The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE is a mid-size luxury SUV that strikes a balance between comfort, technology, and performance. It sits comfortably in the Mercedes lineup, larger than the compact GLC but not as massive as the full-size GLS. For 2025, the GLE-class offers a wide range of engine choices, from an efficient four-cylinder to a powerful twin-turbo V-8, including a plug-in hybrid option. This year also introduces new customization options, such as the high-end Manufaktur Signature Interior package, blurring the lines between standard luxury and top-tier opulence. While it prioritizes a smooth and refined ride over aggressive sportiness, the GLE remains a top contender for anyone seeking a sophisticated and feature-packed family vehicle that doesn’t compromise on luxury.

What Powers the 2025 GLE?

Mercedes-Benz provides a diverse menu of engine options for the GLE, ensuring there's a model to fit different driving styles and needs. These engines are more than just metal and moving parts. They use modern technology to deliver both power and efficiency.

GLE 350: The Smart Starting Point

The journey begins with the GLE 350. This model is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces a solid 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. It comes paired with a smooth nine-speed automatic transmission. You can choose between rear-wheel drive for better fuel economy or the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system for enhanced traction in various weather conditions. This engine also features a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which is essentially a small electric helper that smooths out the engine's start-stop function and can provide a small power boost, making the driving experience more seamless. The GLE 350 is surprisingly quick, capable of going from 0 to 60 mph in about seven seconds, which is more than enough for daily driving and highway merging.

GLE 450: The Turbocharged Six-Cylinder

For those who want more power, the GLE 450 4MATIC is an excellent step up. It features a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine that delivers a robust 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Like the GLE 350, it also uses a 48-volt mild-hybrid system for added refinement and efficiency. This powertrain provides a noticeable boost in acceleration, cutting the 0-to-60 mph time down to a quick 5.3 seconds. The inline-six configuration is known for its inherent smoothness, and in the GLE 450, it provides effortless power for a truly premium driving feel.

GLE 450e: The Plug-In Hybrid Option

The GLE 450e 4MATIC is the choice for drivers interested in electrification. It combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a powerful electric motor. Together, they produce a combined 381 horsepower and an impressive 479 lb-ft of torque. This plug-in hybrid (PHEV) can travel on electric power alone for a significant distance, making it ideal for short commutes without using any gasoline. When the gas engine and electric motor work together, the GLE 450e offers strong acceleration, hitting 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds.

GLE 580: The V-8 Powerhouse

At the top of the non-AMG lineup sits the GLE 580 4MATIC. This model is for those who crave maximum performance. It’s powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine that, with its 48-volt mild-hybrid system, churns out a massive 510 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque. This engine transforms the GLE into a high-performance SUV, rocketing from 0 to 60 mph in a breathtaking 4.3 seconds. It delivers the kind of power that makes passing on the highway feel completely effortless, all while maintaining the brand's signature refinement.

Inside the Cabin: Luxury and Technology

The interior of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE is where it truly shines. The cabin is crafted with high-quality materials like genuine leather, wood trim, and metal accents, creating a genuinely luxurious atmosphere.

Digital Cockpit and MBUX

The first thing you’ll notice is the dashboard, which is dominated by two 12.3-inch screens housed under a single pane of glass. One screen serves as the digital instrument cluster, which you can customize to show the information you find most important. The other is a central touchscreen for the infotainment system.

This system runs on the Mercedes-Benz User Experience, or MBUX. Think of it as a smart assistant for your car. You can control it via the touchscreen, a touchpad on the center console, or small touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. The most impressive feature is its voice command system. Just say "Hey, Mercedes," and you can ask it to change the temperature, find a destination, or play a song. It understands natural language, so you don't have to memorize specific commands. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, making smartphone integration seamless.

Comfort and Space

Comfort is a top priority in the GLE. The front seats are heated and power-adjustable, with available options for ventilation and massage functions. For chilly mornings, you can even get a heated steering wheel, armrests, and center console lid.

The GLE is spacious, offering plenty of room for passengers in the first and second rows. The second-row seats can slide and recline for added comfort. For larger families, an optional third row of seats is available, turning the GLE into a seven-seater. While this third row is best suited for children, it adds a layer of versatility.

Cargo space is also generous. With the third-row seats folded down, you have 33 cubic feet of space. Fold down all the rear seats, and that expands significantly, allowing you to fit up to 26 carry-on suitcases.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for safety, and the 2025 GLE is packed with advanced technology to protect you and your passengers. Many features come standard, giving you peace of mind on the road.

Standard safety features include:

  • Automated Emergency Braking: This system can detect a potential collision with a vehicle or pedestrian ahead and automatically apply the brakes to prevent or lessen the impact.
  • Blind Spot Assist with Exit Warning: It monitors your blind spots and alerts you if you try to change lanes while another vehicle is there. The exit warning function can even alert passengers of approaching cars or cyclists before they open their door.
  • Surround View System: Using a series of cameras, this system creates a virtual 360-degree, top-down view of the car on the infotainment screen, making it much easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces.

For even more assistance, you can opt for the Driver Assistance Package, which adds features like adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist, which can make long highway drives much less stressful.

Pricing and Trims for 2025

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-class offers a range of models at different price points. The starting MSRP for the base GLE 350 SUV is around $63,000. Opting for the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive version brings the price to approximately $65,000.

The more powerful GLE 450 4MATIC and the plug-in hybrid GLE 450e 4MATIC both start at around $72,250. For those who want the ultimate in performance from the standard lineup, the V-8-powered GLE 580 4MATIC starts at about $90,000. Keep in mind that these are starting prices, and adding optional packages and features will increase the final cost.

Why the GLE Stands Out

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE is a masterclass in balanced luxury. It successfully combines a range of powerful and efficient engines with a cabin that is both technologically advanced and incredibly comfortable. Its refined ride quality, premium interior materials, and extensive list of standard and available features make it a standout choice in the competitive mid-size luxury SUV market. It may not be the sportiest option available, but for buyers who prioritize comfort, sophistication, and cutting-edge technology, the GLE is an exceptional vehicle that delivers on every front.