2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

~7.1 s (GLE 350 4MATIC, mfr est.)

The 2.0T without a mild-hybrid system makes 273 lb-ft. The 295 lb-ft 48V version arrived with the 2024 facelift.

0–60 mph time

40/100

This is adequate but slow for the class. Most rivals' base engines are six-cylinders or stronger turbo fours and post quicker times.

Powertrain refinement66

The 2.0T is smooth at cruise but sounds strained and gruff when pushed in a 4,700-lb SUV, and there is no 48V system to smooth engine stop-start. The GLE 450's inline-six is far more refined, but it is not the volume trim.

Transmission behavior74

7,700 lbs (4MATIC, properly equipped); 5,950 lbs RWD GLE 350

The 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic shifts smoothly and unobtrusively. It is sometimes slow to kick down and can lurch at low speed when stop-start restarts the engine.

Max towing capacity

96/100

A 7,700-lb rating is near the top of the mid-size luxury SUV class.

AWD/4WD availability80

4MATIC AWD is available on the GLE 350 and standard on the 450, 580 and AMG models. It comes with Dynamic Select drive modes, and an Off-Road Engineering package with a low-range transfer case is available.

Off-road capability56

Powertrain lineup breadth72

It has about 8 in of ground clearance, an available AIRMATIC lift, off-road drive programs and an optional low-range package. It has no dedicated off-road trim or lockers, so it is capable but pavement-biased.

22 MPG combined (GLE 350 4MATIC)

There are five distinct gas powertrains: 2.0T I4, 3.0T I6 mild hybrid, 4.0TT V8 mild hybrid, AMG 53 I6 and AMG 63 S V8. No plug-in was offered in the US for 2021; the GLE 450e arrived with the 2024 facelift.

2Efficiency & RangeOne of the GLE's weakest categories.0.40F

Combined fuel economy

35/100

This is about average for a gas mid-size luxury SUV.

City fuel economy

19 MPG city

31/100

EPA city rating for the volume trim.

Highway fuel economy

26 MPG highway

38/100

~495 mi (22.5 gal × 22 MPG combined)

EPA highway rating for the volume trim.

Driving range

67/100

Estimated annual fuel cost

The large tank gives a strong combined range despite middling fuel economy.

$3,650/yr (EPA, premium fuel)

0/100

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The premium-fuel requirement puts annual fuel cost at the top of the band.

Fuel requirements25

Every 2021 GLE gas powertrain requires premium unleaded.

3SafetyThe GLE's best-graded category.3.09B

NHTSA overall rating

5★ overall (5★ frontal, 5★ side, 4★ rollover)

100/100

IIHS awards & crashworthiness84

NHTSA rates the 2021 GLE 5 stars overall in both RWD and 4WD form, with 5 stars for frontal and side impact and 4 stars for rollover resistance.

Standard ADAS suite breadth60

The 2021 GLE earned an IIHS 2021 Top Safety Pick+. It rates Good in every crashworthiness test IIHS ran. The award applies only to vehicles with the optional front crash prevention system, which keeps the score below the top of the band.

Automatic emergency braking performance64

Standard equipment covers AEB with forward collision warning (Active Brake Assist), Blind Spot Assist, rear automatic braking and Attention Assist. Lane departure warning is not standard, and adaptive cruise, lane centering and evasive steering need the Driver Assistance Package, which is thin for a luxury SUV at this price.

Blind-spot & cross-traffic coverage72

Both the standard and the optional systems earn Superior in IIHS vehicle-to-vehicle tests. For pedestrians, the optional system rates Superior in daytime tests, but the standard system rates only Basic, so how the car is optioned matters a lot.

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 it, the 2021 car lacks even lane departure warning as standard.

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 2021 GLE has no hands-free highway mode, because Active Steering Assist requires hands on the wheel. Rivals such as the Cadillac XT6 already offered or soon added Super Cruise.

Headlight performance74

IIHS rates the two headlight variations Good and Acceptable. The Good-rated curve-adaptive LED projectors with high-beam assist are the better setup, and the base reflector high-beam variant 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, and there is an extra tether-equipped seating position. 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.1.77C-

Seating capacity

25/100

The volume 2021 GLE 350 4MATIC seats five. An optional power-folding third row raises capacity to seven, but few buyers choose it and the seats are child-sized.

Front headroom

40.5 in

70/100

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Front headroom is generous. For 2021 the second year of the W167 body only added standard equipment, so the cabin dimensions are unchanged from the 2020 launch.

Front legroom

40.3 in

7/100

Front legroom is at the low end of the SUV band. It is adequate, but roomier rivals offer more.

