The GLE Class has evolved from its M-class cocoon to deliver quintessential luxury, breath-taking performance, and an array of gizmos and gimmicks. It might be called a crossover but its dimensions exceed the usual crossover's dimensions though at the same time it lacks the third-row seats. The luxury experience is unmatched and performance is impressive, even without the AMG cosmetics.
Ride quality is a little harsh with standard suspension
What's New?
No major change for 2020
Features
vehicle bio
base price
$53700
bodystyle
4dr SUV
passenger capacity
5
top speed
130 mph
drivetrain
rear wheel drive
engine type
displacement
121
horsepower
255 hp @ 5800 rpm
torque
273 lbs.-ft. @ 1800 rpm
transmission
9-speed shiftable automatic
chassis
suspension front
Independent front double wishbone suspension
suspension rear
Independent rear multi-link suspension
dimensions
wheelbase
117.9 in.
length
194.3 in.
width
76.7 in.
height
70.7 in.
ground clearance
7.1 in.
capacity
maximum towing capacity
7700
performance
zero to 60 mph
7 sec.
fuel economy
city/combined/highway
20/22/27 mpg
highway range
607.5 mi.
warranty
basic warranty
4 yr. /50000 mi.
drivetrain warranty
4 yr./ 50000 mi.
corrosion warranty
4 yr. /50000 mi.
roadside assistance
Yes
Pictures
exterior
interior
Trims
GLC 350 $53,700 onwards
255 hp @ 5800 rpm | 2 L | Inline 4 | premium unleaded
GLE 350 $56,200 onwards
255 hp @ 5800 rpm | 2 L | Inline 4 | premium unleaded
GLE 580 $76,800 onwards
483 hp @ 5500 rpm | 4 L | V-8 | premium unleaded
Colors and Styles
Black
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Ratings
Engine And Performance
7.0
Fuel Economy
4.0
Interior
8.4
Exterior
8.0
6.9
OVERALL RATING
Expert Review, Pricing Analysis and Buying Guide
6.9
Overall Rating
The 2020 Mercedes Benz GLE starts at $55,700 and for that money, you get a 3.0L Bi-Turbo V6 engine mated to a 9 -speed automatic transmission. The engine can muster a maximum of 329 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. The GLE 400 is offered in only an all-wheel-drive configuration and receives a tough competition from its fellow European stablemates like the BMW X5 and Audi Q7 and other luxury mid-size SUVs like Lexus RX, Cadillac TX5, and Maserati Levante.
2020 Mercedes Benz GLE Class SUV front three quarters
7.0/10 Engine and Performance
4.0/10 Fuel Economy
8.4/10 Interior
8.0/10 Exterior
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Features
Trims
GLE 400 4matic
MSRP
$55,700
Key Features
19-inch alloy wheels
Automatic wipers
Sunroof
Power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors, and a power liftgate
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Power-adjustable steering wheel
Heated front seats
10-way power driver seat (with four-way power lumbar adjustment and memory functions)
Mercedes' COMAND electronics interface (with an 8-inch display)
Simulated leather upholstery
Eight-speaker audio system with a CD player and two USB ports
Mercedes' Mbrace telematics system
Rearview camera
Forward collision warning system
The 2020 Mercedes GLE 400i is the only trim for the GLE which is available in an AWD 4Matic version. The GLE's brute power comes from a Biturbo V6 engine which does not have that killer instinct that the AMG-fied GLE has but its enough to give you the taste of automotive madness. The GLE offers a wide array of add-on packages upgrading the humble SUV right from cosmetic looks to the addition of gizmos and gadgets. Buyers can select from the galore of options to make a distinctive GLE 400 suiting to their likes and budget.
We Recommend
The base GLE 400lacks some premium features which can be mitigated by opting for Premium Package 1' adding some practical and usable features like Apple car play and android auto, COMMAND navigation with 3 years subscription, blind spot assist etc.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Engine and Performance
7.0/10
The 2020 Mercedes GLE, especially in AMG form, can make family hauling entertaining- The Car Connection
Engine and Transmission
The meat of the GLE's power is a 3.0L Bi-Turbo V6 coupled with a smooth 9-Speed automatic transmission. The power plant can amass 329 horsepower and 354-pound-feet of torque. Though it's not the top of the line, it powerful enough to deliver a decent surge of acceleration. The 9-Speed transmission is also topped with paddle shifters allowing the rider to manually lead the ratios which makes up for a sporty endure.
