The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE is available in eight trims: GLE 350 base and 4MATIC, GLE 450, GLE 580, AMG GLE 53, AMG GLE 63S, AMG GLE 53 Coupe and AMG GLE 63S Coupe. Several different engines are offered amongst those various trims, starting with a turbo 4-cylinder engine for the GLE 350 and a twin-turbo 3.0L V6 engine making 362-horsepower and 369 lb-feet of torque for the GLE450. A more powerful version of the twin turbo 3.0L V6 engine makes 429-horsepower and offers a good compromise between fuel economy and power. Two 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8s are offered at the top of the range making 603-horsepower and 627 lb-feet of torque. The V6 and four-cylinder engines are paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission, while the V8 engines get a 7-speed automatic transmission. All models feature the 4MATIC all-wheel drive, which sends power to the wheels based on road conditions. Whether the road is slippery and wet or dry pavement, the 4MATIC will provide confident driving in all road conditions.
The base GLE 350 comes with the turbo 2.0L inline-four cylinder making 255-horsepower and is available in 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Standard features include 19-inch wheels, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, power folding rearview mirrors, synthetic leather upholstery, leather steering wheel, wood trim, power-tilting sunroof, dual 12.3-inch screen gauges and infotainment system, Bluetooth audio streaming and a power liftgate.
The AMG GLE 53 and GLE 53 Coupe benefit from the more powerful 3.0L V6 engine, making 429-horsepower. Standard features include 20-inch wheels, performance tires, adaptive computer-controlled suspension, 19-speaker Burmester Surround sound, SiriusXM satellite radio and voice-activated navigation system.
The GLE 63 gets the 5.5L V8 engine, which makes 550-horsepower and can sprint to 60 mph in a claimed 4.2 seconds. Standard features include 20-inch wheels, performance tires, leather seats, multi-zone climate control with rear air conditioning, automatic parking and heated/ventilated front seats.
The GLE 63S and GLE 63S Coupe feature the 603-horsepower V8 engine, and with a more performance-oriented suspension and exhaust system, it is the ultimate version of the GLE. This top of the line GLE also adds 21-inch wheels, larger brakes and a dual moonroof, bringing together the performance and luxury expected from a Mercedes-Benz.
A host of safety features are standard in the GLE, which is expected from a high-end luxury SUV. A suite of airbags, traction control, stability control, Active Brake Assist, LED headlights and taillights, Attention Assist, Crosswind Assist, Active Parking Assist are standard in all trims. The higher-level trims also come standard with blind spot assist, surround view system, downhill speed regulation, LED intelligent light system with ultra-wide high beams much more as expected in high-end Mercedes-Benz.
Attractive Packaging
Quiet Interior
All-wheel Drive
Variety Of Powertrain Options
Luxurious Amenities
Available Coupe Body Style
High-performance AMG Models
For 2021, the GLE-Class returns with minor updates such as increased horsepower on some engine options and the addition of the AMG GLE 53 Coupe to the already bolstered lineup.
The GLE is a mid-sized luxury SUV that competes with vehicles such as the BMW X5 and the Audi Q7. The GLE comes in a variety of different flavors, offering everything from a powerful yet efficient V6, to a 603-horsepower performance machine. Quality lives up to the usual Mercedes high standards, with a technology rich interior and luxurious leather appointments. The high-performance AMG models push the limits of performance and luxury for an unforgettable drive.