Rear headroom

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

22/100

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 the 36.9 in figure is used.

Rear legroom

40.9 in

91/100

Second-row legroom is generous thanks to the long 117.9-in wheelbase, and it is a genuine strength of the GLE.

Third-row usability45

33.3 cu ft behind 2nd row

The volume five-seat GLE has no third row. The optional third row 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 solutions68

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

Everyday storage is competent: a useful center console, door bins, a front wireless-charging tray (newly standard for 2021) and 40/20/40 split rear seats with pass-through. Nothing leads the segment.

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 optional AIRMATIC air suspension. The steel-spring GLE 350 can jiggle over broken pavement, so it trails the plushest rivals.

Cabin quietness85

Climate & comfort features81

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

$55,800 (GLE 350 rear-drive, $54,750 + $1,050 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 pre-conditioning.

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

Base MSRP

23/100

~$62,500 (GLE 350 4MATIC as typically equipped; $58,300 base incl. destination)

In 2021, the second model year of the W167 generation, 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

13/100

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)

0/100

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.

~48% of MSRP retained at ~5 yr (observed; GLE 350 4MATIC)

27/100

The 2021 model is now about five and a half years old, so this is observed depreciation rather than a projection. The volume 4MATIC retains a little under half its original MSRP, which is typical for German luxury SUVs and well below Lexus.

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

0/100

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.

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

Effective 5-Year Ownership Cost

$42,500 (≈$32,500 depreciation + $10,000 maintenance)

20/100

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$62,500 volume-trim price minus its estimated resale value after 5 years (48% retained, or about $30,000) leaves about $32,500 in depreciation. Add the projected $10,000 in 5-year maintenance and repairs, and owning this vehicle for 5 years costs about $42,500 in total.

6Reliability & QualityOne of the GLE's weakest categories.1.61D

Predicted reliability33

Consumer Reports' 2021 GLE verdict is behind its paywall and couldn't be retrieved. The neighbouring W167 years are both well below average: CR scored the 2022 GLE 5/100 and still rates the 2025 'less reliable than the average new car'. The 2021 is the second model year of the same generation and drivetrain, and it carries more early-build recall campaigns than 2022, so it is scored in the low band.

Brand reliability track record58

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In J.D. Power VDS and Consumer Reports brand rankings, Mercedes-Benz sits mid-pack to lower-mid. It ranks above Land Rover and Jaguar but well behind Lexus and generally behind BMW.

Recall & TSB history36

MY2021 is the early-build peak of W167 recall activity. Roughly twenty NHTSA campaigns name it, and most of them reach the volume GLE 350. They include an ESP software fault in evasive maneuvers, misrouted front airbag-sensor wiring, two fuel-pump shutdown recalls, a loosening steering-coupling screw, incorrectly assembled seats, a faulty middle-seat belt buckle, an insufficiently bonded rear window, a dashboard surface that can detach, LED headlight faults, and AC drain hoses that can flood the cabin electronics. The repeated safety-system and assembly campaigns put it well into the low band.

Powertrain durability reputation62

Interior material quality85

MY2021 is the second year of the W167 generation that launched for 2020, and a carry-over year (the facelift came for 2024). The volume GLE 350 pairs the M264 2.0L turbo four with the 9G-Tronic automatic, and neither has a catastrophic failure pattern. The two fuel-pump shutdown recalls and CR's engine trouble-spot flag on adjacent years hold it 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 dual-screen MBUX layout. Reviewers rank it alongside the BMW X5 and Audi Q7.

Fit & finish64

Dealer & service network86

Panel gaps are tight and the cabin looks well assembled. But 2021 builds carried an unusual number of assembly-escape recalls: a dashboard surface not secured to its base, seats assembled incorrectly, an insufficiently bonded rear window, misinstalled AC drain hoses, detaching rear-door trim bars, a misrouted sensor harness and an unsecured ground. CR also flags noises/leaks and power equipment on this generation.

Parts availability & repair cost52

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 2021 is now well outside its 4-year/50,000-mile warranty.

7Technology & InfotainmentOne of the GLE's strongest categories.3.02B

Touchscreen size

62/100

Infotainment UX & responsiveness76

Two 12.3-inch widescreen displays are standard on the 2021 GLE 350: a central touchscreen and a driver display.

Wireless CarPlay / Android Auto62

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 but wired-only for 2021. Wireless projection did not arrive until the 2024 facelift. The 2021 wireless upgrade was phone charging, not projection.

The 'Hey Mercedes' natural-language assistant is one of the segment's better voice systems. The native navigation is strong and offers optional augmented-reality turn guidance.

