2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE Driving Modes: A Practical Guide

The Mercedes-Benz GLE continues the legacy of delivering exceptional performance and comfort through its sophisticated driving modes system. Available across all trim levels, these driving modes transform the vehicle's character to match different driving conditions and preferences. 

What are the core driving modes in the 2025 GLE?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE comes equipped with the DYNAMIC SELECT system, offering drivers multiple distinct driving modes as standard across all trims. Each mode adjusts various vehicle parameters, including throttle response, transmission behaviour, steering feel, suspension settings, and even engine sound.

The standard driving modes include:

• Comfort Mode: Prioritizing a smooth and relaxed driving experience, Comfort mode softens the suspension, reduces throttle sensitivity, and optimizes gear shifts for enhanced efficiency. The steering becomes lighter, making it ideal for daily commuting and longer highway journeys.

• Sport Mode: When you crave a more engaging drive, Sport mode sharpens throttle response, holds gears longer, increases steering weight, and firms up the suspension. The engine note becomes more pronounced, creating a more dynamic driving experience.

• Eco Mode: Focusing on maximum efficiency, Eco mode adjusts throttle mapping, optimizes shift patterns for fuel economy, and can even modify climate control operation to reduce energy consumption. The system provides feedback to encourage economical driving techniques.

• Individual Mode: This customizable setting enables drivers to tailor their preferred settings for various vehicle systems. You can combine the sporty steering of Sport mode with the comfort-oriented suspension settings to create a personalized driving profile.

How does the 4MATIC system integrate with driving modes?

The GLE models equipped with 4MATIC all-wheel drive benefit from intelligent integration with the driving modes. In Comfort mode, the system favours a rear-biased power distribution for smooth cruising, while Sport mode can send more power to individual wheels to enhance cornering dynamics. The system continuously monitors traction conditions and adjusts power delivery accordingly, working in harmony with the selected driving mode.

What off-road capabilities do the driving modes offer?

The GLE comes standard with an Off-Road mode across all trims, elevating its capability beyond that of typical SUVs. When activated, Off-Road mode raises the air suspension (if equipped), adjusts throttle sensitivity for precise control, and modifies the 4MATIC system for maximum traction on challenging surfaces. The multimedia display can show specialized off-road information, including inclination angle and wheel articulation.

How does the adaptive suspension respond to different modes?

Models equipped with AIRMATIC or E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension systems take the driving modes experience to another level. In Comfort mode, these systems actively counteract road imperfections, creating a "magic carpet" ride. Sport mode lowers the vehicle by up to 15 mm, reducing body roll and improving aerodynamics. The suspension can even be prepared for upcoming road conditions by using cameras to scan the road ahead and pre-adjust the suspension before encountering obstacles.

What innovative features complement the driving modes?

The GLE introduces several new technological enhancements that work alongside the driving modes. The augmented reality navigation system now integrates with the driving modes, providing different information layouts based on your selected mode. Voice commands enable seamless mode switching, and the ambient lighting system adjusts its colours to reflect the active driving mode, creating a fully immersive experience.

5 Facts About the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE Driving Modes

1. The GLE "Bounce Mode" can help extract the vehicle from sand or mud by rapidly raising and lowering the suspension to create a bouncing motion that improves traction.

2. The driving mode selector ring features haptic feedback technology that creates different tactile sensations depending on which mode you're selecting.

3. The GLE driving modes can automatically adjust the vehicle's center of gravity by up to 50 mm, dramatically improving handling on winding roads.

4. In Sport+ mode, the GLE records driving data that can be analyzed later through the Mercedes Me app, allowing drivers to improve their driving technique.

5. The E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL system can lean the vehicle into corners by up to 3 degrees, similar to how a motorcycle rider leans into turns.

10 Questions and Answers About the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE Driving Modes

Can I switch between driving modes while the vehicle is in motion?

• Yes, you can seamlessly switch between all driving modes while driving at any speed. The transition is smooth and immediate.

How much does fuel economy improve in Eco mode?

• Eco mode can improve fuel efficiency by approximately 5-15% depending on driving conditions and habits.

Does the GLE remember my Individual mode settings?

• Yes, it stores Individual mode preferences in the driver profile system, automatically recalling your custom settings when you enter the vehicle.

Are driving modes available on all GLE engines?

• Yes, the full suite of driving modes is standard across all engine variants in the lineup.

Can the driving modes affect the GLE towing capabilities?

• Yes, there's a specific Trailer mode that optimizes throttle response, transmission behaviour, and stability control for safe towing.

How does Sport mode affect the GLE 0-100 km/h acceleration time?

• Sport mode can improve acceleration times by approximately 0.3 to 0.5 seconds compared to Comfort mode.

Can the driving modes be controlled via voice commands?

• Yes, the MBUX system allows you to change driving modes using voice commands such as "Hey Mercedes, switch to Sport mode."

Do the driving modes affect the regenerative braking in hybrid GLE models?

• Yes, Sport mode reduces regenerative braking for a more traditional feel, while Eco mode maximizes energy recuperation.

Is there a custom mode for winter driving?

• While there isn't a specific "Winter" labelled mode, you can create a winter-optimized setup in Individual mode with reduced throttle sensitivity and balanced power distribution.

Can the driving modes be integrated with the navigation system?

• Yes, the Intelligent Drive mode can automatically switch between driving modes based on the road type, traffic conditions, and even upcoming curves detected by the navigation system.