Used 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE

Mercedes-Benz is a carmaker offering more variations on several of its models than many other carmakers have models. It’s a business model that defies logic. However, it seems to work for the crowd from Stuttgart. Six of the GLE variations are traditional SUVs, while the other two offer less interior space and a slopped coupe-like roofline. Five engine variations power the GLE-Class with a price spread ranging from $57,700 to $120,700.

This year marks the third year of this generation GLE, launched in 2020. Essentially, Mercedes changed nothing for the 2023 model year. The biggest news they could muster about GLE advancements is some versions come standard with metallic paint. AMG turned 55 this year. To mark the occasion, it’s offering an Edition 55 appearance package on the four AMG GLE versions. It expands on the AMG Night Package with more exterior and interior unique elements.

Skewed much more toward performance than your average crossover, Mercedes blends spirited handling and acceleration with a handsome package. A premium experience, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is indeed unique, but not alone. If performance is your thing, we suggest you look at the Porsche Cayenne and the BMW X5 M.

Engine output varies tremendously depending on where you come to rest along the grade lineup. However, in general terms, every GLE version is quick and athletic.

We think you’ll find the standard suspension somewhat stiffer than that of rivals like the Acura MDX and Volvo XC90. Mercedes has an answer for that with its available Airmatic air suspension with E-Active Body Control. It scans the road ahead, adjusting for imperfections before they impact ride quality. Moreover, it makes the appropriate adjustments to minimize body roll going into a curve.

With Teutonic efficiency, the Mercedes engineers provide a platform ideally suited for performance hijinks, as well as over-the-highway cruising. Although the AMG versions pack more punch, we find the GLE 350 delivers sufficient get-up-and-go to make us smile. The extra $2,550 you’ll spend for AWD, if you need it, is relatively affordable.

We are convinced that the GLE-Class performance stands tall among the best SUVs. You don’t need to be an enthusiast to wring a lot of joy out of the GLE. However, if you are one, this gang of SUVs is a great reason to get up in the morning.

We often praise Audi for its stellar interiors, but Mercedes did a remarkable job creating the GLE passenger environment. Meticulous craftsmanship, top-notch materials, and mostly intuitive controls highlight the cabin.

Dominating the dashboard are side-by-side dual 12.3-inch displays. In front of the driver is the digital gauge display and next to it over the center stack is the infotainment touchscreen. The heated power-adjustable front seats offer plenty of lateral support.

Opting for the third-row seat boosts the headcount to seven, but the legroom is as tight as the lid on a 10-year-old mayonnaise jar. Cargo room in the GLE-Class compares well with the BMW X5 and the Audi Q7.

To improve life in every trim level, Mercedes offers several options and option packages. For example, in the GLE 350, you may add a host of stand-alone options like massaging front seats, quad-zone automatic climate control, and heated/cooled front cupholders.

Cargo Space

The GLE-Class provides 33.3 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second-row seat and 74.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

In addition to a more typical SUV profile, the 2023 Mercedes GLE lineup includes the sleeker GLE Coupe. Like the BMW X6 and Audi Q8, the GLE Coupe combines the size and presence of an SUV with sportier, more distinct looks. Reduced rear-seat headroom and cargo room are the primary tradeoffs.

1. Airmatic air suspension
With its E-Active Body Control, this adaptive air suspension monitors the road ahead, recognizes any pavement imperfections, and adjusts the suspension response.

2. Driver-assistance features
Every GLE model arrives with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, high-beam assist, and front-rear park assist. Also included are forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, hands-free parking, and driver-alert warning.

3. Surround-view monitor
Using cameras located around the vehicle, the system merges the images to provide a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle and its immediate surrounding area.

4. Burmester audio system
With its 590-watt amplifier and 13 speakers, this audio system creates flawless surround sound filling the cabin with crisp audio.

5. AMG models
AMG has heightened the performance and appearance of Mercedes models for 55 years. Hand-built engines, larger performance brakes, and tuned suspensions are all hallmarks of AMG.

6. Illuminated star
Located on the front grille, this large Mercedes star illuminates with the headlights, adding a healthy amount of front-end appeal.

If you believe quicker is better, Mercedes offers a battery of engines with increasing degrees of acceleration. No matter the engine, they use a 9-speed automatic transmission to spin the wheels. All but the entry-model GLE 350 come standard with 4Matic all-wheel drive.

We argue the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that Mercedes uses exclusively in the GLE 350 versions has enough gusto to satisfy the average driver. However, if you must have more, taking one step up to the GLE 450 is a big leap in performance. Its 3-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder engine — an electrically enhanced mild hybrid unit — adds more than 100 horsepower and nearly 100 lb-ft of torque.

The GLE 580 features a similarly electrified 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 pumping out 483 horsepower.

A retuned version of the 6-cylinder engine supplies torque to the AMG GLE 53 and the AMG GLE 53 Coupe. At the top of the engine heap is a performance-tuned version of the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 giving the AMG GLE 63 S and AMG GLE 63 S Coupe their go.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (GLE 350 & GLE 350 4Matic)
255 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
273 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800 rpm
Fuel economy: 22 mpg (19 city, 27 highway) 4Matic: 22 mpg (19 city, 26 highway)

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 with EQ Boost (GLE 450 4Matic)
362 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
369 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600 rpm
Fuel economy: 22 mpg (20 city, 25 highway)

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 with EQ Boost (AMG GLE 53 & AMG GLE 53 Coupe)
429 horsepower @ 6,100 rpm
384 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800 rpm
Fuel economy: 19 mpg (18 city, 22 highway) Coupe: 19 mpg (17 city, 21 highway)

4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with EQ Boost (GLE 580 4Matic)
483 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
516 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000 rpm
Fuel economy: 18 mpg (16 city, 21 highway)

4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with EQ Boost (AMG GLE 63 S & AMG GLE 63 S Coupe)
603 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
627 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500 rpm
Fuel economy: 16 mpg (15 city, 19 highway)

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Both the bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and the powertrain warranty cover every new GLE for its first 4 years or 50,000 miles of life, whichever comes first.

Final Word: Multi-layered Luxury

From a spry runabout to an asphalt-chomping demon, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class delivers a wide-range of performance. Moreover, it does so in a premium package. It has earned a spot in the top tier of midsize luxury SUVs and, we suspect, in the hearts of its owners.

Why You Should Trust Us

Russ Heaps has more than 35 years of experience reviewing cars. In addition to his time in the GLE-Class, he has also logged time behind the wheel of its competitors.