2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

273 lb-ft (GLE 350); 369 lb-ft GLE 450, 516 lb-ft GLE 580

The volume GLE 350 4MATIC uses the 2.0L turbo four, which is modest for a mid-size luxury SUV. The lineup tops out with the 483-hp GLE 580 V8 introduced for 2020.

Torque

39/100

7.1 s (GLE 350 4MATIC, mfr); ~5.5 s GLE 450, ~4.5 s GLE 580

273 lb-ft from the turbo four is adequate but below six-cylinder rivals.

0–60 mph time

40/100

A 7-second run is mid-pack for the class; the six-cylinder and V8 trims are much quicker.

Powertrain refinement66

Reviewers found the GLE 350's turbo four smooth enough at cruise but somewhat gruff and short of urgency in a 4,700-lb SUV. The 48V EQ Boost inline-six in the GLE 450 is the refined choice.

Transmission behavior72

7,700 lbs (4MATIC, properly equipped); 5,950 lbs RWD

The 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic shifts smoothly and quietly but can be slow to kick down from the tall gears.

Max towing capacity

96/100

A 7,700-lb rating is among the highest in the mid-size luxury class.

AWD/4WD availability80

4MATIC AWD is optional on the GLE 350 and standard on the GLE 450 and 580, with DYNAMIC SELECT drive modes. The optional Off-Road Engineering package adds a two-speed transfer case with low range.

Off-road capability58

Powertrain lineup breadth72

With the available Airmatic/E-Active Body Control ride-height adjustment and the optional low-range package, the GLE is capable of light off-road work. It has no dedicated off-road trim or lockers and is mostly built for pavement.

22 MPG combined (GLE 350 4MATIC)

For 2020 the lineup ran from the 2.0T four to the mild-hybrid EQ Boost inline-six, the twin-turbo V8 and the AMG 53/63 variants. There was no US plug-in hybrid until the GLE 450e arrived for 2024.

2Efficiency & RangeOne of the GLE's weakest categories.0.46F

Combined fuel economy

35/100

This is the EPA combined figure for the volume 2.0T 4MATIC trim, about average for a gas mid-size luxury SUV.

City fuel economy

19 MPG city

31/100

This is the EPA city rating for the GLE 350 4MATIC.

Highway fuel economy

26 MPG highway

38/100

~495 mi (22.5-gal tank × 22 MPG combined)

This is the EPA highway rating for the GLE 350 4MATIC.

Driving range

67/100

Estimated annual fuel cost

EPA publishes no range for gas vehicles, so this is calculated as EPA combined MPG times the roughly 22.5-gallon tank.

$3,650/yr (EPA, premium fuel, 15k mi)

This is EPA's current annual fuel-cost estimate for the GLE 350 4MATIC, pushed up by the premium-fuel requirement.

Fuel requirements35

EPA lists premium gasoline for every 2020 GLE powertrain, which raises running costs over regular-fuel rivals.

3SafetyMid-pack among this car's ten categories.1.99C-

NHTSA overall rating

Not rated by NHTSA

IIHS awards & crashworthiness84

NHTSA did not crash-test the redesigned 2020 GLE, so it has no star ratings for this model year. NHTSA's 5-star overall rating starts with the 2021 model.

Standard ADAS suite breadth60

The redesigned 2020 GLE earned an IIHS 2020 Top Safety Pick+ and rates Good in every crashworthiness test. The award applies only to vehicles with optional front crash prevention built after July 2019, which keeps the score below the top of the band.

Automatic emergency braking performance64

Standard equipment includes Active Brake Assist (AEB), Blind Spot Assist and rear automatic braking. Lane departure warning, adaptive cruise and lane centering are optional in the Driver Assistance Package, which is a thin standard suite for a luxury SUV.

Blind-spot & cross-traffic coverage72

Both the standard and the optional systems rate Superior in IIHS vehicle-to-vehicle tests. In the daytime pedestrian test the optional system rates Superior but the standard system rates only Basic.

Lane keeping & centering70

Blind Spot Assist with exit warning and rear automatic braking are standard. Active (braking) blind-spot intervention and the cross-traffic braking functions come only with the optional Driver Assistance Package.

Adaptive cruise & highway assist84

With the package fitted, Active Steering Assist centers confidently on marked highways and adds automated lane changes. Without the package there is not even lane departure warning.

