The Mercedes-Benz GLE has long been recognised as a leader in the luxury SUV market, effortlessly blending premium features, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional comfort with practical SUV versatility. The 2023 Mercedes GLE continues this tradition, offering a wide range of configurations to cater to diverse needs and budgets. Whether you require a spacious family vehicle or a refined daily driver, the GLE presents a compelling option in the competitive luxury SUV segment.
The 2023 Mercedes GLE: An Overview
The current generation GLE has consistently earned praise as a top-tier luxury SUV, and the 2023 model year sees it return with minimal changes, maintaining its position as a benchmark in its class. However, the competition remains fierce. Rivals such as the BMW X5, with its similar blend of luxury and performance, the Audi Q7, Genesis GV80, Land Rover Defender, and Porsche Cayenne all vie for the attention of discerning buyers. This review delves into the specifics of the Mercedes Gle 2023, providing an expert assessment of its comfort, fuel efficiency, performance, and overall value.
Driving Costs of the Mercedes GLE 2023
Understanding the running costs is crucial when considering a luxury SUV. For the Mercedes GLE 350 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) model, estimated monthly fuel costs are around $216, based on 15,000 miles driven annually with a 55% city and 45% highway split, and assuming a premium unleaded fuel price of $3.85 per gallon. This positions the GLE 350 slightly below the average monthly fuel cost of $227 for large SUVs in the same category.
Edmunds Expert Rating: A Deep Dive into the Mercedes GLE 2023
Overall Score: Great – 8.4/10
The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team rigorously evaluates each vehicle, combining objective track testing with real-world driving assessments across various conditions. This comprehensive approach results in the Edmunds Expert Rating, based on over 30 metrics covering every facet of the driving experience. The Mercedes GLE 2023 achieves a “Great” rating of 8.4 out of 10, solidifying its position as a top contender in the luxury SUV market.
Performance: 8/10
The Mercedes GLE 2023 delivers capable performance across the range. Even the base four-cylinder engine in the GLE 350 provides ample power for daily driving. In Edmunds testing, the GLE 350 achieved a 0-60 mph time of 7.1 seconds, which is competitive for its class. Upgrading to the GLE 450 with its six-cylinder engine significantly enhances performance, achieving 0-60 mph in just 5.3 seconds, placing it among the quicker SUVs in the segment. Braking is consistently strong and easily modulated in everyday driving. While the steering is light, it remains precise and responsive. Although not as overtly sporty as a Porsche Cayenne or Audi Q8, the GLE maintains composure in various driving situations. The base engine’s transmission prioritizes fuel efficiency, which can result in occasional harsh shifts, a characteristic less desirable in a luxury vehicle. However, opting for the GLE 450 largely mitigates these transmission concerns, offering a smoother and more refined driving experience.
Comfort: 7.5/10
Image depicting the serene and spacious interior of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE, highlighting the comfortable front seats.
The interior of the Mercedes GLE 2023 excels in creating a serene and quiet environment. The available front seats with massage function significantly enhance comfort, particularly on longer journeys. Rear seats, while lacking sliding or reclining features, remain comfortable for adult passengers over extended periods. The optional Acoustic package effectively minimizes external noise intrusion, further contributing to the cabin’s tranquility. The climate control system is highly effective and user-friendly, with added luxuries like heated and cooled cupholders and heated armrests. However, the optional Airmatic air suspension presents a notable drawback. At higher speeds, it exhibits an undesirable floatiness and excessive body motion, and it can transmit impacts from bumps more noticeably into the cabin. It is highly recommended to test drive both air and standard suspension setups to determine personal preference.
Interior: 9/10
The GLE’s cabin approaches perfection with exceptional usability and build quality that sets a high standard. The interior is remarkably spacious, offering generous legroom and headroom for rear passengers. The driving position provides excellent visibility and a commanding view of the road, with controls logically placed and easily accessible. Visibility is outstanding in all directions. The intuitive touchpad controller is a standout feature, offering haptic feedback and direct access to functions like track skipping and home/back commands. However, the steering wheel touchpads are overly sensitive and prone to accidental activation.
Technology: 9.5/10
Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX infotainment system in the GLE 2023 is a class-leading system, renowned for its extensive functionality and user-friendliness. It allows for customization of almost every vehicle setting. The optional Burmester audio system with surround sound delivers an immersive and high-fidelity audio experience. The optional augmented reality navigation system enhances guidance by overlaying street names and directional arrows onto a live video feed from the front camera during turns. A comprehensive suite of standard driver aids is included, with semi-automated driving features available via the Driver Assistance package, which are user-friendly and effective in reducing driver fatigue in stop-and-go traffic.
