The Mercedes-Benz GLE is truly an impressive machine, excelling in so many key areas and faltering in so few. The AMG GLE 53 variant is slightly disappointing in that its acceleration isn't really that much quicker than the less powerful and less expensive GLE 450. But the AMG GLE 53's superior handling abilities and ride comfort almost make it worth upgrading on their own.Read full review
Josh Jacquot is a seasoned automotive journalist with a career spanning more than two decades. His passion for cars has been the driving force behind his career, fueling his love for storytelling and technical work. Josh has held staff positions at Edmunds and Car and Driver, where he performed instrumented testing and wrote everything from technical breakdowns to long-form adventure stories. This hands-on enthusiast's early fascination with cars evolved into a professional journey that blends his technical knowledge and deep appreciation for engaging driver's cars.
11/18/2024
The 2025 GLE is Mercedes' midsize SUV, slotting into the range below the three-row GLS and above the two-row GLC. It comes standard with two rows of seats and a third row is optional on most trims, though it's compact enough to only be useful for smaller people. The GLE, including the AMG variants, is offered in six different outputs suited to nearly any taste. There's even a plug-in hybrid. The base trim is the only variant that comes in a rear-wheel-drive version. After a significant revision for 2024, Mercedes made only minor changes to the GLE lineup for 2025.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class AMG GLE 53 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.91 per gallon for premium unleaded in Massachusetts.
From its modest 350 base trim to the completely uncorked AMG 63 S, Mercedes ensures that the GLE lineup has a product to align with every budget and personality. Power output ranges from a benign 255-horsepower four-cylinder to 603 horsepower from the AMG 63 S's turbocharged V8. There's even a plug-in hybrid, the GLE 450e, that offers 381 combined horsepower and nearly 60 miles of all-electric range to help you reduce your gas consumption. Oh, and if you want a turbo V8 but aren't interested in any AMG shenanigans, there's the 510-horsepower GLE 580. That's some range, people. Don't say the GLE doesn't offer what you want.
Competitors to consider
The BMW X5 is a top alternative to the GLE. Like the Mercedes, it provides similar levels of luxury and technology and also a wide range of versions. You might also want to check out the Genesis GV80 for its value or the Porsche Cayenne if performance is a priority. The Audi Q8 is another good option. Check out our test team's Expert Rating below to help you decide.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
Driven, tested, rated by automotive expert Cameron Rogers
Manager, Written Content
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. As a manager of written content, he writes and edits the reviews that help consumers find their perfect car. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).
We drove the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Performance
8/10
How does the AMG GLE 53 drive? We tested the AMG GLE 53. It feels quick around town but, ultimately, acceleration is average for a sporty SUV. Our test vehicle covered 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds, which is much slower than a Porsche Cayenne S (4.4 seconds) and only 0.1 second quicker than the GLE 450. If your primary reason for upgrading was significantly more rapid acceleration, we have bad news for you.
On the bright side, braking performance is solid, with consistent stops from 60 mph in just 108 feet. The AMG GLE 53 also has impressive handling limits, allowing you to drive this big SUV with confidence.
We wish the steering had more feel to it, but the AMG GLE 53 is easy to steer and demands little effort from the driver, even at higher speeds. Also making this SUV easy to drive is the ultra-smooth turbocharged inline-six engine with its hybrid assist. The stop-start system is unobtrusive, as are the shifts from the nine-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort
8/10
How comfortable is the AMG GLE 53? We were wary to see that the AMG GLE 53 comes with the air suspension standard — the GLE 350 and 450 with this suspension can feel wallowy and floaty — but this version is tuned by AMG, and it's excellent. Body motions are well controlled in Comfort mode, and the SUV feels even more planted in Sport and Sport+. The ride is perfectly compliant in these performance modes, so impacts never feel punishing. The front seats are supportive and remain comfortable after hours behind the wheel. The rear seats are also nicely shaped and cushy, though they don't slide for extra legroom.
Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard (four-zone is optional) and it worked perfectly fine during our test. The throaty exhaust note is a double-edged sword. It sounds great, but you do hear it all the time, even under light loads.