Hands-free driving availability25

DISTRONIC, with route-based speed adaptation and extended stop-and-go restart, is among the most refined adaptive cruise systems in the class. It loses points for being optional.

The 2020 GLE has no hands-free highway mode, because Active Steering Assist requires hands on the wheel. Cadillac's Super Cruise was already offering hands-free driving at the time.

Headlight performance74

IIHS rates the two headlight variations Good and Acceptable. The Good rating goes to the Advanced Lighting Package LEDs with high-beam assist, and the base LED setup rates Acceptable.

Outward visibility74

Child-seat (LATCH) usability82

Forward and side sightlines are good for the class, but thick D-pillars limit the rear-quarter view. Standard parking sensors and a rear camera, plus an available 360° camera, make up for much of it.

5 (7 with optional third-row seat package)

IIHS rates the LATCH hardware Good for ease of use, with two full LATCH positions plus a tether-equipped center seat. Wide rear doors and a roomy second row make it easy to fit two child seats.

4Space & ComfortMid-pack among this car's ten categories.1.75C-

Seating capacity

25/100

The volume 2020 GLE 350 4MATIC seats five. An optional power-folding third row raises capacity to seven, but few buyers order it and the seats suit children only.

Front headroom

40.5 in

70/100

Front headroom is generous. Wikipedia marks 2020 as the launch year of the fourth-generation W167 GLE, and its cabin dimensions held unchanged until the 2024 facelift.

Front legroom

40.3 in

7/100

36.9 in (MB figure; some dealer feeds quote 39.6 in)

Front legroom sits near the bottom of the SUV band. It is adequate for most drivers, but roomier rivals offer more.

Rear headroom

22/100

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Mercedes' published second-row headroom is modest for a mid-size SUV. Some dealer feeds quote 39.6 in, which conflicts with the manufacturer and TrueDelta figure, so 36.9 in is used.

Rear legroom

40.9 in

91/100

The W167's 3.1-in-longer 117.9-in wheelbase gives the second row generous legroom. This was a headline gain over the previous W166 GLE.

Third-row usability45

33.3 cu ft behind 2nd row

The volume five-seat GLE has no third row. The optional third row was new to the GLE for 2020, but it gives children only about 29 in of legroom and takes up most of the cargo space when raised.

Cargo/trunk volume

15/100

74.9 cu ft max (rear seats folded)

Cargo space behind the second row matches the BMW X5 but trails the Volvo XC90 and three-row rivals.

Max cargo volume

44/100

In-cabin storage & clever solutions65

Maximum cargo space with the 40/20/40 second row folded is mid-pack for mid-size luxury SUVs.

Everyday storage is competent, with a useful center console, door bins and 40/20/40 split rear seats with pass-through. On the 2020 car, wireless charging and the 115V outlet are part of the optional Premium Package rather than standard.

Seat comfort84

The front seats are widely praised for support and adjustability, and multicontour massage seats are available. The rear bench is comfortable for adults.

Ride quality78

The ride is smooth and quiet on most surfaces, especially with the optional AIRMATIC air suspension or the E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL available on the GLE 450. The steel-spring GLE 350 can jiggle over broken pavement.

Cabin quietness85

Climate & comfort features79

Reviewers consistently describe the W167 cabin as hushed at highway speed, making it one of the quieter cabins in the class.

$54,695 (GLE 350 rear-drive, $53,700 + $995 destination)

Heated power front seats and dual-zone climate control are standard. Ventilated and massage seats, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats and four-zone climate are optional, and the app offers remote start and pre-conditioning.

5Cost of OwnershipThe GLE's lowest-graded category.0.00F

Base MSRP

26/100

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2020 was the launch year of the W167 generation, and the lineup opened with a rear-drive GLE 350. That puts the entry price in the upper part of the SUV band.

Volume-Trim Price

~$62,000 (GLE 350 4MATIC as typically equipped; $57,195–59,315 base incl. destination)

15/100

5-Year Maintenance & Repair Cost

The GLE 350 4MATIC is the volume trim. Dealer stock usually adds the Premium package plus paint and wheel options, which lands it in the low $60k range.

