2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Overview

Is the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE a Good Used SUV?

Yes, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE is a great option if you’re shopping for a used luxury midsize SUV. The five-seat GLE has a posh interior with lots of seating and cargo space. It’s comfortable for daily driving, and it has power to spare, thanks to its lineup of twin-turbocharged V6 and V8 engines. The GLE is available with all the latest tech and safety features like Apple CarPlay, forward collision warning, and parallel park assist. Better still, this Mercedes rates highly for predicted reliability and crash safety.

It’s not all good news, though. The sport-tuned AMG variants tend to jitter and jolt over rough pavement, so you should stick with the base GLE 400 if you want a silkier ride. It also may be worth avoiding the GLE coupe models because of their relatively snug back seats.

Why You Can Trust Us

We’ve analyzed 51 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class reviews, as well as data points like reliability ratings and fuel economy estimates, to help you make the best car-buying decision possible.

U.S. News Best Cars has been ranking and reviewing vehicles since 2007, and our team has decades of experience in the auto industry. Though we’re passionate about cars, we’re even more committed to providing helpful consumer advice. To maintain objectivity, we don’t accept expensive gifts or trips from car companies.

How Much is the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?

Based on listings for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, the average list price is $44,059. Prices range from $55,700 to $113,000 and vary depending on the vehicle’s condition, mileage, features, and location.

See the Best Used Car Deals »

How Much Does the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE Cost to Own?

We currently do not have projections for the 2019 GLE's five-year costs for gas, insurance, taxes, fees, repairs, and maintenance.

2018 vs. 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE: What's the Difference?

The main difference between the 2018 and 2019 GLE SUVs is more of a subtraction. For 2019, Mercedes-Benz discontinued the GLE 550e plug-in-hybrid model, as well as the entry-level GLE 350 trim. The upside is that the new GLE 400 base model is outfitted with standard all-wheel drive and a punchier twin-turbocharged V6 engine.

Compare the 2018 and 2019 GLE »

Here are key changes for the Mercedes-Benz GLE over the last few years:

• 2016: all-new model (replaced M-Class SUV)
• 2017: 362-horsepower AMG GLE 43 model debuted; turbodiesel engine discontinued
• 2018: AMG GLE 43 engine gets boost to 385 horsepower
• 2019: trim lineup shuffled; new standard engine; final model year before redesign

If you're considering an older model, be sure to read our 2016 GLE, 2017 GLE, and 2018 GLE reviews to help make your decision. Also, check out our Best New Car Deals and Best New Car Lease Deals pages to learn about savings and discounts you can find on new vehicles.

How Reliable Is the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE?

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE has a good predicted reliability rating of four out of five.

Read more about GLE reliability »

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Recalls

There have been 2 safety recalls issued from NHTSA.

See more information on Mercedes-Benz GLE safety recalls »

Which Used Mercedes-Benz GLE Trim Is Right for Me?

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE comes in two body styles: SUV and coupe. The latter is a four-door variant of the regular SUV but with a lower roofline to give it coupelike styling. There are also four trim levels: GLE 400, GLE 43, GLE 63, and GLE 63 S. The base model GLE 400 is the best choice for most shoppers. It offers solid performance and a nice array of features. Opt for one of the AMG models if you’re looking for zestier engine performance.

Available features to look for include massaging front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, tri-zone automatic climate control, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, power soft-close doors, a rear-seat entertainment system, adaptive cruise control, and a head-up display. Leather upholstery is not standard in the lower trims, but it is available.

• Mercedes-Benz GLE 400: The entry-level GLE 400 trim is offered solely in the SUV body style. Standard equipment includes a 329-horsepower V6 engine, a nine-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive (4Matic), an adaptive suspension, and 19-inch alloy wheels. Standard features include a 7-inch infotainment display, Bluetooth, two USB ports, HD Radio, satellite radio, dual-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, a sunroof, a power liftgate, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and driver drowsiness monitoring.
• Mercedes-AMG GLE 43: The AMG GLE 43 trim is available in SUV and coupe body styles. This trim adds a punchier 385-horsepower V6 engine, an adaptive air suspension, larger AMG brakes, 20-inch wheels, an 8-inch infotainment display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a navigation system, proximity keyless entry, a Harman Kardon stereo, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring. Many of these features were optional in the base trim.
• Mercedes-AMG GLE 63: The AMG GLE 63 trim is available only in the SUV body style. This trim adds a 550-horsepower V8 engine, a seven-speed automatic transmission, genuine leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, rear sunshades, ambient interior lighting, hands-free parallel park assist, a surround-view parking camera system, and adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams.
• Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S: Lastly, the AMG GLE 63 S trim comes in SUV and coupe body styles. This trim has a 577-horsepower V8 engine and gains 21-inch wheels.

