakably a Benz. For 2025, buyers could personalize their GLE with new paint colors and Manufaktur interiors, adding a touch of luxury with options like Nappa leather upholstery. The interior, with its chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles, and 64-color ambient lighting, felt upscale and special.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered ten versions, ranging from $63,600 to $134,500, with the GLE 350 as the least expensive model and the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe at the top end. Assembled in Alabama, the GLE 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology. The Manufaktur Edition Package added exclusive paint, 21-inch wheels, and a panoramic sunroof, among other features. However, the Moonlight White Magno paint highlighted the GLE's egg-on-wheels styling, which was less appealing. The interior, on the other hand, was elegantly detailed with quality materials, including matte-finish wood and metallic accents. The steering wheel, though classy, had touch-sensing controls that were not always user-friendly. The GLE 450's cabin was quiet and comfortable, making it a pleasant long-distance road tripper.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered six powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid and two AMG variants. The GLE 350 featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with 4Matic all-wheel drive available. The GLE 450 4Matic had a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist for 381 hp and 479 lb-ft, offering 50 miles of electric range. The GLE 580 4Matic boasted a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 510 hp and 538 lb-ft. The AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ and AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ performance models delivered 429 hp and 603 hp, respectively. Despite its power, the GLE felt larger than it was, making maneuvering in tight spaces challenging.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450, with its turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and mild-hybrid system, generated 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual. The GLE 450 was capable of towing up to 7,700 pounds and featured off-road capabilities like Downhill Speed Regulation and a "transparent hood" camera view. However, the standard suspension allowed too much body motion, making it less enjoyable to drive in various conditions. The steering felt numb in Comfort mode and overly firm in Dynamic mode. The sport braking system performed well in spirited driving but felt grabby in typical situations. The automatic engine stop/start system caused delays in acceleration, and the transmission's downshifts were noticeable. Despite these issues, the GLE 450 offered decent fuel economy, achieving 21 mpg in combined driving.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations, though third-row space specs were not published. The front seats offered similar headroom to rivals, but competitors like the Acura MDX and Audi Q7 had more legroom. The high seating position provided an SUV-like feel, but visibility was limited. Second-row passengers enjoyed slightly more space than in most competitor SUVs, with more legroom than the BMW X5, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, and Lexus RX. The GLE offered 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 74.9 cubic feet with all seats folded. It could tow up to 7,700 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured firm yet comfortable front seats with heating and "energizing seat kinetics" to reduce fatigue. The Exclusive Package added ventilated front seats and Nappa leather. The back seat was roomy but had a low seating position relative to the window sills. A third-row seat was an expensive option, adding two extra chairs with USB-C charging ports. The GLE offered 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and 74.9 cubic feet with the back seat folded. The cargo area included a netted compartment, hooks, lighting, and a cargo cover, with additional storage under the load floor.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a pair of 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen, creating a continuous horizontal display. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as built-in navigation. Multiple access methods, including a center-console touchpad and steering-wheel touchpads, could be confusing, but the voice recognition system was effective. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe had additional drive modes and settings accessible via steering wheel dials. Some models offered an off-road display and a "transparent hood" function for the 360-degree camera system.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's MBUX infotainment system also featured a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The displays offered lush graphics and minimal reflections. A biometric authentication system loaded user profiles, and the voice assistant performed well, except for emergency requests. The Exclusive Package added a Burmester surround-sound audio system, Dolby Atmos technology, and an augmented-reality video function for navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with SiriusXM satellite radio and Mercedes Digital Extras. The Exclusive Package included Online Music Streaming with Apple Music integration.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of driver-assist features, though some were not standard. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, crosswind assist, parking assist, a driver attention monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. The Pre-Safe system mitigated collision effects by tightening seatbelts and closing windows. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-change assist, and evasive steering assist. The GLE-Class received a 2025 Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though its front-crash prevention tech had mixed ratings.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's standard safety tech included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Pre-Safe Sound feature protected occupants' hearing during a collision. Parking aids included sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a semi-automated parking system. The Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and other features. The Active Emergency Stop Assist brought the GLE to a stop if the driver was unresponsive. However, the route-based speed-adjustment feature was problematic, and the automated lane-change assist was inconsistent. The GLE received a 2025 Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, but its front-crash prevention tech earned low ratings.