While the compact crossover is quickly becoming the most popular segment in the USA, the midsize SUV has had more time to refine itself and it shows with the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. It may not be perfect, especially if you try to cram in a third row of seating, but it excels in the focus areas of the brand. These include an impeccably appointed interior, a cushy ride - if you opt for the air suspension - and lots of high-tech gadgets to keep you comfortable and happy. Sure, it gets a decent selection of powertrains, with the turbocharged V8 taking the cake, but the GLE-Class SUV still can't keep up with the BMW X5, and the Audi Q7 has a lot to offer, too. The battle between the German trio has always been fierce, and which one comes out on top can often depend on personal taste rather than empirical evidence.
Very little has changed for 2021 since a brand-new fourth generation was introduced just a year ago. Nevertheless, the list of standard equipment has been updated, adding SiriusXM satellite radio, 64-color ambient lighting, and a charging pad for wirelessly charging your mobile phone - all previously extra-cost options. Furthermore, Mercedes has made its parking-damage detection system standard, too. In terms of options, the MBUX Interior Assistant and a head-up display are now both available as standalone extras for the first time.
See trim levels and configurations:
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLE 350 SUV |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
|
9-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
|
$54,750 |
| GLE 350 4MATIC SUV |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
|
9-Speed Automatic
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$57,250 |
| GLE 450 4MATIC SUV |
3.0L Turbo Inline-6 Gas
|
9-Speed Automatic
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$62,500 |
| GLE 580 4MATIC SUV |
4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 Gas
|
9-Speed Automatic
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$78,900 |
NHTSA safety ratings are not available at this time.
You'd be hard-pressed to find any Merc that could be called a bad car, and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is no different. Yes, the base engine is a little lackluster, but that can be fixed by upgrading the inline-6. The interior is sumptuous and classy across the entire range and even the base model gets a generous helping of creature comforts and driver-assist features. Once you trade out the engines to improve performance, you'll be off to the races.
Apart from being classy, the interior is spacious, so long as you skip over the optional third-row seating, which leaves you with room for cargo. Along with a super safety review, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class serves as an excellent 5-door vehicle for families on the up and up. Our only real gripe is that the standard-fit suspension is not as refined as we expect from the Germans. Luckily, this can be fixed by opting on the air suspension, which is what every luxury car should come with anyway. So long as you aren't trying to race the X5s out there, the GLE is great for cruising the roads in style.
Considering the base engine is a little underpowered for such a heavy vehicle, the entry-spec trim isn't really worth considering. It also gets the rougher suspensions, which is definitely a no from us. Rather go for the mid-tier GLE 450; this means you get the livelier inline-6 engine and AWD as standard. You'll have to pay extra for the AirMatic suspension, and we recommend the Driver Assistance Package Plus, too. If you really want to spoil yourself, the Premium Package adds some nice-to-haves at a reasonable surcharge. The total price of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV with this configuration is $62,500 before the destination charge or that premium paint color you have your eye on.
The most popular competitors of 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV:
Acura
Alfa Romeo
Aston Martin
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Bollinger
BrightDrop
Bugatti
Buick
Cadillac
Caterham
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Fiat
Fisker
Ford
Genesis
GMC
Gordon Murray Automotive
Hennessey
Honda
Hyundai
Infiniti
Jaguar
Jeep
Karma
Kia
Koenigsegg
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lordstown
Lotus
Lucid Motors
Maserati
Mazda
McLaren
Mercedes-Benz
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pagani
Polestar
Porsche
Ram
Rimac
Rivian
Rolls-Royce
Spyker
Subaru
Tesla
Toyota
VinFast
Volkswagen
Volvo