The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE: Refined Luxury in Mid-Size SUV Form
May 16 2025,
The Mercedes-Benz GLE remains a cornerstone of the luxury SUV market, offering a compelling blend of sophistication, technology, and versatility. As one of the brand's most popular models globally, the GLE has received thoughtful updates for the latest model year, enhancing its impressive capabilities while maintaining its distinctive character. This comprehensive examination thoroughly explores the latest dimensions, features, and capabilities.
Exterior Dimensions and Design
The Mercedes-Benz GLE maintains its commanding presence with proportions that balance elegance and athleticism. The SUV measures 4,924 mm in length, 1,947 mm in width (excluding mirrors), and stands 1,772 mm tall. Its wheelbase spans 2,995 mm, providing excellent interior space while maintaining appropriate proportions. Ground clearance varies between 160 mm and 227 mm, depending on suspension settings and driving conditions, with models equipped with the optional AIRMATIC suspension capable of raising the vehicle for improved off-road capability.
The GLE features subtly refreshed exterior styling, most notably with an updated front fascia featuring a more prominent grille design with distinctive vertical slats in chrome or gloss black, depending on the trim level. The LED headlights have been redesigned with a slimmer profile and incorporate the latest Digital Light technology on higher-end models, allowing for enhanced illumination patterns and projection capabilities.
The rear of the vehicle receives updated LED taillights with a more three-dimensional internal structure, along with redesigned exhaust finishers integrated into the rear bumper. Body-colour wheel arch extensions and side sills are standard across the range, contributing to a more cohesive appearance.
Wheel Sizes and Options
The GLE offers an impressive array of wheel designs and sizes, allowing owners to personalize the vehicle's appearance while influencing ride comfort and handling characteristics. The standard wheel offerings include:
- 19-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels (base GLE 350)
- 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels (GLE 450)
- 21-inch AMG twin 5-spoke wheels (GLE 53 AMG)
- 22-inch AMG multi-spoke wheels (GLE 63 S AMG)
Several optional wheel designs are available across the range, with sizes spanning from 19 to 22 inches. The AMG models feature wider rear tires for enhanced performance, typically with a staggered setup (wider rear tires than front). All models come standard with run-flat tires, though conventional tires with a spare tire kit are a no-cost option on non-AMG variants.
Mercedes-Benz has introduced new aerodynamically optimized wheel designs that reduce turbulence around the wheel arches, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and reduced wind noise at highway speeds.
Interior Dimensions and Comfort
The spacious interior accommodates five passengers in standard configuration, with an optional third row increasing capacity to seven occupants. Front-row occupants enjoy generous headroom of 1,025 mm and legroom of 1,004 mm, creating a spacious, airy environment. The driver's position offers excellent visibility and an ideal relationship between the seat, steering wheel, and pedals.
Second-row passengers benefit from 1,020 mm of headroom and 992 mm of legroom, with seats that can slide fore and aft by up to 100 mm to prioritize either passenger comfort or cargo capacity. The optional third row provides adequate space for children or shorter adults on shorter journeys, though it's not intended for long-distance comfort for full-sized adults.
The interior has been refreshed with a new steering wheel featuring capacitive touch controls, updated trim options including open-pore wood and carbon fiber elements, and enhanced ambient lighting with 64 colours and new animation patterns.
Cargo Capacity and Versatility
The GLE offers impressive cargo capacity, placing it among the luxury mid-size SUV segment leaders. Behind the second row, the cargo area provides 630 liters of storage space, expanding to a cavernous 2,055 liters with the second row folded flat. Models equipped with the optional third row naturally sacrifice some cargo space when all seats are in use, providing 355 liters behind the third row.
The cargo floor sits at a convenient height of 760 mm from the ground, making loading and unloading heavier items effortless. The power-operated tailgate comes standard across all models, with hands-free operation available by making a kicking motion under the rear bumper.
Practical storage solutions abound throughout the cabin, including:
- A spacious center console with wireless charging pad
- Large door pockets capable of holding 1-liter bottles
- ear seat center armrest with integrated cupholders
- Multiple small-item storage compartments in the dashboard and console
- Optional rear cargo management system with adjustable rails and dividers
Mercedes-Benz has added USB-C ports with increased charging capacity (up to 100W), allowing for faster charging of modern devices, including laptops.