~$10,000 over 5 yr (KBB-class estimate)

5-Year Resale Value Retention

There is no included maintenance, Mercedes Service A/B visits are expensive, and the 4-year/50,000-mile warranty leaves year-5 repairs to the owner. Estimates for the W167 GLE land around $10k.

~45% of MSRP retained at 5 yr (observed ~41% at ~6.5 yr; GLE 350 4MATIC)

17/100

The 2020 model is about six and a half years old, so depreciation is observed rather than projected. The volume 4MATIC is worth about 41% of its original MSRP now, which implies roughly 45% at the five-year mark. That is weaker than the 2021 model and typical of German luxury SUVs.

Basic warranty

4 yr / 50,000 mi

50/100

4 yr / 50,000 mi (no separate powertrain term)

Mercedes-Benz USA's new-vehicle limited warranty runs 4 years/50,000 miles. That matches BMW and Audi but trails Genesis's 5 years/60,000 miles.

Powertrain warranty

Complimentary maintenance & perks40

Mercedes has no separate, longer powertrain warranty, so drivetrain coverage ends with the 4/50 basic warranty. That is below the segment's 5-year floor.

Effective 5-Year Ownership Cost

There is no complimentary scheduled maintenance, which BMW and Volvo both include. Perks are limited to roadside assistance for the warranty term and a Mercedes me connect trial.

$44,100 (≈$34,100 depreciation + $10,000 maintenance)

16/100

$62,000 volume-trim price minus its estimated resale value after 5 years (45% retained, or about $27,900) leaves about $34,100 in depreciation. Add the projected $10,000 in 5-year maintenance and repairs, and owning this vehicle for 5 years costs about $44,100 in total.

6Reliability & QualityOne of the GLE's weakest categories.1.46D

Predicted reliability32

Brand reliability track record58

MY2020 is the launch year of the W167 GLE, and Consumer Reports' 2020 verdict could not be retrieved because it sits behind the paywall. Neighbouring W167 years rate far below average: CR scored the 2022 GLE 5/100 and still rates the 2025 'less reliable than the average new car'. A first-year build with the heaviest recall load of the generation goes no higher than the low band.

Mercedes-Benz sits mid-pack to lower-mid in J.D. Power VDS and Consumer Reports brand rankings. It ranks above Land Rover and Jaguar but well behind Lexus and generally behind BMW. The brand fell to 28th of 30 in the UK's 2020 Driver Power survey before recovering to 13th in 2021.

Recall & TSB history30

Powertrain durability reputation60

As the W167 launch year, MY2020 carries the generation's heaviest recall load: about 35 NHTSA campaigns, most of which reach the volume GLE 350. They include a passenger airbag that may not deploy correctly in high cabin heat, a badly welded fuel filler pipe (fuel leak), a floor weld hole, insufficiently welded rear crossmember seams, an incorrectly installed driveshaft locking ring, an ESP fault during evasive maneuvers, a detaching dashboard surface, incorrectly assembled seats, and AC drain hoses that can flood the cabin electronics. Repeated safety-system and assembly campaigns put it deep in the low band.

Interior material quality85

The volume GLE 350 pairs the M264 2.0L turbo four with the 9G-Tronic automatic, and neither has a catastrophic failure pattern. But both were brand-new in this application for 2020, and launch builds needed a driveshaft locking-ring recall. CR also flags engine trouble spots on adjacent W167 years, and owners report 48V EQ Boost faults on the GLE 450, so it lands in the middle band.

The cabin materials are among the best in the mid-size luxury class: open-pore wood, metal trim and widespread soft-touch surfaces under the then-new dual-screen MBUX layout. Reviewers rank it alongside the BMW X5 and Audi Q7.

Fit & finish58

Dealer & service network86

Panel gaps are tight and the cabin looks well assembled. But 2020 launch builds produced a long run of assembly-escape recalls: floor and crossmember welds, a fuel filler weld, a detaching dashboard surface, incorrectly assembled seats, misinstalled AC drain hoses, detaching door window trim, a pinched seat harness and a loose seat bolt. UK owners also cite interior trim faults in year one.

Parts availability & repair cost50

Mercedes-Benz has one of the densest luxury dealer networks in the US, about 380 dealers, with mature service operations. Its J.D. Power service satisfaction is competitive within the luxury segment.