Interior
9/10
How’s the interior? The GLE's cabin is close to perfect, exhibiting excellent usability and build quality that is second to none. It's also quite roomy, with plenty of legroom and headroom for second-row passengers. The driving position offers a commanding view of the road and plenty of adjustability, and the controls are within easy reach. Visibility is excellent, with clear sight lines all around.
We like the GLE's intuitive touchpad controller. Functions such as track/preset skipping, home and back are right on the pad, and it has useful haptic feedback. But the steering wheel touchpads are too easy to brush inadvertently and get an input you didn't want.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $3,507 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $3,507 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the AMG GLE 53 trim.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class AMG GLE 53 pricing in Boston, MA
How’s the tech? Mercedes' MBUX infotainment system sets a new bar for functionality. It's easy to use and robust to the point you can alter just about every car setting through it. The Burmester audio system (standard on the AMG GLE 53) has a surround-sound option that fully envelops the driver in hi-fi lusciousness. You'll want to crank up every song for an immersive experience — too bad max volume isn't higher.
For safety, a number of driving aids are standard. Semi-automated driving features are available through the Driver Assistance package. We found the features easy to use, and they helped reduce fatigue in stop-and-go traffic.
Storage
8.5/10
How’s the storage? The GLE's sizable cabin is well designed. Cubbies and compartments abound for stashing drinks and items. The cargo area is large and flat with no wheelwell intrusion. Max cargo room is among the best in the midsize luxury SUV class. And the GLE's max towing capacity of 7,700 pounds is similarly strong, albeit in line with most competitors. The back seat has four easy-to-access car seat anchors, and there's plenty of room for even the bulkiest child safety seats.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Fuel Economy
7/10
How economical is the AMG GLE 53? The AMG GLE 53 powertrain gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in combined driving. That's not bad considering the performance — the Audi Q8 produces the same EPA numbers but is down nearly 100 hp. By the same token, however, the similarly priced BMW X5 M60i has a 100-hp advantage over the GLE 53 from its V8 powertrain, yet it's only 1 mpg thirstier.
Value
7.5/10
Is the AMG GLE 53 a good value? Considering the AMG GLE 53's lackluster performance gains relative to the GLE 450, it's hard to say this version offers good value. But there's no arguing with the impressive interior design and the quality of the materials used. Every time you run your hands over the meaty microfiber-wrapped steering wheel or sit in the supple leather seats, you know where your money's going. The warranty isn't exceptional, however. Overall and powertrain warranties are average, and roadside assistance is less generous than what rivals offer.
Wildcard
8.5/10
The GLE can be fun to drive, though this 53 version isn't as great as the AMG badge suggests. Acceleration isn't really superior to the much less powerful GLE 450. On the flipside, the driving dynamics are improved upon — the steering is great, and handling is pretty good, too. If you want a performance SUV, though, you'd have to do some impressive mental gymnastics to choose this over the Cayenne S.
Which GLE-Class does Edmunds recommend?
You might have a hard time picking a GLE because there are so many versions. But you won't go wrong with the GLE 450. The extra power from its six-cylinder engine is more fitting for a midsize luxury SUV than the GLE 350's. The optional Driver Assistance package is also a near must-have.
These Are the Best Luxury SUVs You Can Buy in 2024
NOTE: This video is about the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, but since the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
Got a taste (and a budget) for the finer things in life? A luxury SUV might be right up your alley, and there are a whole lot to choose from. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of all the best. In this video, Edmunds’ Nick Yekikian tells you all about the best luxury SUVs on sale in 2024 and why we love them.
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good
FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2025 GLE-Class both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.4 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the GLE-Class has 33.3 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. Learn more
What's new in the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class:
No major updates for 2025
Part of the second GLE generation introduced for 2020
To determine whether the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the GLE-Class. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the GLE-Class's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2025 GLE-Class and gave it a 8.4 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2025 GLE-Class is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?
The least-expensive 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class AMG GLE 53 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $89,200.
Other versions include:
AMG GLE 53 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) which starts at $89,200
What are the different models of Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?
If you're interested in the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, the next question is, which GLE-Class model is right for you? GLE-Class variants include AMG GLE 53 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A). For a full list of GLE-Class models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
Related 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class AMG GLE 53 info
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