Models
Mercedes-Benz GLE 400
BMW X5 xDrive 40i
Lexus RX 350
Cadillac TX5 (Standard)
Porsche Cayenne
Maserati Levante
Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI Premium Quattro suv
MSRP
$55,700
$60,700
$43,270
$40,595
$65,700
$75,980
$60,945
Engine
3.0L Bi Turbo V6
3.0L twinturbo Inline 6
3.5L V6 DOHC 24V VVT
3.6L V6 direct-injection
3.0L turbo V6
3.0L twinturbo V6
3.0L V6 Intercooled Supercharger Premium Unleaded
Transmission
9-Speed Automatic
8 Speed Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
8-speed automatic
8 Speed Automatic
8 Speed Automatic
8 Speed Automatic
Power
329 hp @ 5250 rpm
335hp
295 hp
310 hp
340hp
345hp
329 hp@ 5500rpm
Torque
354 ft-lbs. @ 1600 rpm
330 lb.ft
267 lb-ft.
271 lb-ft.
331 lb.ft
369 lb.ft
325 ft-lbs@ 2900rpm
Comparing with the rivals, the Acura MDX, the Lexus RX 359 and the Cadillac TX5 all the three offer close performance figures at a decent discount of the price. The Cadillac leads the GLE 400in the power department.
Acceleration
The 2020 GLE 400 is all about performance and putting its brute strength to show! For the most part, GLE's ride quality remains nice and smooth, though subtle changes with the accelerator based on instincts have a lagging response. Otherwise, there is no problem with the GLE 400.
Models
Mercedes-Benz GLE 400
BMW X5 xDrive 40i
Lexus RX 350
Cadillac TX5 (Standard)
Porsche Cayenne
Maserati Levante
Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI Premium Quattro suv
0-60 MPH
5.9sec
5.3 Sec
6.8 sec
6.6 sec
5.9 Sec
5.8 Sec
7.1 sec
Quarter mile
N/A
N/A
15.1 sec
15.1 sec
14.4 sec
N/A
N/A
Engine
3.0L
3.0L twinturbo Inline 6
3.5L
3.6L
3.0L turbo V6
3.0L twinturbo V6
3.0L V6 Intercooled Supercharger Premium Unleaded
Curb Weight
N/A
4,813
N/A
N/A
4,377
4,649
N/A
It is the quickest amongst the rivals, it takes 5.9 sec to complete the 0-60 MPH sprint. The Acura MDX being the least powered is surprisingly the most prompt at just 6.2 seconds followed by the Cadillac TX5 at 6.5 seconds. Lexus RX 400at 6.8 seconds manages to lead the 2020 GLE 400by a small margin.
Handling and Steering
The 2020 GLE equipped with DYNAMIC SELECT offers various drive modes viz. Individual, Comfort, Slippery, and Sport. At a mere selection of any one of the modes, there is set of tune which is not limited to powertrain but extends to steering and suspension as well for delivering best traction and ultimately planted handling capabilities even in extreme conditions.
Braking
The 2020 GLE 400with 13 discs at the front and 12.8 at rear mingled with ABS technology can bring this captivating machine to a standstill within 130 feet of distance. The pedal feels soft and goes all the way down, but there is no notable issue during the panic brake test.
Model
Mercedes-Benz GLE 400
BMW X5 xDrive 40i
Lexus RX 350
Cadillac TX5 (Standard)
Porsche Cayenne
Maserati Levante
Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI Premium Quattro suv
Brake Front(in)
12.8
N/A
13.3
13.6
13.7
14.9
14.8
Brake Rear(in)
13
N/A
12.9
12.4
12.9
12.9
13.8
Curb weight(lbs)
4751
N/A
4222
3985
N/A
118
4927
60-0 MPH (ft.)
N/A
N/A
123
128
N/A
N/A
N/A
The Acura MDX is the quickest in decelerating from 60-0 (121 feet). The Lexus RX 400which is a bit heavier manages a decent figure of 123 feet and Cadillac TX5 travels 128 feet to a standstill which is on a higher side even after being lightest of the bunch.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Fuel Economy
4.0/10
The 2020 GLE 400 with its hulking curb weight of 4751 lbs churns out 18 MPG in city driving conditions, which climbs up a bit to 23 MPG on a highway drive. The combined fuel economy accounts for 20 MPG are the shallowest figure amongst the rivals. If you think that's the rock bottom, the AMG's witchcraft further degrade the economy with their mad power.
