Model research hub
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Car and Driver says the GLE-Class sits between the compact GLC and full-size GLS SUVs in Mercedes' lineup, offered with a variety of powertrains from a 255-hp four-cylinder to a 362-hp inline-six to a 504-hp V-8, plus a plug-in GLE450e, with handling and ride quality merely OK but a plush interior distracting from those shortcomings, and buyers of the mid-range GLE450 able to choose a standard SUV body or a rounded-roof Coupe design that carries less luggage. MotorTrend says the base GLE350 feels underwhelming, pairing a stiff, unrefined suspension with a four-cylinder engine that struggles to move the midsize SUV with authority, but stepping up to the GLE450 brings a dramatic transformation thanks to a silky inline-six and an air suspension that finally delivers the ride quality expected of a Mercedes, while the GLE450e plug-in hybrid builds on that with meaningful electric capability, even if the transition between electric and gas power could be smoother.
Positioned between the GLC and GLS
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says the GLE-Class sits between the compact GLC and full-size GLS SUVs in Mercedes' lineup, offered with a variety of powertrains from a 255-hp four-cylinder to a 362-hp inline-six to a 504-hp V-8, plus a plug-in GLE450e, with handling and ride quality merely OK but a plush interior distracting from those shortcomings.
SUV or rounded-roof Coupe body
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says buyers of the mid-range GLE450 can choose a standard SUV body or a rounded-roof Coupe design, with the Coupe unable to carry as much luggage as the SUV and its optional third row.
The GLE450 is the sweet spot
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says the base GLE350 feels underwhelming, pairing a stiff, unrefined suspension with a four-cylinder engine that struggles to move the midsize SUV with authority, but stepping up to the GLE450 brings a dramatic transformation thanks to a silky inline-six and an air suspension that finally delivers the ride quality expected of a Mercedes, while the GLE450e plug-in hybrid builds on that with meaningful electric capability, even if the transition between electric and gas power could be smoother.
Questions buyers ask
How much horsepower does the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class have?
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says from a 255-hp four-cylinder up to a 504-hp V-8.
Which Mercedes-Benz GLE trim should I buy?
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says the GLE450's inline-six and air suspension mark a dramatic step up from the underwhelming base GLE350.
Research map
Every major decision path.
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is built around 2.0L turbo four-cylinder, 3.0L turbo inline-six, plug-in hybrid four-cylinder, or 4.0L turbo V8, rated at 255 / 375 / 381 / 429 / 510 / 603 horsepower across its midsize luxury SUV body style.
Explore this topic →02Trims and equipmentThe 2026 U.S. lineup has 7 trims.
Explore this topic →03Towing and capabilityThe most the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is published to tow is up to 7,700 lb (properly equipped).
Explore this topic →04Safety and ownershipNHTSA recalls, complaints and crash ratings for the 2026 GLE-Class.
Explore this topic →Current model year
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Output spans 255 hp (GLE 350) to 603 hp (AMG GLE63 S); GLE 350 is the only trim with an RWD option, and GLE 450e is the plug-in hybrid variant with 479 lb-ft of torque.
Read specifications, trims, answers and sourcesModel-year archive
6 indexed Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class model years.
| Model year | Trims | Open record |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class | 2027 record → | |
| 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class | 2026 record → | |
| 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class | 2025 record → | |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class | 2023 record → | |
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class | 2022 record → | |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class | 2017 record → |
Background and safety record
What public sources say about the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE, formerly Mercedes-Benz M-Class (designated with the "ML" nomenclature), is a mid-size luxury SUV produced by the German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz since 1997. In terms of size, it is slotted in between the smaller GLC and the larger GLS, the latter with which it shares platforms. The first-generation M-Class, designated with the model code W163, is a body-on-frame SUV and was produced until 2004.
- Recalls and problems
- In March 2024, Mercedes-Benz recalled over 116,000 GLE and GLS cars, built from 2019 to 2024, due to a loose 48-volt ground cable that may not have been tightened properly during assembly. The ground cable is located under the front passenger seat that could pose a potential safety risk when the cables become hot.
- Awards
- The ML 320 was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year for 1998 and was voted the 1998 North American Truck of the Year at the North American International Auto Show, Detroit, in January 1998. It also received the World Car Award in March 1999, voted by an international jury of automotive journalists in Geneva.
Source: Mercedes-Benz GLE (Wikipedia); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class at a glance
- Production
- 1997–2015 (M-Class), 2015–present (GLE)
- Class
- Mid-size luxury SUV (1997–2005), Mid-size luxury crossover SUV (2005–present)
- Layout
- Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive (4Matic)
- Chassis
- Body-on-frame (1997–2005), Unibody (2005–present)
- Also called
- Mercedes-Benz M-Class (1997–2015)
NHTSA rated the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class overall 5 of 5 stars, front crash 5 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 4 of 5 stars.