Storage: 8.5/10
The GLE’s cabin is intelligently designed with ample storage solutions. Numerous cubbies and compartments throughout the cabin provide convenient storage for drinks and personal items. The cargo area is spacious and flat, maximizing usable space with minimal wheelwell intrusion. Cargo capacity is among the best in the midsize luxury SUV class. Even with the four-cylinder engine, the GLE offers a strong towing capacity. The rear seats are equipped with easily accessible car seat anchors, and the cabin provides ample room to accommodate even bulky child safety seats.
Fuel Economy: 7.5/10
The EPA fuel economy ratings for the GLE 350 4Matic are 22 mpg combined (19 city/26 highway), aligning with the average for base-level midsize luxury SUVs. Remarkably, the GLE 450 achieves the same 22 mpg combined (20 city/26 highway) despite offering an additional 107 horsepower due to its mild-hybrid system. This represents an impressive balance of power and efficiency. Real-world fuel economy will, as with any vehicle, depend significantly on driving habits. However, the GLE 450 presents a compelling choice for those seeking enhanced performance without sacrificing fuel efficiency.
Value: 8/10
The Mercedes GLE 2023 represents a significant investment, particularly when considering well-optioned GLE 450 models that can approach $80,000. However, the overall quality and refinement justify the price point. The vehicle exudes an exceptional level of quality throughout. The standard four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty is typical for the segment, but the powertrain warranty coverage is less extensive than some competitors.
Wildcard: 8.5/10
The defining characteristic of the Mercedes GLE 2023 is its pervasive sense of luxurious quality. This extends from the design and materials to the advanced technology features. It distinguishes itself as a leader in its class, offering features often unavailable in rival models. The combination of premium materials and sophisticated technology creates a cabin environment that is truly exceptional. While not the sportiest SUV in its class in terms of driving dynamics, the GLE sets new benchmarks in most other critical areas.
Edmunds Recommendation: The GLE 450 Stands Out
Edmunds recommends the GLE 450 as the optimal choice within the 2023 Mercedes GLE lineup. Standard all-wheel drive and a potent turbocharged six-cylinder engine are key advantages. The GLE 450 offers significantly more power than the GLE 350’s four-cylinder engine while maintaining the same EPA-rated fuel economy, providing a superior balance of performance and efficiency without compromise at the fuel pump.
Compare 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class trim levels
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE Models and Trims
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE is available in five distinct trim levels: GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 580, AMG GLE 53, and AMG GLE 63 S. All trims feature all-wheel drive as standard, except for the GLE 350 which offers both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. All GLE models accommodate five passengers, with an optional third-row seat available on all trims except the AMG GLE 63 S. Key feature highlights across the GLE range include:
GLE 350: The entry point to the GLE range, featuring:
- 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (255 hp)
- LED headlights
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Power-adjustable and heated front seats
- Power liftgate
- Sunroof
- Multi-color ambient interior lighting
- MB-Tex synthetic leather upholstery
- 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen display
- Digital instrument panel
- Integrated navigation system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Wireless smartphone charging
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot warning system
GLE 450: Upgrades the powertrain and drivetrain with:
- 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine (362 hp, 369 lb-ft)
- 4MATIC all-wheel drive
GLE 580: Elevates performance and luxury further with:
- 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 engine (483 hp, 516 lb-ft)
- Adaptive air suspension
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- AMG Line exterior styling package
AMG GLE 53: Emphasizes sporty performance with:
- AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine (429 hp, 384 lb-ft)
- 20-inch AMG alloy wheels
- Upgraded AMG braking system
- AMG-specific exterior and interior styling elements
- 115-volt power outlet
- Burmester surround-sound audio system
AMG GLE 63 S: The pinnacle of GLE performance, boasting:
- Handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 engine (603 hp, 627 lb-ft)
- 21-inch AMG alloy wheels
- Electronic limited-slip differential
- Adaptive LED headlights
- AMG performance seats with distinctive badging
Mercedes-Benz offers a comprehensive range of optional packages and stand-alone features to further customize the GLE, including:
3rd-Row Seat package (available on all trims except AMG GLE 63 S): Adds a third row of seats, power-adjustable second-row seats, and additional USB-C ports for third-row occupants.
Driver Assistance Package Plus (available on all trims): Includes advanced driver-assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, evasive steering assist, and speed limit assist.
Warmth and Comfort package (available on all trims): Provides rapid-heating front seats and heated front armrests and upper door panels.
Exterior Lighting package: Enhances nighttime visibility with long-range LED high beams and adaptive high beam assist.
AMG Line Interior package (available on most GLE trims): Adds sporty interior accents, sport seats, aluminum pedals, a sport steering wheel, and unique floor mats.
Premium package (available on GLE 350 and 450 trims): Upgrades the audio system to Burmester surround sound, adds a surround-view camera system, and includes a 115-volt household-type power outlet.
Stand-alone options include a panoramic sunroof, leather or premium leather upholstery, multicontour front seats with massage, four-zone climate control, and a head-up display.
Edmunds Latest Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class News
2025 Mercedes-Benz SUVs: What’s New With the GLC, GLE and More[