Model
Mercedes-Benz GLE 400
BMW X5 xDrive 40i
Lexus RX 350
Cadillac TX5 (Standard)
Porsche Cayenne
Maserati Levante
Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI Premium Quattro suv
MPG (city)
17
20
20
26
25*
16.2*
19
MPG (highway)
23
26
27
19
35*
24*
25
MPG (combined)
20
22
23
22
30*
20.2*
21
The Lexus RX 350, however, takes the lead in this department with an impressive 27 MPG (highway), 20 MPG (City) and combined economy of 23 MPG. Wherein Acura MDX and Cadillac TX5 shows swap figures of city and highway run in a gallon and parallel combined economy of 22 MPG.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Interior
8.4/10
The best feature of the GLE is its high-class interior. There are multiple choices for seat and interior materials as well as the trim. The options will overwhelm many and delight some. The two-pane panoramic sunroof is a must-have- Edmunds
Seating and Comfort
GLE offers a multitude of features and traces of fancy luxury, you will be bombarded with lucrative choices, however, you may cross your budget's redline if not refrain. The GLE feature a lot of space both on the front and the rear end, you won't feel claustrophobic at all. Those who love to make full use of their cabin will love the GLE. As far as interior quality goes, the cabin is dominated by quality material. There are hardly any cheap plastics or rattling noise.
The front seats of the 2020 GLE 400 are softly contoured and provide ample support for long highway cruise. The driver seat is 10-way power adjustable including 4-way power lumbar adjustments and memory functionality provides comfortable driving positions effortlessly.
Model
Mercedes-Benz GLE 400
BMW X5 xDrive 40i
Lexus RX 350
Cadillac TX5 (Standard)
Porsche Cayenne
Maserati Levante
Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI Premium Quattro suv
Passenger capacity
5
5
5
5
5
5
7
Passenger Volume (ft cube)
108.6
40/60/39.8
121.36
104.5
N/A
N/A
39.9/59.5/41.7
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
40.4/58.5/40.3
40/58.1/37.4
39.4/57.8/44.1
38.4/58.3/41.2
N/A
N/A
38.8/58.5/38.8
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
38.5/58.4/38.4
N/A
39.1/57.6/38
36.0/56.2/39.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
However, on the flipside, the rear seats are suitable only for two due to the center armrest which might make the third passenger uncomfortable during long journeys.
Interior Features
Here is a list of the standout features-
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Power-adjustable steering wheel
Heated front seats
10-way power driver seat (with four-way power lumbar adjustment and memory functions), simulated leather upholstery
Mercedes' COMAND electronics interface (with an 8-inch display)
Eight-speaker audio system with a CD player and two USB ports.
Rearview camera
Automatic wipers
Mercedes' Mbrace telematics system.
Infotainment
The infotainment looks futuristic and complicated at first but is very intuitive to use. The COMMAND controller interface is a boon for the driver. Navigating through various options of the infotainment easy but you need to be coached first. The bulk of the features are accessed through the rotary knob, other features have physical switched for the same.
The standard infotainment system consists of:
Eight-speaker audio system with a CD player and two USB ports.
8-inch heads-up display
USB port
Bluetooth
Radio
CD Player
Cargo
The 2020 GLE 400 offers ample cargo space, enough to be a workaday SUV and even pack for fishing in the weekend. The power tailgate is standard and the practical layout of rear seats which lay down almost flat facilitates for a nice even cargo floor. You get a standard cargo bay of 38.2 cubic feet.
Model
Mercedes-Benz GLE 400
BMW X5 xDrive 40i
Lexus RX 350
Cadillac TX5 (Standard)
Porsche Cayenne
Maserati Levante
Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI Premium Quattro suv
Behind 2nd row (ft.cube)
38.2
33.9
18.4
30.0
27.1
19.4
14.8
Behind 1st row (ft.cube)
80.3
N/A
56.3
63.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
The GLE 400trails just behind the Acura MDX in terms of space availability and the Lexus RX 400and the Cadillac TX5 don't even stand close to the GLE in cargo capacity.
