The Mercedes-Benz GLE class has been on the market since the late 90s. These SUVs have made a name for themselves as luxurious vehicles with a good amount of power in their engines.
GLE might seem like a recent badge, but these modern marvels were originally under a different moniker–the Mercedes-Benz M-Class. It was only in 2015 when the new GLE badge emerged from a rebrand.
The line has always prioritized comfort, style, and advanced technology, but what are some of its standouts? Here are our personal top Mercedes-Benz GLEs throughout the years:
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE550e is a plug-in hybrid that packs a lot of punch in its engine.
With a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 paired with an 8.7-kWh lithium-ion battery and an 85-kW electric motor, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE550e outputs 436 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. It’s one of the more powerful hybrids of its era.
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE550e can also come with adaptive cruise control and other more modern novelties that make driving that much easier. This GLE can feel a bit dated in design, but there’s still plenty of class to be found in its leather trim options and charming infotainment system.
While it can’t run in electric mode for very long, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE550e still has a decent hybrid mode with a lot of power under the hood. It can give you the satisfaction of coasting speedily down a highway even if you’re half relying on its electric motor.
In 2020, Mercedes-Benz freshened up the lineup with the 2020 GLE450 4Matic. It and other GLEs of the year were lauded for their modernized but faithful interiors and their satisfying performance.
The GLE450 4Matic’s turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine provides a more powerful oomph compared to the base model GLE350 of the same year. It paired well with the vehicle’s 48-volt hybrid electrical system.
The 2020 GLE450 4Matic’s cabin design updated the previous models’ older interiors while staying true to the vibe and vision of the classics. This model is noted to be less stiff than its competition of the time, though it did tend to have less astute control in tighter maneuvers.
Passenger space in the 2020 GLE450 4Matic is notable, with an optional third row of seats available in case you need more space for passengers.
If you’re looking for speed, it’s worth picking up the 2021 AMG GLE63 4Matic. This Mercedes-AMG vehicle might be considered an impostor on this list, but as part of the GLE line, we’ve chosen to include it anyway.
You can’t blame us when the 2021 AMG GLE63 S is a show-stopper with incredible acceleration and excellent handling. This monster has a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 and can hit 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. As for quality of life, you can expect a smooth stop-start system that’ll keep your vehicle from guzzling gas in traffic without being a pain when it’s time to accelerate again.
The 2021 GLE63 S is overall an excellent addition to the line, even if it’s more Mercedes-AMG than Mercedes-Benz.
The 2022 GLE 350 4Matic is another fantastic modern entry point for the GLE series. It has a relatively high starting price, but it more than makes up for it with its top-notch equipment.
The base GLE 350 4Matic has an excellent array of safety features, including attention assist, blindspot monitoring, and an emergency call service that can save you vital seconds in an emergency.
The infotainment system in the 2022 GLE 350 isn’t anything to scoff at either, with a 12.3-inch MBUX system that activates to “Hey, Mercedes.” The model also has multiple USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and other quality-of-life features that make driving this high-end SUV feel more relaxing and less taxing.
The smooth, nine-speed automatic transmission pairs well with Mercedes-Benz’s signature 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. It’s well worth the upgrade from the base 2022 GLE 350, which only has rear-wheel drive.
As the latest model on this list, the 2024 GLE450e has a lot to live up to. This addition to the GLE line is a high-performance plug-in hybrid. It has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a 134-hp synchronous motor that draws on a 23.3-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack.
Combined, they deliver 381 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of force. This places the 2024 GLE450e squarely over the GLE350 and GLE450 from the same year. It’s an impressive feat for a hybrid, to say the least.
The 2024 GLE450e is also highly dynamic. While its body is anything but small, it still feels agile on the road. The ride is whisper-quiet, especially when the vehicle’s running solely on the electric motor.
The main draw of this model, however, is the way it handles its hybrid components. Mercedes-Benz has come a long way in the EV and hybrid market, and the 2024 GLE450e proves it. The SUV draws from the internal combustion engine when it needs to, but for a large part, the electric engine can serve well at different speeds and situations.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE line has come a long way since the 90s. Though the moniker is only about a decade old after the rebrand, it’s more than made a name for itself in the market.
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