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What do our experts think of the 2023 Mercedes Benz GLE? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more. Find out our thoughts here.
What’s New for the 2023 Mercedes Benz GLE?
The 2023 Mercedes GLE comes to market with no changes other than additional no-cost paint colors on offer.
2023 Mercedes Benz GLE – media.mercedes-benz.com | Shop 2023 Mercedes Benz GLE on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Great interior
Above-average handling
Powerful top trims
Super-basic warranty
Underwhelming safety aids
Not enough standard features
A decent but not enticing entry in the segment
2023 Mercedes Benz Specs
- 255 horsepower from base engine
- 273 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 5 available trims
- 33.3 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 74.9 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats folded
- Highly accurate voice commands
- Towing capacity of 5,950 lbs
- IIHS Top Safety Pick+
- 4-year bumper-to-bumper warranty
2023 Mercedes Benz GLE Powertrain
The GLE comes in many forms beginning with a turbocharged four-cylinder with either rear or all-wheel drive. It makes 255 hp and generally feels perfectly powerful enough for everyday duty. Above that is a turbocharged inline-six with an integrated 48-volt hybrid system that develops 362 hp. That bump of more than 100 extra horsepower is immediately noticeable in every aspect of the driving experience so we recommend it for those who can afford it.
For those where only excess will do, the GLE 580 also uses a 48-volt hybrid system and connects it to a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 that makes 504 hp. The AMG GLE53 actually goes back to the inline-six but makes 429 hp. The top-level GLE, the 63S makes 603 hp and can do 0-60 mph in under 3.5 seconds. Ya know… for those times when you’re late getting to the mall or to pick up your kids.
The entire lineup leverages a nine-speed automatic gearbox. Every GLE, especially the AMG models benefit from above-average driver feedback, solid cornering skills in light of their size, and good throttle response. Of the available options, they’re some of the best to drive and the available adaptive suspension makes it even more capable both on and off-road.
Towing & Payload
The GLE can tow up to 5,950 pounds when properly equipped which is impressive for an SUV that actually tips the scales at below 5,000 pounds itself. It’s also more than Genesis offers in the GV70, but at the same time, it lags quite a ways behind BMW’s X5 and X6.
2023 Mercedes Benz GLE Fuel Economy & Battery Range
As one might expect, none of the GLE powertrain range is especially great at sipping fuel. The base four-cylinder and the six-cylinder each get an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 25 on the highway. That’s only ok and we expect many who need better fuel efficiency to wait for the upcoming 2024 GLE 450e plug-in hybrid next year. The V8 versions get at best 16 mpg in the city and 21 on the highway.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
The cabin of the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is well-appointed and luxurious. Some of that luxury comes simply by way of the spacious front and second-row seating. An optional third row isn’t as nice. Nevertheless, occupants in the GLE will appreciate the fine attention to detail in the panel gaps, and the real wood, leather, and metal surfaces that stretch from end to end. Buyers can add heated armrests and a heated center console cover as well.
The layout provides good visibility for the driver and a quiet ride. Road noise is almost imperceptible. We also like how effective and quiet the automatic climate control is. Cargo space is solid too, especially if you skip that optional third row. With the first two rows in place, there are still 33.3 cubic feet back there for gear. Lower the seats and that space expands to 74.9 cubic feet of cargo area.
Entertainment & Technology
The infotainment user interface in the GLE, called MBUX, looks a bit too flashy to us but in terms of capability, it’s incredibly deep. All of the standard features one might expect can be found within, but it’s deeper settings like the LED ambient lighting, the sound equalizer, and gesture commands that make it shine. Notably, it’s not an incredibly intuitive system when it comes to menu layout so sometimes using one’s voice to ask the system to complete a task is actually faster than trying to find it yourself.
Safety Features
The GLE scored five stars in crash testing with the NHTSA and it’s an IIHS top safety pick but beyond that, it’s got less standard safety tech than most Hyundais, Hondas, or Toyotas. That’s a bad look in our eyes for a car that starts near $60,000. What the GLE does come with is automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Other features like adaptive cruise are available, but only if you pay more for them.
2023 Mercedes Benz GLE Trims & Pricing
Most GLE trims feature the same equipment, but buyers have access to a number of packages that are available to add throughout the lineup.
GLE 350 – $58,850
The base GLE comes with a four-cylinder engine, LED headlights, 19-inch wheels, power-adjustable heated front seats, a sunroof, faux-leather upholstery, a 12.3-inch infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, integrated navigation, wireless device charging, and ambient interior lighting.
GLE 450 – $67,600
This trim adds the six-cylinder along with all-wheel drive but features remain the same.
GLE 580 – $85,000
The 580 gets the V8 and also adds 20-inch wheels, AMG Line exterior trim, and adaptive air suspension.
AMG GLE 53 – $78,100
The first of the AMG models gets a hotter version of the inline-six with 429 hp and then adds 20-inch AMG wheels, bigger brakes, a 115-volt house-hold-style power outlet, a Burmester sound system, and AMG exterior and interior trim.
AMG GLE 63 – $121,150
The top trim gets a turbocharged V8 with 603 hp along with 21-inch wheels, an electronic limited-slip differential, adaptive headlights, and more thickly-bolstered seats.
Warranties
Mercedes offers a four-year or 50,000-mile limited warranty on the GLE regardless of trim. It doesn’t offer a longer powertrain warranty though, and it’s devoid of any complimentary maintenance. That lags behind challengers from just about every other corner including Volvo, BMW, and Genesis.
What we think
2023 Mercedes Benz GLE – media.mercedes-benz.com | Shop 2023 Mercedes Benz GLE on Carsforsale.com
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class fills a gap in the brand’s lineup but doesn’t really offer the same value that others do. It’s a good car to drive and offers above-average passive safety so we like it for that. Nevertheless, we’d love to see Mercedes at least keep up with brands that offer more active safety equipment, longer warranty coverage, and even better towing capability for this kind of cash. Regardless of what your next car is we highly recommend checking out our list of new car incentives before you buy to ensure you get the best deal possible.