The GLE with its class-leading torque (273 lb-ft) makes way for the enormous amount of towing capacity (6600 lbs). All other rivals are merely visible to compete in this segment with Acura MDX towing 5000 lbs whereas Lexus RX 400and Cadillac TX5 both 3500 lbs which are almost half to that of the GLE 350.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Exterior
8.0/10
The 2020 GLE-Class no longer breaks ground as it once did, but it's still a refined and handsome shape-The Car Connection
Design and Styling
GLE used to be Merc's groundbreaking SUV, with muscular fenders and brand defining three-pointed star logo. However, it's not the case anymore, Merc faces a gruesome competition from many handsome SUVs like Maserati Levante, BMW X5, and Audi Q7. The exterior elements were last updated 2016 and now it still goes strong. A bonus tip- You can avail the AMG styling without bearing the hefty cost, just get the Night package and you get to go.
Dimensions and Weight
The 2020 GLE 400 experienced minuscule changes at the exterior retaining the similar dimensions from the previous iteration and still remains the widest SUV (84.3 inches) in comparison to its rivals.
Model
Mercedes-Benz GLE 400
BMW X5 xDrive 40i
Lexus RX 350
Cadillac TX5 (Standard)
Porsche Cayenne
Maserati Levante
Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI Premium Quattro suv
Curb weight(lbs)
4751
4,813
4222
3985
4,377
4,649
4927
Length(in)
189.1
194.3
192.5
189.5
193.7
197
199.6
Width(in)
84.3
78.9
74.6
75.0
86.4
85
77.5
Height(in)
70.7
69
67.7
66.0
66.8
66.1
68.5
Ground clearance(in)
6.7
N/A
8.2
7.8
8.2
TBD
N/A
Wheelbase(in)
114.8
N/A
109.8
112.5
114
118.3
117.9
Track width(in) F/R
64.9/65.5
N/A
64.4/64
64.4/64.4
66.2/65.9
63.9/66
66.1/66.6
The GLE is 3 inches taller from the Lexus RX 400and leads the rivals with the longest wheelbase of 114.8 inches resulting in the least front and rear overhang. The Cadillac TX5 trails just behind the GLE 400with a wheelbase of 112.5 inches followed by Acura MDX (111 inches) and Lexus RX 400being the endmost at 109.8 inches.
Exterior Features
Some of the exterior features include:
LED DRLs and tail lights with bi-Xenon projector headlamps
LED turn indicators on ORVM
Xenon HIDs in Premium
Auto-dimming driver-side and inside rearview mirrors
19-inch alloy wheels with various options to choose
Brushed aluminum finished roof rails
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Safety
The 2020 Mercedes GLE 400adds a wide range of standard safety features including:
Advanced Air Bag System (AABS)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Daytime Running Lamps
10 air bags
Passenger Sensing System
Rear Vision Camera
3-point rear outboard safety belts
LATCH System
Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety
Back-Up Camera
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Competition
BMW X5 (Standard)
BMW revamped the X5 but it didn't change its winning formula, the X5 is still the rugged SUV with an impressive on-road and off-road prowess. In addition to that BMW offers an additional third-row seat, they might be small but it's something other brands don't offer. Considering performance, the Merc is more sporty and fun to drive, it's also more powerful which backs the Benz claims.
Mercedes Benz and BMW are at the pinnacle of luxury, though the GLE is more refined and offers a better bang for your buck.
Audi Q7
The SUV segment is all fired up with a galore of cars hitting the road. Apparently, it's an SUV bargain sale, Audi alone has three luxury SUVs all offering flagship like a luxury. The Q7 might be the least interesting of them all but it offers exceptional luxury for the price. Its power is competitive to the GLE, and ride quality has its own unique flavor of fun. The Q7 is bigger and bulkier than the Beemer, hence the better cabin space and practicality. However, the extra weight takes away Audi's edge during the performance.
Lexus RX 350
The Lexus RX 50 with sharp styling and sturdy performance figures is almost a grand cheaper than the GLE 400on offer making it an arched rival among the competitors. The inclusion of the huge standard feature list and decent fuel economy figure also brings some odds with it.
First being the non-sporty ride character and the other being dated multimedia with the unavailability of apple car play/android auto even on the optional list might be a deal breaker. For those longing for a perfect medley of luxury and power, the 2020 GLE might be a better pick.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Final Verdict
Final Verdict
When luxury, power, and recognition leads to priority, the GLE 400 with its mature heritage of Mercedes branding has always been a head turner. The cohesive offering of performance with unmatched premium features and with the availability of ample options of additional customization, the GLE 400becomes a bright unequivocal pick.
On the contrary, with its steep price tag and not so good fuel economy figures it open gates for consideration of other rivalry options on offer at a very humble price point with an almost similar feature list.