Used 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The fourth generation of Mercedes’s midsize SUV enters its sophomore year with some big news. Namely, four new AMG models have arrived. These include the 429-horsepower Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 and the 603-horsepower GLE, 63 S, plus two new coupe versions of the GLE—an AMG GLE 53 Coupe (429 hp) and an AMG GLE 63 S Coupe (603 hp).

With these new models, plus the standard GLE 350 (255 hp), GLE 450 (362 hp) and GLE 580 (429 hp), the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE represents a family of SUVs that ranges from practical and safe everyday machines to bold pulse-quickeners that exude opulence and are supercar quick. Competitors include the various Audi Q7 and BMW X5 models, plus the Porsche Cayenne.

In base form, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE has conventional suspension with steel springs and traditional shock absorbers. It’s tuned well, with nicely subdued damping lending an aura of refinement

With Airmatic air suspension, the sophistication increases. E-Active Body Control (E-ABC) adjusts the springs and dampers individually for each wheel, making the GLE completely customizable for a variety of situations. In the new AMG GLE 63 S, E-ABC practically eliminates body roll, even in aggressive cornering. In addition to automatic load leveling and active damping with Comfort, Sport, and Sport + modes, there are Trail and Sand modes that raise the GLE about 2 inches for added ground clearance.

Of note: A Road Surface Scan system uses cameras to read the road ahead, then adjusts the suspension accordingly for whatever may lay ahead, bit potholes, or smooth pavement. With the Dynamic Select drive system, the body of the GLE actually leans a bit into turns, like a motorcyclist. The GLE 4Matic all-wheel-drive system is biased toward the rear wheels, but it can send as much as 50 percent of the power forward when needed.

The GLE cabin is an indulgent den of luxury. It’s quiet and sumptuous, with beautiful leather upholstery and a pair of 12.3-inch digital screens along with some attractive piano-black trim pieces and excellent room in the first and second rows.

There’s also an optional electronically operated 50/50 split 3rd-row seat for two. With both back rows of seats folded, there are 73 cubic feet of available cargo room, with a flat load floor. With the third row (which is best for kids) in the up position, there are about 22 cubic feet of available—not huge, by any means, but enough for a typical grocery run.

The GLE’s redesign for 2020 still looks fresh after one year. We particularly like the aggressive nose of the GLE, which is highlighted by a hood with attractive character lines.

On the new AMG GLE models, there’s a unique AMG grille and a front air dam lined with a silvery chrome trim. While we think the sloping rear roofline of the new AMG GLE Coupes looks sharp, it eliminates the possibility of a 3rd-row seat. For the record, there are 33.3 cubic feet of storage behind Coupe’s second row, and 74.9 cubic feet when that seat is folded flat.

You can order the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S with 21- or 22-inch alloy wheels. Both look good (and proportional) in the GLE 63 S’s prominent wheel arches.

E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL
This system revolutionizes ride quality by automatically adjusting the settings of the electronically controlled air suspension. The lack of body roll in corners is downright eerie.

AMG V8 WITH EQ BOOST
This twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 puts out 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque in a smooth fashion. It’s aided by an integral electric starter/generator that puts out 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque to assist takeoffs, smoothen gearshifts and create silky automatic restarts. This engine also profits from an auxiliary electric supercharger that eliminates turbo lag.

Besides the latest “Hey, Mercedes” MBUX user interface, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, all 2021 GLE models come standard with LED headlights and taillights, GPS navigation, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, five USB ports, Sirius XM satellite radio, and 64 colors of ambient interior lighting.

On the safety and driver-assist front, the 2021 GLE also is well-armed. In addition to automatic emergency braking and an active parking program, the midsize Mercedes SUV has adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot warning, and even a program that fights driver drowsiness. Nineteen-inch wheels are standard on the non-AMG models, but the GLE 580 wears 20s. It also has standard Airmatic air suspension.

The new AMG GLE models, naturally, have more sport-oriented hardware. On the AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 53 Coupe, this includes the 429-horsepower inline-6 engine, an AMG steering wheel covered in Nappa leather, active LED headlamps, and 20-inch AMG alloy wheels.

If you opt for the much pricier AMG GLE 63 S or GLE 63 S Coupe, it comes with the hand-built twin-turbo V8 (with 603 hp), AMG exhaust, aluminum shift paddles, AMG sport seats, and some fun go-fast hardware that includes an electronic limited-slip differential, 21-inch wheels, and onboard AMG Track Pace system that will help groom you into a better driver at the track.

Notable options on the 2021 Mercedes GLE 350, GLE 450, and GLE 580 include Airmatic air suspension (standard on the 580), E-Active Body Control (not available on the 350), a 3rd-row seat package, and augmented video for navigation. These models also are available with a head-up display, 4-zone climate control, a Driver Assistance Package, a Burmester High-End Surround Sound audio system, and alloy wheels of up to 22 inches. You can also order these GLEs with a popular blacked-out Night Package.

The AMG versions of the 2021 Mercedes GLE don’t have as many options. Among the most noteworthy: the 3rd-row seat package (53 only), the AMG Performance Exhaust (53 only), AMG carbon-ceramic brakes (63 only), carbon-fiber interior trim, and the AMG Drive Unit, which is a round controller on the steering wheel that allows quick adjustments of the suspension, drive modes, and traction control (53 only). Options for the AMG GLE Coupes are similarly structured, minus the availability of a 3rd-row seat.

A 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo comes in the base GLE 350. It produces 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque and punches well for its weight.

The higher-priced GLE 450 has a turbocharged and electric supercharged 3.0-liter inline-6 with EQ boost that churns out 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This is our engine of choice. It makes this midsize Mercedes SUV feel energetic and lively, thanks to the 21 extra horsepower coming from the electric EQ Boost system.

All GLEs are equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission, but only the 63 S models get paddle shifters.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (GLE 350 & GLE 350 4Matic)
255 horsepower @ 5,800-6,100 rpm
273 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/26 (RWD & AWD)

3.0-liter turbo and supercharged inline-6 with EQ Boost (GLE 450 4Matic)
362 horsepower @ 5,500-6,100 rpm
369 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/24 mpg

4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with EQ Boost (GLE 580 4Matic)
483 horsepower @ 6,100 rpm
516 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/22 mpg

3.0-liter turbo and supercharged inline-6 with EQ Boost (AMG GLE 53)
429 horsepower @ 6,100 rpm
384 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/22 mpg, 18/23 mpg (Coupe)

4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with EQ Boost (AMG GLE 63 S)
603 horsepower @ 5,750-6,500 rpm
627 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/19 mpg

3.0-liter turbo and supercharged inline-6 with EQ Boost (AMG GLE 53 Coupe)
429 horsepower @ 6,100 rpm
384 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-5,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/23 mpg

4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with EQ Boost (AMG GLE 63 S Coupe)
603 horsepower @ 5,750-6,500 rpm
627 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/19 mpg