Audio system quality83

Digital instrument cluster90

The base audio is decent, and the optional 13-speaker Burmester surround system is well regarded. For 2021 premium audio also moved from standard to optional on the GLE 450, which leaves Burmester as an extra-cost item across the volume trims.

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

OTA update capability68

Companion app & remote functions76

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 power76

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

Keyless & remote access82

USB-C ports are fitted in both rows, and a front wireless charging pad became standard for 2021. There is no household AC outlet.

Push-button start, app-based remote start and a power liftgate are standard. Full KEYLESS-GO proximity entry with a hands-free liftgate comes with the Premium Package.

Camera & parking aids73

Head-up display availability74

A rear camera and front and rear parking sensors are standard. The surround-view camera costs extra on the 2021 GLE 350; for 2021 it became standard only on the GLE 580. Active Parking Assist is available.

Kid & car-seat practicality76

A large, full-color head-up display is available on the GLE 350 through an option package. It is not standard in the US.

8Use-Case FitMid-pack among this car's ten categories.2.67C+

Wide rear doors, generous 40.9-in 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 package70

Family road-trip comfort82

The GLE has a 5-star NHTSA overall rating, a 2021 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and standard AEB plus blind-spot monitoring. However, the award needs the optional front crash prevention, the standard system rates only Basic for pedestrians, and lane departure warning 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 and four-zone climate cost extra.

Daily driving ease76

Commuting cost efficiency54

The GLE is smooth, quiet and easy in traffic. Its 2.0T lacks mild-hybrid assist, so stop/start restarts are less seamless than on the 2024 model. The 9-speed can hesitate at low speed, and surround view and adaptive high beams are optional for 2021; the high beams became standard in 2022.

Parking & maneuverability67

It returns 19/26/22 mpg on premium fuel, which is average-to-below 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 GLE 350.

Work capability68

Durability for work duty52

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 practicality42

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

Long-distance comfort & range83

Roof rails, cargo tie-downs, a 12V outlet and a factory hitch cover the basics. There is no 120V inverter, no washable cargo surfaces and no upfit ecosystem.

Outdoor & adventure capability70

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

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 ExperienceGrades above the middle of the scale.2.77B-

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 & response76

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

Drivetrain noise & vibration76

The 2021 GLE 350's 255-hp 2.0T lacks the 48V starter-generator added for 2024, so stop/start restarts are more noticeable. The 9G-TRONIC transmission shifts smoothly but can be slow to kick down.

39.5 ft (wall-to-wall, Mercedes figure)

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

Driving position & ergonomics80

Mercedes publishes a 39.5-ft wall-to-wall turning circle for the GLE 350 4MATIC on the W167 chassis, which is average for the class. The chassis is unchanged for 2021.

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 factor64

Standard equipment generosity60

The volume GLE 350 is a polished, quiet cruiser that is pleasant but forgettable. Enthusiasts look to the AMG GLE 53 or the AMG GLE 63 S, which was new for 2021.

10Value & Market PositionOne of the GLE's strongest categories.2.83B-

Feature value per dollar65

The 2021 GLE 350 includes the 255-hp turbo-four, MBUX dual 12.3-inch screens, LED lighting, a power liftgate, and wireless charging, ambient lighting and SiriusXM (all newly standard for 2021). Adaptive high beams (not standard until 2022), the full driver-assistance suite, a head-up display and air suspension cost extra, and the Genesis GV80 includes more as standard.

Trim & configuration breadth86

This is fair value for a top-tier luxury badge: a refined cabin, strong tech and a sub-$56k rear-drive entry price. Option-heavy builds pass $70k quickly, and the GV80 and Lexus RX give more content per dollar.

Sales popularity & market acceptance80

The lineup is wide: rear-drive and 4MATIC GLE 350, the GLE 450 inline-six, the GLE 580 V8, and the AMG GLE 53 and GLE 63 S, which are new for 2021. It spans roughly $56k to $115k+, with an optional third row and extensive packages. No plug-in hybrid was sold in the US.

Brand desirability & image88

In 2021 the redesigned GLE was one of Mercedes-Benz USA's highest-volume model lines. It ranks in the segment's top tier with the BMW X5 and Lexus RX and outsells the Q7, XC90 and GV80.

Deals & incentive availability55

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.

Early MY2021 sales still saw normal MBFS lease and loyalty offers, but the semiconductor shortage tightened luxury SUV inventory from mid-2021. Discounts faded, and some dealers added markups.

Model freshness75

Critical reception & awards75

2021 is the second model year of the W167 generation, which launched for MY2020, so the platform and MBUX tech were current. The facelift didn't arrive until MY2024, so buyers faced no near-term redesign.