What's New
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class sees minor updates following its big redesign last year. Adaptive high beam assist is now standard, there is a new silver paint hue, and several features such as multi-contour seats with massage and air balance can now be ordered individually.
Like many other manufacturers, Mercedes-Benz has been impacted by the global parts supply shortages and it has had to pause the availability of V8 engines and limited the availability of several key features.
Choosing Your Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
The GLE line-up would normally be filled with five variants but it is currently limited to three, the GLE 350, GLE 450, and AMG GLE 53. Unlike other Mercedes-Benz models, the GLE is available in either a traditional SUV or a sleeker Coupe configuration.
Prices range from $56,750 to $74,600. The GLE Coupe is currently only available in the AMG GLE 53 trim and starts at $78,850.
Engine Choices
While the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 sits on the sidelines, the GLE is offered with three engines. The GLE 350 is fitted with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 - 4,000 rpm and sends power to the rear wheels or all wheels when equipped with the $2,500 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.
The GLE 450 features a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine that produces 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque and is paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system that enables fast engine restarts, extended engine-off periods, and a boost of 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft when called upon. The GLE 450 features all-wheel drive as standard equipment while both engines are mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission.
The AMG GLE 53 gets an enhanced version of the 3.0-liter inline-six with an electric compressor to minimize turbo lag and puts out 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. It is hooked up to an AMG nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG-tuned version of the 4MATIC system.
In terms of fuel economy, the GLE 350 (RWD and AWD) achieve an EPA-estimated 22 miles per gallon combined while the GLE 450 4MATIC’s mild-hybrid system boosts its rating to 23 mpg combined. The AMG GLE 53 4MATIC scores 19 mpg combined as does the GLE Coupe version.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The GLE seats five and can be fitted with a third row for $2,100 (which also brings a power sliding and folding second-row seat and two USB-C ports in the third row) but that space is recommended for children only. The GLE Coupe does not offer the third row.
The GLE sits 194.3 inches long and 76.7 inches wide which puts it within a few inches of the BMW X5 and Audi Q7. Inside, rear-seat legroom measures 40.9 inches - more than you’ll find in the competition - and cargo room expands from 33.3 cubic feet behind the second row to 74.9 cubic feet with the second-row seatbacks folded.
Towing capacity increases from 5,950 pounds to 7,700 pounds when equipped with all-wheel drive.
Safety Features
As is common with luxury brands, the GLE is standard with only basic active safety equipment that includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, active parking with brake assist, adaptive headlights with high beam assist, and car exit warning.
The Driver Assistance Package PLUS is available for $1,950 and includes adaptive cruise control, active lane centering (and lane keep assist), active blind spot assist, evasive steering assist, front and rear cross-path detection with enhanced pedestrian detection, active lane change assist, and speed limit sign recognition. Upgraded headlights with ultra-wide high beams are offered for $750.
The GLE earns a five-star rating for crashworthiness from NHTSA and is an IIHS 2021 Top Safety Pick+. The standard pedestrian detection system received a Basic rating while the upgraded system earned a Superior score and similarly, the standard headlights earned an Acceptable rating while the upgraded headlights were rated Good.
Connectivity
All GLE models are equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia display that runs Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX system which incorporates natural speech recognition, navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, HD Radio, and Bluetooth.
A 590-watt 13-speaker Burmester sound system is standard while the 1,590-watt, 25-speaker Burmester 3D Surround System is offered within the Premium Package. There are five USB-C ports and wireless charging is standard but has limited availability due to a shortage of semiconductor components.
The standard GLE trim is equipped with 19-inch wheels, LED headlights and taillights, silver exterior trim, window surrounds, and roof rails, power-folding mirrors with auto-dimming for the driver, a sunroof, proximity entry with a hands-free power tailgate, synthetic leather seats with heating, power adjustability, and memory positioning for the front row, a Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, wood interior trim, and a premium display of interior ambient lighting.
There are two exterior styling packages available. The AMG Line Exterior is $2,900 and includes 20-inch wheels, a deeper front fascia with enlarged mesh air intakes, a unique grille with individual silver blocks and a single horizontal bar, color-keyed fender flares and rocker panels, and a rear bumper with additional aero-inspired cutouts and lower diffuser-looking insert.
The AMG Line Exterior Package with the Night Package can be had instead for $3,300 and further provides a unique darkened look with black grille trim, black front and rear bumper trim, black roof rails, black door mirror housings, and black window surrounds.
The AMG Line Interior Package is $400 and adds sport seats with microfiber inserts, a thicker flat-bottomed perforated leather steering wheel, brushed-metal pedals, and AMG floor mats.
The Premium Package includes the upgraded audio, a surround-view camera, and a 115V power outlet for $1,375 and the Warmth & Comfort Package adds heated armrests and upper door panels and rapid heating for the front seats for $1,050. Heated second-row seats are offered for $580 and ventilated front seats are $450.
Multi-contour massaging front seats are listed for $1,100 but also require the rapid heating front seats ($450), ventilation, and front passenger memory ($350). Leather seats are available for $1,620 and also require the passenger seat memory function. Other notable stand-alone options include a $1,000 panoramic moonroof, a four-zone climate control system for $860, and a $1,100 head-up color display.
The GLE 450 is similarly equipped but offers a few additional packages such as the Acoustic Comfort Package for $1,100 that includes additional sound deadening, a $1,710 AIRMATIC Suspension Package with adjustable-height air suspension and adaptive dampers, and soft-close doors for $550.
The AMG Line Exterior is a little more expensive ($3,250) as it now includes a sport exhaust system.
AMG GLE 53 SUV and Coupe - MSRP From $74,600
The GLE 53 receives plenty of differentiating style and features versus the non-AMG versions such as additional drive modes, a sport suspension system with adaptive dampers, an AMG sport exhaust system with quad outlets, and performance brakes with vented and perforated (not cross-drilled) rotors. The AMG Line Exterior styling is included (with a unique front grille and lower rear fascia), as are 20-inch wheels, an AMG Performance Steering Wheel, and sport seats with red stitching.
The AMG models also offer unique packages and individual features such as the AMG Dynamic PLUS Package for $5,200 that includes active roll bars, a high-performance braking system with compound front rotors with red six-piston calipers, and a microfiber AMG steering wheel with AMG Drive Unit controls, a $1,250 active AMG Performance Exhaust System, carbon-fiber interior trim ($1,750), and on the luxurious end, a $4,550 Burmester High-End 3D Surround Sound system.
The GLE 53 Coupe closely follows the standard and available features of the GLE 53 SUV.
Compare GLE-Class Trims Side-By-Side
The GLE 450 4MATIC provides the expected power of a high-end mid-size SUV while including the Premium Package and the massaging/ ventilated/ heated seats add the practicality, premium sound, and comfort to make it feel like a luxury vehicle.