Review - Mercedes Benz GLE

This segment of the market is consistently growing, as buyers look to move into a more premium SUV for their family and long road trips away. With this in mind, how does the Mercedes GLE and its Coupe variant stack up in the all-important areas of features, safety, practicality and comfort compared to its competitors?

Starting Price: $105,090

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Mercedes Benz GLE (300 d 4MATIC) Specifications

For more details and other variants, check Mercedes Benz GLE car page.

How Much Does It Cost?

The entry-level Mercedes Benz GLE comes at a price of $105,090 for the entry-level GLE300d. From here, the range moves to the GLE450, which is priced at $117,035, and to $124,035 for the GLE400d. The GLE tops out in the form of the 53 AMG and the 63 S AMG which are priced from $166,335 and $220,600 respectively.

The cheapest of the GLE Coupe lineup comes in the form of the GLE450 which is priced at $137,00, which moves to $171,800 for the 53 AMG Coupe. The range then moves to the more powerful 63 S Coupe, which comes with a $222,700 price tag.

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What Features Do the Mercedes Benz GLE and GLE Coupe Have?

The Mercedes Benz GLE and GLE Coupe come with a number of premium features, as you’d expect for a car at this price. Standard equipment on the entry-level GLE 300d, 450 and 400d includes 20-inch alloys, multibeam LED headlights, parking package with 360-degree camera, a set of two 12.3-inch touchscreen displays with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, Mercedes me connect system, head-up display, artico upholstery with oak wood trim and heated seats, aluminium roof rails, ambient lighting, keyless entry, automatic wipers and a host of safety equipment.

Moving up to the GLE 53 adds a more powerful engine, larger 21-inch alloy wheels, AMG bodykit and exhaust system, panoramic glass sunroof, AMG nappa leather upholstery for the cabin, as well an AMG steering wheel and Burmester surround sound system. Mercedes’ flagship GLE 63 S receives another significant power boost, electronic limited-slip differential over the rear axle, AMG brakes and ride control system, metallic paint, active engine mounts, AMG exclusive nappa leather upholstery and four-zone climate control.

The entry-level Mercedes Benz GLE 450 Coupe comes riding on a set of 21-inch alloys, and features AMG’s body styling package, as well as two 12.3-inch displays, ambient lighting, AMG line interior package featuring nappa leather upholstery with oak wood trim, head-up display, heated seats, Burmester surround sound system, panoramic sunroof, wireless smartphone charging, multibeam LED headlights, 360-degree camera, climate control and a host of safety equipment.

Moving up to the GLE 53 4MATIC+ adds a set of AMG alloys, adaptive suspension setup with AMG active ride control, sports exhaust, climatised front seats, and improvements to the interior. Finally, the top of the line Mercedes AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ Coupe adds a set of 22-inch alloys, limited-slip differential over the rear axle, AMG composite brake system, AMG exclusive nappa leather upholstery and steering wheel and multicontour front seats.

Range Features:

• 20-inch alloys
• Multibeam LED headlights
• 2 x 12.3-inch displays
• Leather upholstery with oak wood trim
• Heated front seats
• Surround view camera with semi-autonomous park assist
• Airmatic adaptive damping system (GLE 53 & above)
• Limited-slip differential (GLE 63 S)

Mercedes Benz GLE Colours

Is it Comfortable to Drive?

Both the GLE and GLE Coupe are extremely comfortable to drive on the road, and very much live up to the level of quality we’ve come to expect from a premium automaker like Mercedes. Driving the GLE and the GLE Coupe is an extremely easy task, which is made even more impressive when you step back and consider the size of the vehicle. The range of engines on offer, combined with the nine-speed automatic transmission means that acceleration is effortless, and makes the GLE no more complex to drive in the city than a B-Class. If you’re looking for one of the most comfortable SUVs on the road, look for a GLE variant that comes fitted with the Mercedes’ ‘Airmatic’ system, which irons out even the largest of bumps on the road thanks to its adaptive dampers.

Depending on which engine you opt for, performance ranges from impressive in the base diesel model to absolutely insane in the range-topping 53 and 63 AMG variants, but keep in mind that this jump in power comes at a huge premium over the base model’s sticker price. All up, the GLE and Coupe feel every bit as special on the road as you’d expect them to, and with the huge amount of safety gear on offer, it’ll help keep you safe, too.

If you’re looking to put your GLE to work towing a boat or a caravan for the holidays, both the GLE and GLE coupe have a braked towing capacity rated at 2,700kg.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

The interior design of the GLE and GLE Coupe places a huge emphasis on both luxury and technology, with two huge displays flanked by the oak wood and leather upholstery. The design prioritises aesthetics over practicality, but thankfully, Mercedes has a few tricks up its sleeve when it comes to the packaging of the interior. There’s a huge amount of storage on offer in the front of the cabin, with more than enough space for fully-grown adults in the rear of the GLE SUV, and surprisingly, the GLE Coupe, too. Typically, the coupe styling can come at the cost of comfort and practicality, but Mercedes’ design means that even adults can fit into the rear of the cabin without any issues with headroom.

In terms of cargo storage, the standard SUV-shaped GLE has 630L of boot space on offer, which extends to 2055L with the rear-seats folded down, while the GLE coupe has 655L of cargo storage on offer in its boot.

Is it Safe?

The Mercedes GLE has been awarded ANCAP’s maximum five-star safety rating, and comes packed to the brim with active safety features. The GLE features nine airbags, autonomous emergency braking, 360-degree camera with parking assist, traffic sign recognition, active lane keep and change assist, blind spot and cross-traffic alerts and active steering assist system. All up, even the base model GLE comes with the full suite of active safety systems that you’d expect for a car at this price.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

Mercedes offers five engine options across the GLE range, and four engine options across the GLE Coupe range. Economy figures vary from average in the diesel models to extremely thirsty in the performance options, with the best of the bunch - the 400d - returning a figure of 7.7L per 100km and the worst of the bunch, the 63 S AMG Coupe having a combined cycle of 12.6 L per 100km. If economy is a key concern of yours, look to the diesel variants within the GLE lineup, otherwise follow your heart and opt for the fire-breathing engine options. 

Our Verdict: Is the Mercedes Benz GLE and GLE Coupe Worth it?

At first glance, the GLE, and more specifically, the GLE Coupe look to be the type of car that takes the style over substance approach to motoring. After spending time in the GLE, though, it doesn’t take long to notice just how comfortable and relaxing it is to drive, and how the GLE is more than capable of handling a large family and all their belongings. In certain situations around town and navigating tight spots, the GLE’s larger proportions might prove frustrating at times, although we’re sure you’ll be quick to forgive it on your drive home, such is the level of comfort and refinement on offer in the GLE and the GLE Coupe. If it’s within your reach, there are very few reasons why you shouldn’t reach out and grab it. On that note, if you’re in the market for a new car, you can get a free quote and see how much OnlineAuto can save you on your next car, or call us on 1300 719 925 

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-Year, Unlimited KM Warranty
2. AMG Body Kit & Sunroof Included on Base Model Coupe
3. Five engine options for GLE, four for GLE Coupe
4. Five Star ANCAP Safety Rating
5. 2,700kg Braked Towing Capacity

Pros

• Huge array of safety equipment included on base model
• Refined, sophisticated and tech-driven interior
• Extremely comfortable ride quality

Cons

• Rear visibility and blindspots in Coupe
• Some key features reserved for mid-to-high level variants
• Expensive Options Lists

OnlineAuto Rating: 8/10

Mercedes Benz GLE Competition