Year by year
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class across 12 model years.
| Model year | Combined MPG/MPGe | EPA annual fuel cost | EPA records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class | 21–23 | $3,450–$3,800 | 3 |
| 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class | 17–23 | $3,350–$4,550 | 9 |
| 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class | 16–23 | $3,350–$4,850 | 10 |
| 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class | 16–24 | $3,250–$4,850 | 8 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class | 17–22 | $3,500–$4,550 | 8 |
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class | 16–22 | $3,500–$4,850 | 9 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class | 16–23 | $3,350–$4,850 | 8 |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class | 19–22 | $3,500–$4,100 | 4 |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class | 14–20 | $3,900–$5,550 | 6 |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class | 15–21 | $3,700–$5,150 | 9 |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class | 15–21 | $3,700–$5,150 | 10 |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class | 15–25 | $3,600–$5,150 | 11 |
Year-to-year changes
What changed in the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, one model year at a time.
| Step | EPA records | Combined MPG/MPGe, midpoint | Electric range, miles | Added | No longer listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 to 2027 | 9 to 3 | 20.0 to 22.0 | Labels: AMG GLE53 4matic Plus, AMG GLE53 4matic Plus Coupe, AMG GLE63 S 4matic Plus, AMG GLE63 S 4matic Plus Coupe, and 2 more; Engines: 4L 8-cyl SIDI; Mild Hybrid; Drives: Rear-Wheel Drive | ||
| 2025 to 2026 | 10 to 9 | 19.5 to 20.0 | Labels: GLE450e 4matic; Engines: 2L 4-cyl SIDI; PHEV; Fuels: Premium and Electricity | ||
| 2024 to 2025 | 8 to 10 | 20.0 to 19.5 | first listed: 50 | Labels: GLE450 4matic (coupe), GLE450e 4matic; Engines: 2L 4-cyl SIDI; PHEV; Fuels: Premium and Electricity | |
| 2023 to 2024 | 19.5 to 20.0 | Engines: 2L 4-cyl SIDI; Mild Hybrid | Engines: 2L 4-cyl SIDI | ||
| 2022 to 2023 | 9 to 8 | 19.0 to 19.5 | Engines: 3L 6-cyl Mild Hybrid; Gas Particulate Filter; Drives: 4-Wheel Drive | ||
| 2021 to 2022 | 8 to 9 | 19.5 to 19.0 | Engines: 3L 6-cyl Mild Hybrid; Gas Particulate Filter; Drives: All-Wheel Drive | ||
| 2020 to 2021 | 4 to 8 | 20.5 to 19.5 | Labels: AMG GLE53 4matic Plus, AMG GLE53 4matic Plus Coupe, AMG GLE63 S 4matic Plus, AMG GLE63 S 4matic Plus Coupe | ||
| 2019 to 2020 | 6 to 4 | 17.0 to 20.5 | Labels: GLE350, GLE350 4matic, GLE450 4matic, GLE580 4matic; Engines: 2L 4-cyl SIDI, 3L 6-cyl SIDI; Mild Hybrid, 4L 8-cyl SIDI; Mild Hybrid; Drives: Rear-Wheel Drive; Size classes: Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Labels: AMG GLE43 4matic, AMG GLE43 4matic Coupe, AMG GLE63, AMG GLE63 S, and 2 more; Engines: 3L 6-cyl SIDI, 5.5L 8-cyl SIDI; Transmissions: Automatic 7-spd | |
| 2018 to 2019 | 9 to 6 | 18.0 to 17.0 | Labels: GLE400 4matic | Labels: GLE350, GLE350 4matic, GLE550e 4matic; Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI, 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI; FFV, 3L 6-cyl SIDI; PHEV; Drives: Rear-Wheel Drive; Fuels: Premium and Electricity, Premium or E85; Size classes: Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | |
| 2017 to 2018 | 10 to 9 | 12 to 10 | Labels: GLE400 4matic | ||
| 2016 to 2017 | 11 to 10 | 20.0 to 18.0 | Labels: AMG GLE43 4matic, AMG GLE43 4matic Coupe | Labels: GLE300 d 4matic, GLE350 d 4matic, GLE450 AMG Coupe; Engines: 2.1L 4-cyl, 3L 6-cyl; Fuels: Diesel |
Trim by trim
Every 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class trim side by side.
| Trim | Drive | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Combined mpg | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLE 350 | RWD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 255 | 295 | 4,806 | 7,700 | 23 | – |
| GLE 350 4MATIC | AWD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 255 | 295 | 4,916 | 7,700 | 22 | – |
| GLE 450e 4MATIC | AWD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid, Turbo) | 381 | 295 | 5,754 | 7,700 | – | – |
| GLE 450 4MATIC | AWD | 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Turbo) | 375 | 369 | 5,060 | 7,700 | 21 | – |
| GLE 580 4MATIC | AWD | 4.0-liter V8 (Twin Turbo) | 510 | 538 | 5,368 | 7,700 | 18 | – |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2026 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.
