2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Review

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class – Overview

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class continues to offer a refined and versatile choice for luxury SUV buyers looking for something larger than the compact GLC but smaller than the full-size GLS. Positioned in the heart of Mercedes’ SUV lineup, the GLE offers a range of four distinct powertrains—from a turbocharged inline-four to a powerful twin-turbo V-8. Two high-performance AMG versions are also available but are reviewed separately.

For 2025, Mercedes-Benz expands customization options with new Manufaktur design elements, allowing buyers to tailor their GLE with even more personalized touches. Additionally, a new $12,250 Signature Interior package brings Maybach-level sophistication to the standard GLE lineup, offering a more elevated in-cabin experience.

While the non-AMG GLE models prioritize comfort, refinement, and luxury, they fall short of delivering the sporty character found in rivals like the Genesis GV80 and Porsche Cayenne. Still, for those who value premium materials, a serene driving experience, and elegant design over dynamic handling, the GLE-Class remains a top contender. Just be cautious—optional features can quickly drive up the final price.

When Is The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coming Out?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is available at dealerships nationwide as of early 2025.

What’s New for 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class ?

For 2025, the Mercedes-Benz GLE lineup sees a few notable upgrades. Most significantly, the stylish GLE450 Coupe joins the range as a non-AMG offering, marking the first time the sleek fastback design is available outside the high-performance AMG trims.

Customization also takes a leap forward this year. A new Manufaktur Signature Interior package enhances cabin luxury with rich leather upholstery, plush headrest pillows, deep-pile floor mats, and intricate trim details that elevate the overall ambiance. Mercedes has also introduced fresh Manufaktur exterior paint colors and new upholstery options to expand personalization even further. Rounding out the updates is a standard fingerprint scanner for added convenience and security.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class starts at $63,000 and can climb to $94,700, depending on your choice of trim level and optional features.

After spending time with multiple powertrains, we recommend the entry-level GLE350. Despite being the least powerful, its turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers smooth, confident performance that should satisfy the needs of most drivers. Even better, it was the most fuel-efficient version in our testing.

With the savings from choosing the base engine, we suggest upgrading to the Pinnacle trim. This well-equipped version adds a premium Burmester surround sound system, ventilated front seats with massage function, a head-up display, and a luxurious in-cabin fragrance diffuser, enhancing both comfort and ambiance without pushing the price into AMG territory.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offers a diverse lineup of powertrains to suit a wide range of driving preferences. At the base level, the GLE350 is equipped with a 255-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It comes with rear-wheel drive as standard, while Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system is available as an option. Despite being the entry point in the lineup, this model delivers composed performance and impressive fuel efficiency, aided by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.

Step up to the GLE450, and you’ll find a 362-hp turbocharged inline-six, also assisted by a 48-volt mild-hybrid setup. This version comes standard with 4Matic all-wheel drive, providing a noticeable boost in acceleration and overall responsiveness.

There’s also the GLE450e, a plug-in hybrid variant (reviewed separately), which combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce a total of 381 horsepower and added electric-only driving capability.

At the top of the non-AMG range sits the GLE580, which pairs a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 with a 48-volt hybrid system to crank out up to 504 horsepower. It’s the most powerful and expensive GLE model outside of the AMG lineup, delivering V-8 muscle with added hybrid efficiency.

All GLE models can be fitted with Mercedes’ optional E-Active Body Control air suspension, which provides exceptional ride comfort and innovative features like curve tilting and the ability to rock itself free from sand or mud. The standard suspension setup consists of steel springs with anti-roll bars, offering a balanced mix of comfort and handling for everyday driving.