12.3 in (dual 12.3-in MBUX screens)

The dealer network keeps parts readily available, but Mercedes repair and maintenance costs are among the industry's highest. Air suspension and MBUX/sensor components are expensive and largely dealer-only. A 2020 is now well outside its 4-year/50,000-mile warranty.

7Technology & InfotainmentThe GLE's best-graded category.2.93B-

Touchscreen size

62/100

Infotainment UX & responsiveness76

The 2020 W167 GLE 350 launched with two 12.3-inch widescreen displays as standard: a central touchscreen and a driver display.

Wireless CarPlay / Android Auto60

The first-generation MBUX system is fast with sharp graphics. However, its menus are dense, and control is split across the touchscreen, a touchpad and steering-wheel swipe pads, which reviewers call distracting.

Voice control & native navigation82

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on the 2020 GLE but wired-only. Wireless projection did not arrive until the 2024 facelift.

The 'Hey Mercedes' natural-language assistant is one of the segment's better voice systems. The native navigation is strong, and the MBUX Technology Package adds augmented-reality turn guidance.

Audio system quality82

Digital instrument cluster90

The base audio is decent, and the 13-speaker Burmester surround system is well regarded. On the volume GLE 350 it comes in the Premium Package; for 2020 it is standard on the GLE 450, which lost it for 2021.

A configurable, fully digital 12.3-inch driver display with multiple styles and modes is standard.

OTA update capability66

Companion app & remote functions75

MBUX receives over-the-air infotainment and map updates. Whole-vehicle OTA coverage is narrower than on Mercedes' newer MB.OS and EQ models.

Charging ports & device power70

The Mercedes me app covers remote start, climate, lock/unlock and vehicle location. Several features require a subscription after the trial period.

Keyless & remote access80

USB-C ports are fitted in both rows. Wireless charging and a 115V household outlet are available, but on the 2020 car both come only in the Premium Package; wireless charging became standard for 2021.

Push-button start, app-based remote start and a power liftgate are standard. Full KEYLESS-GO proximity entry with a hands-free liftgate is an option, and there is no phone-as-key.

Camera & parking aids72

Head-up display availability74

A rear camera and parking sensors are standard. The surround-view camera comes in the optional Parking Assistance Package on the 2020 GLE, and Active Parking Assist is available.

Kid & car-seat practicality76

A large, full-color head-up display is available on the GLE 350 through the MBUX Technology Package. It is not standard in the US.

8Use-Case FitMid-pack among this car's ten categories.2.63C+

Wide rear doors, 40.9 in of rear legroom and Good-rated LATCH hardware make car-seat duty easy, and 33.3 cu ft behind the second row fits a stroller. The optional third row is for children only and takes up cargo space.

Family safety package66

Family road-trip comfort81

The 2020 GLE earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ with Good crashworthiness, and AEB plus blind-spot monitoring are standard. However, NHTSA did not rate the 2020 model, the + award needs the optional Exterior Lighting Package, and lane keeping and adaptive cruise require the extra-cost Driver Assistance Package.

A quiet cabin, a spacious rear seat and a mid-size cargo hold make long trips easy. Heated rear seats, four-zone climate and the rear-entertainment pre-wiring all cost extra.

Daily driving ease75

Commuting cost efficiency54

The GLE is smooth, quiet and easy in traffic. However, the GLE 350's 2.0T lacks mild-hybrid assist, so stop/start restarts are less seamless, the 9-speed can hesitate at low speed, and surround view is optional.

Parking & maneuverability66

The GLE 350 4MATIC returns 19/26/22 mpg on premium fuel, which is average to below average for a gas luxury SUV. Mercedes maintenance, tires and insurance are costly.

The 194.3-in footprint and 39.5-ft turning circle are manageable. However, the high beltline makes the corners hard to judge, and the 360° camera is optional on the 2020 GLE 350.

Work capability68

Durability for work duty50

The 7,700-lb tow rating (4MATIC, properly equipped) is strong for the class. The 255-hp four-cylinder has less reserve under load than the GLE 450's inline-six, and there is no bed.

Jobsite & upfit practicality44

The unibody is solid, but luxury interior materials, complex electronics and below-average dependability for a first-year redesign make the GLE a poor fit for hard use. Out-of-warranty repairs are expensive.

Long-distance comfort & range82

Roof rails, cargo tie-downs and a factory hitch cover the basics, and a 115V outlet is available in the Premium Package. There are no washable cargo surfaces and no upfit ecosystem.