Specifications by year
Power, weight and towing for every Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class model year.
| Model year | Trims | Engines | Horsepower | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Fuel tank (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid, Turbo) / 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Turbo) +1 | 255–510 | 4,806–5,754 | 7,700 | 17.2–22.5 |
| 2025 | 5 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Turbo) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid, Turbo) +1 | 255–510 | 4,806–5,754 | 7,700 | 17.2–22.5 |
| 2024 | 4 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (MHEV, Turbo) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid, Turbo) / 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (MHEV, Turbo) +1 | 248–510 | 4,916–5,754 | 7,700 | 17.2–22.5 |
| 2023 | 4 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Turbo) / 4.0-liter V8 (Twin Turbo) | 255–483 | 4,608 | 5,950–7,700 | 22.5 |
| 2022 | 4 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Turbo) / 4.0-liter V8 (MHEV, Twin Turbo) | 255–483 | 4,610–5,280 | 5,950–7,700 | 22.5 |
| 2021 | 4 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Turbo) / 4.0-liter V8 (Twin Turbo) | 255–483 | 4,608–5,280 | 5,950–7,700 | 22.5 |
| 2020 | 4 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Turbo) / 4.0-liter V8 (Twin Turbo) | 255–483 | 4,696–5,280 | 7,700 | 22.5 |
| 2019 | 1 | 3.0-liter V6 (Twin Turbo) | 329 | 4,751 | 7,200 | 26.4 |
| 2018 | 3 | 3.5-liter V6 / 3.0-liter V6 (Hybrid, Twin Turbo) | 302–436 | 4,650–5,456 | 4,410–7,200 | 21.1–26.4 |
| 2017 | 5 | 3.5-liter V6 / 2.1-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo Diesel) / 3.0-liter V6 (Twin Turbo) +1 | 201–436 | 4,652–5,456 | 6,615–7,200 | 21.1–24.6 |
| 2016 | 5 | 3.5-liter V6 / 4-Cyl, Trbo Dsl, 2.1L / 3.0-liter V6 (Twin Turbo) +1 | 201–436 | 4,652–5,456 | 6,615–7,200 | 21.1–24.6 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.
Owning it
Oil, fluid and wheel-nut figures for the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.
| Model year | Engine oil | Brake fluid | Wheel-nut torque | A/C refrigerant | Key-fob battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 0W-40 | – | – | – | – |
| 2018 | – | – | – | – | CR2025 |
| 2017 | – | – | – | – | CR2025 |
| 2016 | – | – | – | – | CR2025 |
Source: the manufacturer's owner's manual for each model year. A dash means that year's manual gave no single value for it, for instance one that lists two oil grades or two key types.
Compared with
Models this Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is most often compared with.
Nearest Mercedes-Benz models
Other Mercedes-Benz models.
Frequent questions
Answers with their conditions intact.
Q01How many trims does the 2026 GLE-Class come in?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class (midsize luxury SUV) comes in 7 trims: GLE 350, GLE 350 4MATIC, GLE 450 4MATIC, GLE 450e 4MATIC, GLE 580 4MATIC, AMG GLE 53 4MATIC, AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC.
Q02What are the 2026 GLE-Class trims?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class trims are GLE 350, GLE 350 4MATIC, GLE 450 4MATIC, GLE 450e 4MATIC, GLE 580 4MATIC, AMG GLE 53 4MATIC, AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC, listed from the entry GLE 350 up to the top AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC.
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2026 GLE-Class use?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is built around 2.0L turbo four-cylinder, 3.0L turbo inline-six, plug-in hybrid four-cylinder, or 4.0L turbo V8, rated at 255 / 375 / 381 / 429 / 510 / 603 horsepower across its midsize luxury SUV body style.
Q04How much horsepower does the 2026 GLE-Class have?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is rated at 255 / 375 / 381 / 429 / 510 / 603 horsepower (2.0L turbo four-cylinder, 3.0L turbo inline-six, plug-in hybrid four-cylinder, or 4.0L turbo V8).
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2026 GLE-Class?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is offered with RWD / AWD.