2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Starting at $58,850

High performance More off-road capable than expected, roomy for first and second row passengers, the tech-oriented interior dazzles.
Lows Ride could be smoother, the optional third row is too narrow, Mercedes buyers with the most enticing features.
Verdict The three-pointed star on the GLE’s grille shows its reputation, but it’s not enough to justify elevating it over less prestigious rivals.

Review
For people shopping based on buggy brands, the 2023 #Mercedes-Benz #GLE-class is a mid-size SUV with design features. Never mind that it does little else to differentiate itself from cheaper rivals like the Genesis GV80 and Volvo XC90. For some, only the Mercedes will do, and for those types, the GLE will satisfy. The cabin is well equipped and spacious – except for the optional third row. Mercedes also packs the GLE with modern features designed to please tech fanatics, including a wall of displays adorning the dashboard. The base turbocharged four-cylinder is powerful enough for most people, but there’s also a turbo six and a twin-turbo #V8 for those willing to sacrifice fuel efficiency for speed. The GLE offers more than a semblance of off-road capability, with options like an adjustable air suspension giving it more adventure-readiness than other luxury #SUV.

What’s new for 2023?
Apart from the addition of new complimentary metallic paint colors, the GLE-Class enters the new model year without any other changes.
Pricing and who to buy from
GLE350: $58,850
GLE450: $67,600
GLE580: $85,000

Once you’ve driven two of the three available powertrains, we suggest sticking with the base turbocharged four-cylinder GLE350. Although it’s the least powerful option, it propels the GLE with enough power to satisfy most drivers and returned the best fuel economy in our tests. With the money saved by choosing the base model, we’d splurge on the Premium package (Burmester audio system, 360-degree camera, and 115-volt home power outlet) as well as the Heat and Comfort package (heated front armrests and upper door panels) . We’d also add heated second-row seats and four-zone climate control, both of which are stand-alone options.

Engine, transmission and performance
Models bearing the GLE350 badge are powered by a 255-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine. with rear or all-wheel drive (4Matic in #Mercedes parlance) and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Stepping up to the GLE450 brings standard four-wheel drive and a 362-hp powertrain that consists of a turbocharged inline-six engine and a 48-volt hybrid system. The GLE350 we tested took 6.6 seconds to reach 60 mph, and the six-cylinder GLE450 managed a time of 5.3 seconds. While the facelifted Mercedes-#AMG GLE53 (reviewed separately) brings even more heat, the Benz-branded 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 can be equipped with an advanced air suspension system that can lean into corners and even shake if the driver gets it stuck in sand or mud. The standard setup is traditional steel springs and anti-roll bars.

Real World Fuel Economy and MPG
Surprisingly, the six-cylinder all-wheel drive GLE450 has the same fuel economy rating as the four-cylinder rear-wheel drive GLE350; both have EPA ratings of 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway (22 mpg combined). The V-8-powered GLE580 burns gas at a higher rate and is expected to have ratings of 16 mpg city, 21 mpg highway and 18 combined. On our route with fuel economy of 75 mph, the GLE350 4Matic with all-wheel drive returned 25 mpg, and the GLE450 4Matic provided 23 mpg. The GLE450 goes up against the six-cylinder BMW X5 xDrive40i, but the Bimmer wins in our real-world test with its 28 mpg score. For more information on the fuel economy of the GLE class, visit the EPA website.