Outdoor & adventure capability70

A quiet cabin, supportive seats and the optional DISTRONIC adaptive cruise with active lane change make the GLE a strong mile-eater. At 26 mpg on the highway with a 22.5-gal tank, it covers about 580 highway miles per tank, but the best driver assists cost extra.

Gear & luggage flexibility75

4MATIC AWD, off-road drive programs, optional AIRMATIC ride-height adjustment and the 7,700-lb tow rating handle gravel roads and toy trailers. The optional Off-Road Engineering Package adds low range and underbody protection.

Split-folding 40/20/40 rear seats, a power liftgate, roof rails and an available hitch give good flexibility. Cargo space of 33/75 cu ft is mid-pack, and underfloor storage is limited.

9Driving ExperienceOne of the GLE's strongest categories.2.74B-

Handling & agility72

The GLE 350 4MATIC is secure and composed but tuned for comfort. At about 4,700–4,900 lb it feels heavier and less agile than the BMW X5 or Porsche Cayenne. The optional AIRMATIC air suspension tightens body control.

Steering feel70

The steering is accurate and well weighted but numb on center with little feedback, which is typical of Mercedes' low-effort tuning.

Braking confidence78

Powertrain smoothness & response75

The pedal is firm and linear, and W167 GLEs stop from 70 mph in the mid-170-ft range, which is competitive for a heavy mid-size luxury SUV.

Drivetrain noise & vibration75

The 2020 GLE 350's 255-hp 2.0T has no 48V starter-generator, which was reserved for the GLE 450, so stop/start restarts are more noticeable. The 9G-TRONIC transmission shifts smoothly but can be slow to kick down.

39.5 ft (Mercedes figure; ~39.4 ft in EU data)

The four-cylinder is well isolated in normal driving. It is less silky than the GLE 450's inline-six and sounds gruff when worked hard.

Turning circle

31/100

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Mercedes publishes a 39.5-ft turning circle for the W167 GLE 350 4MATIC, which is average for the class.

Driving position & ergonomics80

The seat and wheel adjust widely and the view is commanding. The pre-facelift steering wheel's swipe pads and the touchpad-plus-touchscreen MBUX layout add some distraction.

Fun-to-drive factor63

Standard equipment generosity56

The volume GLE 350 is a polished, quiet cruiser that is pleasant but forgettable. Enthusiasts look to the GLE 450 or the AMG GLE 53, which was added for 2020.

10Value & Market PositionOne of the GLE's strongest categories.2.88B-

Feature value per dollar65

The 2020 GLE 350 comes standard with the 255-hp turbo-four, MBUX dual 12.3-inch screens, LED headlights and a power liftgate. Wireless charging, ambient lighting and SiriusXM were not standard until 2021. Adaptive high beams, the full driver-assistance suite, a head-up display and air suspension cost extra.

Trim & configuration breadth80

This is fair value for a top-tier luxury badge: a refined new cabin, class-leading MBUX tech and a sub-$55k rear-drive entry price. Option-heavy builds pass $70k quickly, and the Lexus RX and Acura MDX give more content per dollar.

Sales popularity & market acceptance80

The lineup offers rear-drive and 4MATIC GLE 350s, the GLE 450 mild-hybrid inline-six and the GLE 580 V8, spanning roughly $55k to $80k, with an optional third row and E-Active Body Control. The AMG GLE 53 and GLE 63 S didn't arrive until 2021, and no plug-in hybrid was sold in the US.

Brand desirability & image88

The redesigned GLE quickly became one of Mercedes-Benz USA's highest-volume model lines in 2020. It ranks in the segment's top tier with the BMW X5 and Lexus RX.

Deals & incentive availability62

The three-pointed star remains one of the most aspirational luxury badges in the US. That supports buyer satisfaction, though it does little for resale against Lexus.

As an all-new launch model, the GLE initially saw few discounts. During the 2020 pandemic sales slump, MBFS offered subsidized financing, payment deferrals and lease support, before the chip shortage of 2021 tightened inventory.

Model freshness90

Critical reception & awards75

2020 is the first model year of the all-new W167 generation, with a new platform, MBUX infotainment and a 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrain. The facelift didn't arrive until MY2024.