2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Starting at $58.850

00:00 Exterior
03:09 Interior
11:24 Trunk and engine
12:21 Special outro

HIGHS
More off-road capable than expected, roomy for first- and second-row occupants, tech-centric interior dazzles.

LOWS
Ride could be smoother, Mercedes nickel-and-dimes shoppers with the most enticing features.

VERDICT
The three-pointed star on the GLE’s grille broadcasts its reputation, but that’s not enough to justify its upcharge over less prestigious rivals.

Overview

For people who shop based on bougie brands, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-class is the mid-size SUV with designer credentials. Never mind that it does little else to differentiate itself from less expensive rivals such as the Genesis GV80 and Volvo XC90. For some, only a Mercedes will do, and for those types, the GLE will satisfy. Mercedes also packs the GLE with modern features destined to keep tech fanatics happy, including a wall of displays festooned on the dashboard. The entry-level turbocharged four-cylinder engine is punchy enough for most people, but there’s also a turbo six-cylinder and a twin-turbo V-8 for those willing to sacrifice fuel efficiency for quickness. The GLE offers more than a semblance of off-road capability, too, with options such as an adjustable air suspension giving it more adventure-ready cred than other luxury SUVs.

What's New for 2023?

Other than adding new no-cost metallic paint colors, the GLE-class rolls into the new model year with no other changes.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

GLE350 $58,850
GLE450 $67,600
GLE580 $85,000

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Models wearing the GLE350 badge are powered by a 255-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine with either rear- or all-wheel drive (4Matic in Mercedes parlance) and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Stepping up to the GLE450 brings standard all-wheel drive and a 362-hp powertrain that consists of a turbocharged inline-six 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 5.3-second time. While the souped-up 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 outfitted with an advanced air-suspension system that can lean into corners and even wiggle itself loose if the driver gets it stuck in sand or mud. The standard setup is traditional steel springs and anti-roll bars.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Surprisingly, the six-cylinder GLE450 with all-wheel drive has the same fuel-economy estimate as the rear-drive, four-cylinder GLE350; both have EPA ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway (22 mpg combined). The V-8-powered GLE580 burns gas at a faster rate and is expected to have estimates of 16 mpg city, 21 highway, and 18 combined. On our 75-mph fuel-economy route, an all-wheel-drive GLE350 4Matic returned 25 mpg and a GLE450 4Matic delivered 23 mpg. The GLE450 goes head-to-head with the six-cylinder BMW X5 xDrive40i, but the Bimmer wins in our real-world test with its 28-mpg result. For more information about the GLE-class's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Fine materials such as genuine leather, wood, and metal impart a sense of true luxury inside the GLE, but they also add a pretty penny to the bottom line. Not only can the front seats be heated, but the armrests and center-console lid can, too—quickly taking the chill out of a frigid morning. The GLE’s dashboard boasts prominent displays, and the interior is filled with other tech-focused bells and whistles. With all seats folded flat, the GLE offers room for up to 26 carry-ons. The rival X5 matches the Mercedes in both metrics, but other competitors such as the more coupelike Audi Q8 held far fewer.

Read more: https://www.caranddriver.com/mercedes...

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