0–60 MPH Times

In performance testing, the GLE350 4Matic reached 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, delivering adequate acceleration for everyday driving. The GLE450, with its more powerful six-cylinder engine, shaved that time down to 5.3 seconds, offering a more spirited experience behind the wheel. For those craving V-8 muscle, the GLE580 is the quickest of the non-AMG models—Mercedes estimates a 0–60 mph sprint in just 4.3 seconds, putting it firmly in high-performance territory.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Among the 2025 GLE-Class lineup, the most fuel-efficient model is the rear-wheel-drive GLE350, earning an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. Opting for 4Matic all-wheel drive lowers those figures slightly to 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

Interestingly, the GLE450—despite its larger six-cylinder engine—delivers similar fuel economy at 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, whether you choose rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. At the top of the range, the V-8-powered GLE580 is the thirstiest, rated at 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway.

In our real-world 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, the GLE350 4Matic returned 25 mpg, while the GLE450 4Matic achieved 23 mpg. While these results are respectable for a luxury SUV, the BMW X5 xDrive40i, a key rival, outperformed the GLE450 by delivering 28 mpg in the same test.

For the most up-to-date fuel economy ratings, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Step inside the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, and you’re greeted by a cabin that radiates luxury. Premium materials like genuine leather, rich wood trims, and metal accents create a sophisticated atmosphere—though these upscale touches can significantly inflate the final price.

Comfort is a top priority here. Beyond heated front seats, Mercedes also offers heated armrests and a heated center console lid, a thoughtful detail that adds serious appeal on cold mornings. The GLE’s interior is spacious, and buyers can opt for a third row of seats—though it’s best reserved for children or smaller adults due to tight legroom.

The dashboard features dual high-resolution screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, contributing to a modern, tech-forward vibe. Throughout the cabin, you’ll find a host of thoughtful amenities and connectivity options, further enhancing the GLE’s premium feel.

When it comes to practicality, the GLE doesn’t disappoint. With the optional third row folded, the cargo area easily swallows 11 carry-on suitcases. Fold all the seats flat, and capacity expands to 26 carry-ons. That’s on par with the BMW X5, while more style-driven rivals like the Audi Q8 offer noticeably less space. Keep in mind, the GLE450 Coupe sacrifices some cargo room due to its sloping roofline, which limits vertical storage.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The 2025 GLE features a striking tech centerpiece: dual 12.3-inch displays that span nearly the entire dashboard. These crisp, high-resolution screens manage both the digital instrument cluster and infotainment duties, creating a seamless, modern user experience.

Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system offers multiple ways to interact. You can use touch controls, a center-console touchpad, steering wheel buttons, or simply say “Hey, Mercedes” to activate the brand’s voice recognition system. Much like Apple’s Siri or Google Assistant, MBUX responds to natural-language commands—letting you adjust the climate, activate seat ventilation, or change the radio station without lifting a finger.

While the system is powerful and feature-rich, menu navigation can be unintuitive. Certain functions are buried in submenus, making them easier to access when the vehicle is parked rather than on the move.

On the connectivity front, Mercedes includes all the essentials: wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot all come standard. Together, they ensure you’re never out of touch while keeping your digital life effortlessly integrated with your drive.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE comes equipped with a robust suite of standard driver-assistance technologies, making it a solid choice for families prioritizing safety. Key features include:

• Automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, helping to prevent or mitigate collisions

• Blind-spot monitoring combined with rear cross-traffic alert to enhance awareness during lane changes and reversing

• Available adaptive cruise control for maintaining safe distances on the highway with minimal driver effort

For detailed crash test results, you can visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Unlike some competitors like BMW and Volvo—which include three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance with their X5 and XC90 models—Mercedes does not offer any free maintenance with the GLE.

As for warranty coverage, the GLE’s policies are fairly standard but on the basic side for the luxury segment:

• Limited warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

• Powertrain warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

• Complimentary scheduled maintenance: Not included

Buyers should factor in potential maintenance costs when budgeting for ownership.

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Specifications

Final Verdict

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offers a compelling mix of luxury, performance, and technology. Its range of powertrains caters to various preferences, from efficient hybrids to high-performance AMG models. While the infotainment system may have a learning curve, the GLE’s overall package makes it a top contender in the luxury SUV segment.

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Videos