See 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE trims and specs »

What Does Mercedes-Benz's Certified Pre-Owned Warranty Cover?

Mercedes-Benz offers a certified pre-owned program for vehicles six years old or less and with fewer than 75,000 miles. Eligibility is determined by the vehicle’s initial sale date. Mercedes-Benz certified pre-owned vehicles come with the balance of the original four-year/50,000-mile new-car warranty, plus an additional one-year/unlimited-mileage warranty. This warranty can be renewed for a fee. If the new-car warranty has expired, you’ll receive the one-year warranty with unlimited mileage. Every Mercedes-Benz CPO vehicle must pass a 165-point inspection.

If you’re unsatisfied with your CPO vehicle, Mercedes’ Exchange Privilege program allows you to exchange it for another CPO vehicle of equal or lesser value within seven days or 500 miles. Additional benefits like towing and 24-hour roadside assistance may be available, so read the Mercedes-Benz warranty page carefully.

Among luxury car manufacturers, Mercedes-Benz’s CPO program is about average. It’s better than BMW’s but not as robust as Jaguar’s or Lexus’, according to our analysis.

See the best CPO programs »

How Safe Is the GLE?

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2019 GLE the highest rating of Good in all six crash tests, and models equipped with optional front crash prevention features were awarded a Top Safety Pick+ designation. The GLE’s headlights earned mixed ratings for how well they illuminate the road ahead. The standard halogen headlights received the lowest rating of Poor, while the available LED projector headlights received the top rating of Good.

The IIHS uses a different scale for grading front crash prevention features. The GLE earned the top rating of Superior for its standard and available vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention systems. The GLE’s available vehicle-to-pedestrian system also earned a Superior rating, but the standard system earned the lowest rating of Basic.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2019 GLE SUV four out of five stars for rollover safety. The GLE did not receive an overall safety rating.

Standard advanced safety features:

• Rearview camera
• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Driver drowsiness monitoring

Available advanced safety features:

• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Lane keep assist
• Adaptive pivoting headlights
• Automatic high-beam headlights
• Adaptive cruise control
• Rear collision warning
• Surround-view parking camera system
• Hands-free parallel park assist
• Head-up display

See GLE safety scores »

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE Versus the Competition

Which Is Better: 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE or 2019 BMW X5?

The 2019 BMW X5 and the Mercedes GLE are both good picks in the luxury midsize SUV class. Ultimately, the best choice for you is a matter of preference. The BMW tops the Mercedes in a few key areas. It has sportier handling, fresher interior styling, and an easier-to-use infotainment system. The X5 also gets better gas mileage, and it’s available with a third row of seats, though it is fairly small. On the other hand, the GLE has a bit more cargo room and a higher predicted reliability rating.

Which Is Better: 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE or 2019 Audi Q7?

It’s a similar story with the 2019 Audi Q7. The Q7 can’t quite match the GLE’s cargo capacity or predicted reliability. However, the Audi does provide sharper handling, better fuel economy, a third-row seat, and higher-quality cabin materials. Its infotainment system is a bit easier to use as well. Test-drive both models to see which you prefer.

Which Is Better: 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE or 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC?

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC is a luxury compact SUV with five seats, and it fits below the GLE in Mercedes’ SUV lineup. The GLC echoes many of the GLE’s strengths, like its punchy engine performance, many convenience features, elegant interior, and top-notch safety score. The GLC even tops the GLE in terms of handling. However, it offers noticeably less back-seat and cargo space. Both are fine options. If you have a tighter budget, start your search with the GLC.

Compare the GLE, X5, and Q7 »

2019 GLE Performance

How Does the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE Drive?

The GLE’s driving dynamics largely depend on trim level. The base model GLE 400 has precise steering, and its brakes provide good stopping power. The suspension does a nice job of soaking up bumps and dips in the road as well, yielding a comfortable ride, though there is considerable body roll as the SUV winds around turns. The AMG models remedy that issue with an adaptive air suspension and larger wheels, giving the GLE a steadier feel in tight turns, albeit with a stiffer ride quality that verges on harsh when driving over rough pavement.

