Summary
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is a large SUV model that sits between the smaller GLC and larger GLS in the Mercedes-Benz SUV family. This the current model, which arrived in the UK in 2019.
Although it’s the second generation to wear the GLE badge, it’s actually the fourth generation of the model (which was originally called the ML from 1997 to 2015).
The GLE range consists of a regular SUV model and a GLE Coupe body style, which is not actually a coupé but rather an almost identical SUV shape with a more raked cargo area. There is also a higher-performance model called the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53, and an even faster GLE 63 version arrived in 2020.
The GLE has received particular praise for its interior design and quality, as well as its comfortable ride. However, it has been criticised for tight third-row seating and unimpressive handling.
As of July 2025, the Mercedes-Benz GLE holds an Expert Rating of C, with a score of 61%. Its reliability score is good, and the plug-in hybrid models help contribute to very good CO2 emissions, but its media review score are only average and its running costs are extremely high.
Key specifications
Body style: Large SUV and Coupé SUV
Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £77,985 on-road
Launched: Spring 2019
Last updated: Spring 2023
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Featured reviews
“What it does take from its saloon siblings is largely good stuff, although we’d like a more refined ride. At this price point the diesel doesn’t feel special enough, either. The pick of the range looks like a pricier petrol with the fancier adjustable suspension.”
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
Read full review
Auto Express
Alastair Crooks
“It’s all very calm, very relaxed and totally unobtrusive. It makes it all feel very late-1990s, when lap times and acceleration figures weren’t the be-all and end-all as they are today. Further proof that less can be more and all the better for it.”
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
Read full review
Evo
Stuart Gallagher
More reviews
Auto Trader
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé is very comfortable, looks the part, has a fantastic cabin and a rare diesel option… but it’s no sports car.”
Author: Mark Nichol
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Car
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Relaxing rather than exciting, the CLE will find favour with exactly the same sort of buyers who purchased the old C- and E-Class coupes. Which is just what it’s meant to do.”
Author: Keith Adams
Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The Mercedes CLE looks good, offers a decent amount of room inside and drives well, replacing two models in one go.”
Author: Charlie Harvey, Andy Goodwin
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
“The Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe is one of those increasingly rare sights – a sleek two-door coupe. It has a good-sized boot, but it could be a bit cramped for rear seat passengers.”
Read review
Motoring Research
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Replacing both the C-Class coupe and E-Class coupe in Mercedes-Benz’s rationalised range, the CLE manages to be a more convincing proposition than either car, with smart styling, relaxed road manners and a roomy interior.”
Author: John Redfern
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“No surprises with the Mercedes-Benz CLE – it’s a comfortable, premium and good-looking coupe. We felt there was more C-Class than E-Class about the way it drove, but it shouldn’t put buyers off from either side. But either way, we like it.”
Author: Keith Adams
Read review
Regit
Model reviewed: CLE 300 4Matic AMG Line Premium Plus
Score: 8 / 10
“If you were ever in any doubt that two could become one, the Mercedes-Benz CLE has proved it is possible. Yes, there will be people out there who will say it’s not like the outgoing C-Class or E-Class Coupe models, but we think they have found the perfect balance between the two.”
Author: Maxine Ashford
Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic CLE 450 AMG Line Premium Plus Coupe
Score: 8 / 10
The Mercedes-Benz CLE is a modern take on the archetypal Mercedes coupe, and all the better for it. In much the same way as those two-door Mercs of old, the CLE feels as though it would be most at home with its nose pointed south, whisking you to a table by the Med for dinner in understated style.”
Author: Alex Robbins
Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Relaxing to drive but infuriating to operate, the CLE is an old-school coupe spoiled by poorly integrated tech.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: July 2019
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 91%
Child protection: 90%
Vulnerable road users: 78%
Safety assist: 78%
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of July 2025, the Mercedes-Benz GLE has not been assessed by Green NCAP.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 79
Average repair cost: £518.35
Last updated: April 2025
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
The Mercedes-Benz GLE has a better-than-average reliability score of 71%, according to workshop and extended warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our commercial partner, MotorEasy.
The average repair cost of just over £500 is quite competitive for such a large and expensive vehicle. Gearbox repairs have been the most expensive problems, with an average repair bill of about £2,300. Thankfully, these have been quite rare to date.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 28 mpg | E | 27 – 29 mpg | E – E |
| Diesel models | 37 mpg | D | 34 – 45 mpg | C – D |
| Plug-in hybrid models | 343 mpg | A | 257 – 471 mpg | A – A |
| CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 230 g/km | D | 220 – 242 g/km | D – D |
| Diesel models | 199 g/km | D | 179 – 220 g/km | C – D |
| Plug-in hybrid models | 20 g/km | A | 17 – 26 g/km | A – A |
| Battery range | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Plug-in hybrid models | 36 miles | E | 19 – 38 miles | D – E |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 50 | F | 46 – 50 | D – F |
| Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
| Year 1 | £452 | D |
| Year 2 | £1,118 | D |
| Year 3 | £1,846 | D |
| Year 4 | £2,289 | D |
| Year 5 | £2,980 | D |
| Overall | £8,685 | D |
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is an expensive car to run, according to numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Fuel consumption is unsurprisingly poor for petrol models, and only average for diesels. The plug-in hybrid stats look good on paper, but this is largely a function of misleading EU/UK government lab tests that make every plug-in hybrid look amazing. There are no real-world situations where you’re going to get 270 miles out of a single gallon (4.5 litres) of fuel and a bit of electricity.
Insurance and scheduled servicing costs for the GLC are likely to be high, especially compared to similarly-sized cars from other brands.
Awards
Significant UK trophies and awards that the Mercedes-Benz GLE has received
2021
- Auto Trader New Car Awards – Best seven-seater
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Mercedes-Benz GLE, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Audi Q7 | Audi Q8 | BMW X5 | BMW X6 | Land Rover Discovery | Lexus RX L | Maserati Levante | Porsche Cayenne | Range Rover Sport | Volkswagen Touareg | Volvo XC90
Buy a Mercedes-Benz GLE
If you’re looking to buy a new or used Mercedes-Benz GLE, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car
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Lease a Mercedes-Benz GLE
If you’re looking to lease a new Mercedes-Benz GLE, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal
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