Powertrain Options and Performance
The GLE lineup offers a range of powertrain options to suit various preferences:
- GLE 350: Features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 370 Nm of torque. This entry-level powertrain delivers adequate performance with 0-100 km/h acceleration in approximately 7.1 seconds.
- GLE 450: Equipped with a 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, generating 375 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. The 48-volt mild-hybrid system provides 21 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque in short bursts. This model accelerates from 0-100 km/h in about 5.5 seconds.
- GLE 53 AMG: Utilizes an enhanced version of the 3.0-liter inline-six with AMG tuning, producing 429 horsepower and 520 Nm of torque. The 0-100 km/h sprint takes just 5.2 seconds, with dynamic enhancements to the suspension and braking systems.
- GLE 63 S AMG: The performance flagship features a 4.0-liter biturbo V8 generating an impressive 603 horsepower and 850 Nm of torque. This model delivers supercar-like acceleration with a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.8 seconds.
All engines are paired with the Mercedes-Benz 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission (AMG SPEEDSHIFT in AMG models), and 4MATIC all-wheel drive comes standard across the range. The transmission software has been revised for smoother shifts and improved efficiency.
Suspension and Handling
The GLE offers several suspension configurations that significantly influence the driving experience:
- Standard Steel Suspension: The base suspension provides a good balance of comfort and handling, with specially tuned dampers that filter out road imperfections while maintaining body control during cornering.
- AIRMATIC Air Suspension: Optional on lower trims and standard on higher specifications, this system automatically adjusts ride height and damping characteristics based on road conditions and driving style. It can lower the vehicle at highway speeds to improve aerodynamics or raise it for increased ground clearance in off-road situations.
- E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL: This advanced suspension system, available on higher-end models, uses a 48-volt architecture to actively control each wheel individually, virtually eliminating body roll during cornering and even allowing the vehicle to "bounce" itself free if stuck in sand or snow.
The suspension tuning has been refined to provide an even more seamless transition between comfort and sportiness, with improved isolation from road noise and vibrations.
Technology and Infotainment
The GLE showcases the latest Mercedes-Benz technology features, centered around the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system. The setup includes dual 12.3-inch high-resolution displays that create a widescreen cockpit effect extending across much of the dashboard.
The system receives updated processing hardware that delivers faster response times and smoother animations. Enhanced voice control capabilities now better understand natural language commands, allowing occupants to control various vehicle functions without taking their hands off the wheel.
The augmented reality navigation system overlays directional arrows and street names on a live camera feed of the road ahead, making complex intersections and turns more intuitive to navigate. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, along with a wireless charging pad for compatible devices.
The available Burmester 3D surround sound system features 25 speakers and 1,610 watts of power, creating an immersive listening experience throughout the cabin.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
The GLE comes equipped with the latest driver assistance technologies, collectively known as Driving Assistance Package Plus. This comprehensive suite includes:
- Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC (adaptive cruise control)
- Active Steering Assist for semi-autonomous driving in certain conditions
- Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Lane Change Assist
- Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function
- Evasive Steering Assist
- Pre-Safe Plus for anticipatory occupant protection
- Traffic Sign Assist
- 360-degree camera system with enhanced views
New is an enhanced intersection monitoring system that can detect cross traffic at intersections and automatically apply the brakes if a collision appears imminent. The vehicle's driver monitoring system provides better detection for distraction or drowsiness.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE: Refined Evolution
The Mercedes-Benz GLE represents a thoughtful evolution of the brand's mid-size luxury SUV. While maintaining the fundamental character and capabilities that have made the GLE a segment leader, Mercedes-Benz has implemented meaningful updates to the vehicle's technology, styling, and driving dynamics.
With its impressive dimensions providing ample space for passengers and cargo, variety of wheel options to suit different preferences, comprehensive range of powertrain choices, and state-of-the-art technology features, the GLE continues to offer a compelling proposition in the luxury SUV market. Whether used primarily for urban commuting, family road trips, or occasional adventures beyond paved roads, the GLE delivers the versatility, comfort, and refinement expected from a vehicle wearing the three-pointed star.
