Review, Facts and Features of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLE is an excellent premium SUV option. Aside from the exquisite interior and sturdy construction that distinguishes a Mercedes, the GLE has all of the latest and greatest technologies and enhancements.

Pros

Cabin is attractive, spacious, and upmarket. The infotainment system is feature-rich.
Simple to look through

Cons

Options swiftly raise the price
The available Airmatic suspension provides an overly floaty ride.

What is new?

There will be no noteworthy changes in 2023.
Part of the second GLE generation, which will be released in 2020.

Overview

The GLE has long been regarded as a benchmark for blending high luxury interiors, interesting technological features, and satisfying comfort and practicality in an SUV-shaped vehicle. Mercedes also sells this midsize SUV in a number of options to accommodate a wide range of preferences and budgets. In a pinch, you can even purchase it with a third-row seat, although a tiny one, to give seven-passenger capacity.

Since its introduction, the current-generation GLE has been one of Edmunds’ favorite luxury SUVs, and it returns for 2023 mostly untouched. However, there are several competitors. The BMW X5 has long been the GLE’s main competition, offering a comparable blend of elegance and capability. Audi Q7, Genesis GV80, Land Rover Defender, and Porsche Cayenne are also excellent possibilities.

What is the driving style of the GLE-Class? Even the standard four-cylinder engine produces enough thrust. The GLE 350 we tested reached 60 mph in 7.1 seconds, which is about normal for this class of SUV. Upgrading to the 450’s six-cylinder engine offers you the pace to compete with the fastest SUVs in the market, requiring only 5.3 seconds to reach 60 mph on our test track. Braking performance is very robust, and the brakes are simple to use in regular driving.

The steering effort is low, yet the steering is accurate. While not as inherently athletic as a Porsche Cayenne or Audi Q8, the GLE is composed enough not to seem clunky. The transmission of the basic engine encourages economy driving, and shifts might be a touch rough for a premium vehicle. However, if you can afford it, upgrading to the GLE 450 solves most, if not all, of these difficulties.

How spacious is the GLE-Class? The inside of the GLE is tranquil and quiet, and the front seats with optional massage give excellent comfort. The back seats do not move or recline, yet they are comfortable for lengthy trips. Our test car included the optional Acoustic package, which minimized outside noises to a minimum. The temperature control system is also powerful. Set it and forget it, and the heated and chilled cupholders and heated armrests are nice extras.

The most serious issue we have is with the optional air suspension. There’s a slight floatiness at highway speeds, as well as a lot of superfluous small body movements.

How is the inside? The interior of the GLE is nearly ideal, with superb usability and build quality that is second to none. It also has enough of legroom and headroom for second-row occupants. The driving position provides a commanding perspective of the road as well as lots of flexibility, and the controls are easily accessible. There is good visibility, with clean sight lines all around.

The GLE’s touchpad controller is easy to use. Track/preset skipping, home, and return are all right on the pad, and it gives useful tactile feedback. However, the steering wheel touchpads are far too simple to accidentally brush.

How is the storage situation? The spacious interior of the GLE is well-designed. There are several cubbies and compartments for storing beverages and other goods. There is no wheelwell encroachment in the cargo space, which is spacious and level. Max load space is among the most spacious in the midsize luxury SUV class. And, even with the four-cylinder engine, the GLE has a high towing capacity. The back seat offers four easily accessible car seat anchors and enough of space for even the largest kid safety seats.

Is the GLE-Class an excellent buy? In the GLE, you get what you pay for, but you’ll pay a lot, with well-equipped 450 variants costing over $80,000. Nonetheless, the overall feeling of quality is outstanding. The bumper-to-bumper warranty is standard at four years/50,000 miles, but the same coverage for the powertrain is less than what most competitors give.

GLE-Class Mercedes-Benz models

Except for the GLE 350, which is available with rear- or all-wheel drive, all grades come standard with all-wheel drive. Seating for five people is standard on all GLEs, although a third row may be added on all bar the AMG GLE 63 S. The GLE’s feature highlights include:

The GLE 350 kicks off the GLE lineup with:

Four-cylinder turbocharged engine (255 horsepower)
Headlights with LEDs
19-inch rims
Liftgate with power
Sunroof
Ambient indoor lighting in a variety of colors
Upholstery made of synthetic leather (MB-Tex)
3-inch touchscreen infotainment
Digital instrumentation
System of integrated navigation
Charging your smartphone wirelessly
Automatic emergency braking (warns you if a frontal collision is impending and applies the brakes if you don’t reply quickly enough)
Blind-spot warning (notifies you if a car in the adjacent lane is in your blind spot)