The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC occupies a familiar and increasingly important space for the brand: a midsize luxury SUV designed to prioritize comfort, refinement, and everyday usability — in this case, over outright sportiness. It delivers exactly what longtime Mercedes buyers expect, though this specific configuration reveals how sensitive the GLE’s driving experience can be to option choices.
Which Trim Level
Mercedes makes a full stable of GLE models, including high-performance AMG models and plug-in hybrids. My tester was the GLE 450 4MATIC. The 450 refers to a 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder engine and a mild hybrid system. The 4MATIC part means all-wheel drive (AWD).
New 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE Prices
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Retail Price
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Fair Purchase Price (92620)
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$63,000 |
TBD |
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$65,500 |
TBD |
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$72,500 |
TBD |
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$72,500 |
TBD |
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$90,350 |
TBD |
Favorite Feature
Built-in music streaming services and the excellent navigation system within the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) interface reduce the reliance on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though both remain available for those who prefer them. The system’s responsiveness and integration help elevate the driving experience, especially on longer trips, reinforcing Mercedes’ strength in pairing technology with luxury. The steering wheel controls for MBUX, although perhaps taking a moment to get used to, become second nature for any tweak needed on either the driver’s or center display.
What It’s Like To Drive
The ride quality is unmistakably Mercedes, but closer to the lower end of that spectrum than the plush benchmark the badge often implies. This particular GLE 450 was not equipped with the optional air suspension. Its absence was noticeable. Over smooth pavement, the suspension is well-damped and composed. Sharper bumps and broken surfaces introduce a level of harshness that feels at odds with the SUV’s luxury positioning.
Power comes from Mercedes’ turbocharged inline-6 mild-hybrid setup, and it feels adequate rather than eager. From a standstill, the GLE 450 can surprise with a strong initial jump off the line. But that pomp and circumstance is sometimes stifled by a slightly rough shift, breaking the illusion of seamless luxury. Outside of aggressive launches, the 9-speed automatic smoothly returns to a calm rhythm.
The GLE constantly reminds you of its weight, particularly when accelerating or quickly changing direction, but it never feels unwieldy. This is not a sporty SUV, and it doesn’t pretend to be — at least if you leave out any AMG styling packages. Instead, it’s tuned for relaxed progress, where its best traits, refinement and composure, come through most clearly.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Inside, the E-Class lineage reigns true. Materials and touchpoints feel premium throughout, and the seats deserve special praise. They’re soft, supportive, and immediately comfortable, more like settling into a well-cushioned armchair than a traditional driver’s seat.
From a comfort standpoint, the GLE 450 feels like an excellent road-trip companion, though fuel economy may temper that enthusiasm on longer journeys. The cabin seals to an impressively quiet level, with isolation so effective that it almost invites comparison to an EV-like experience. That is, until the powertrain lurches you mid-launch.
The Burmester-branded sound system, while carrying an upscale name, doesn’t quite deliver the richness or fullness associated with higher-end Burmester setups or some rival premium audio systems. Still, it’s more than adequate for the price point and will satisfy most listeners without complaint. The MBUX system, as mentioned, is the cherry on top of the tech experience.
Limitations
While air suspension would almost certainly improve ride quality, pairing it with large-diameter wheels and short tire sidewalls could reintroduce harshness in a different way. In the configuration tested, the steel suspension and wheel setup never quite achieve the classic Mercedes suppleness that many drivers, including myself, expect.
The driver assistance system is another weak point. On long, straight highways with clear lane markings, the tech is helpful enough. But it never feels fully confidence-inspiring. Even in stop-and-go traffic, responses can be jerky, undermining the otherwise calm driving experience.
Key Considerations
The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC succeeds most when driven the way it clearly wants to be driven: smoothly, calmly, and without urgency. With the right options, particularly the air suspension, it has the potential to feel truly luxurious. As tested, it’s a reminder that in this segment, details and configurations matter more than ever.
That said, it’s still a vehicle I would road trip in a heartbeat, assuming the highways are smooth, straight, and well-appointed with conveniences.