The 2019 GLE is available with four engine options, and all of them pack a hefty punch. The twin-turbocharged V6s of the GLE 400 and GLE 43 can rocket this big SUV from zero to 60 mph in just under six seconds. The brawny twin-turbocharged V8s of the GLE 63 and GLE 63 S cut this sprint to just four seconds. Each engine supplies strong passing power at high speeds as well, thanks in part to the quick shifts from the automatic transmission.

We think most shoppers will be happiest with the GLE 400’s balance of ride comfort and power.

• Base engine: 329-horsepower 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 (GLE 400)
• Available engines:
  • 385-horsepower 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 (GLE 43)
  • 550-horsepower 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 (GLE 63)
  • 577-horsepower 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 (GLE 63 S)
• Drivetrain: all-wheel drive
• Transmission: nine-speed automatic in V6 models; seven-speed automatic in V8 models

Does the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE Get Good Gas Mileage?

The 2019 GLE gets below-average fuel economy for a luxury midsize SUV, especially with its V8 engines.

• GLE 400: 17/23 mpg city/highway
• GLE 43: 17/22 mpg
• GLE 63: 12/18 mpg
• GLE 63 S: 14/18 mpg

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE Towing Capacity

The GLE can tow up to 7,200 pounds when properly equipped. That’s one of the best ratings in this class.

Read more about GLE performance »

2019 GLE Interior

How Many People Does the 2019 GLE Seat?

The Mercedes GLE is available in two five-seat body styles: SUV and coupe. The coupe body style has four doors and two rows just like the SUV but with a lower roofline and sportier styling to look more coupelike.

The GLE’s front seats are nicely cushioned and supportive, and there’s generous head- and legroom, even for taller occupants. The driving position provides a commanding view of the road ahead, and visibility is good to the sides and rear as well. The SUV model’s rear seats are similarly spacious and comfy, even for adults. That said, the GLE coupe’s back seat is better-suited for kids and teens because the low roofline impinges on rear headroom.

The GLE’s interior doesn’t have the freshest appearance, since much of the styling dates back to the M-Class. Despite its age, most of the cabin materials have a quality look and feel. The GLE filters out most road noise at higher speeds, though some wind noise is noticeable.

If you want a seven-seat Mercedes SUV, you'll need to upgrade to the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS.

Standard seating features:

• Synthetic leather upholstery (MB-Tex)
• Heated front seats
• Power-adjustable front seats

Available seating features:

• Genuine leather upholstery
• Ventilated front seats
• Massaging front seats
• Heated rear seats

How Many Child Car Seats Fit in the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE?

The 2019 GLE has two complete sets of LATCH car-seat connectors for the rear outboard seats and an upper tether for the rear middle seat. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave this LATCH system the highest rating of Good for ease of use.

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE Features

The Mercedes GLE comes standard with a 7-inch infotainment display. An 8-inch display is available. Both screens have slick graphics and quick responses. However, they aren’t touch sensitive, and that complicates some functions. Instead, these systems are controlled using a dial on the center console, as well as buttons and knobs on the dashboard. There’s a bit of a learning curve. The available 8-inch display supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing users to integrate their iPhone and Android apps with the screen.

• Standard infotainment features: a 7-inch display, Bluetooth, two USB ports, HD Radio, and satellite radio
• Available infotainment features: an 8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, a Harman Kardon or Bang & Olufsen sound system, and a rear-seat entertainment system
• Additional standard features: remote keyless entry, push-button start, a power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a sunroof
• Other available features: proximity keyless entry, tri-zone automatic climate control, ambient interior lighting, and rear sunshades

See 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE specs »

Read more about GLE interior »

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE Dimensions

Mercedes-Benz GLE Cargo Space

The GLE SUV has 30.2 cubic feet of cargo space with its rear seats upright and 80.3 cubic feet with these seats folded. That’s one of the largest cargo areas in the luxury midsize SUV class. The GLE coupe isn’t as spacious. It has just 23 cubic feet of space with its rear seats up and 60.7 cubic feet with them folded.

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE Length and Weight

• Length: 15 feet, 9 inches to 16 feet, 2 inches
• Curb weight: 4,900 to 5,379 pounds

Where Was the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE Built?

Mercedes-Benz built the 2019 GLE in Alabama.