My Real World Review of the 2026 Mercedes GLE: The Big Boss of Family SUVs

Published On: January 13, 2026

I have tested many SUVs this year, but the Mercedes GLE is the one everyone asks me about. It is the dream car for many families. It is not too small like the GLC, and not too huge like the GLS. It is right in the middle.

I spent a week with the new 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 to see if it is worth the high price tag. Is it really the best luxury SUV, or are you just paying for the badge? Here is my honest review.

Table of Contents

Quick Spec Table

Here are the numbers for the GLE 450.

Feature	Specification
Engine	3.0L Turbo Inline-6 with Mild Hybrid
Horsepower	375 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque	369 lb-ft
Transmission	9-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain	All-Wheel Drive (4MATIC)
0-60 MPH	~5.3 seconds
MPG (Est.)	20 City / 26 Hwy
Screen Size	Dual 12.3-inch Displays
Cargo Space	33.3 cu ft (seats up)
Base Price	~$71,000 (GLE 450)

What is the GLE?

The GLE is a mid-size luxury SUV. It competes with the BMW X5 and the Audi Q7. It used to be called the “M-Class” a long time ago.

For 2026, Mercedes did not change the look too much. They made some small updates to the technology and the lights. It is mostly the same car as last year, which is a good thing because it was already very nice.

Exterior Design: It Has Presence

The GLE looks expensive. When you pull up to the school drop-off, people notice.

The Front

The front is bold. It has a big grill with the Mercedes star in the middle. My test car had the “AMG Line” package. This adds a grill with tiny little stars on it. It sparkles in the sun. The headlights are very bright and look sharp at night.

The Side and Back

From the side, it looks strong. The wheels are huge—my car had 21-inch wheels. They look great, but they make the tires very thin. At the back, the taillights are diamond-shaped. It has two big exhaust tips, but if you look close, they are fake. The real exhaust is hidden underneath. This is a common thing on new cars, but I wish they were real.

Interior: Like a Five-Star Hotel

This is where the GLE shines. The interior is beautiful. It feels much more special than a BMW X5.

The Screens

There are two giant 12.3-inch screens sitting next to each other. It looks like one huge piece of glass. The graphics are amazing. They are crisp and colorful. You can change the design of the gauges to look “Sporty” or “Classic.”

The Handlebars

In the middle console, there are two big grab handles. I am not sure why you need them in a luxury SUV (unless you go off-roading, which nobody does), but they look cool. They are wrapped in leather.

Comfort

The seats are fantastic. They are wide and soft. You can get them with massage function. I used the “Hot Stone Massage” on my way home from work, and it was heaven. The ambient lighting is also the best in the business. You can choose from 64 colors. At night, the whole car glows.

The Bad Part

Like other Mercedes cars, there is too much “Piano Black” plastic. It is shiny and black, but it scratches very easily. After one week, it was already covered in dust and fingerprints.

Technology: “Hey Mercedes”

The tech is very smart. The car uses the MBUX system. You can talk to the car.

“Hey Mercedes, I am hot.” (She turns on the AC).
“Hey Mercedes, take me home.” (She sets the navigation).

The navigation system has a cool trick called “Augmented Reality.” When you need to turn, the camera shows the road on the screen and draws blue arrows on the street. It is very helpful at tricky intersections.

Driving Impressions: Floating on a Cloud

I drove the GLE 450 4MATIC.

The Engine

It has a 3.0-liter turbo inline-6 engine. It has 375 horsepower. It also has a mild-hybrid system. This engine is a masterpiece. It is so smooth you can barely hear it. When you step on the gas, it moves this big SUV very fast. It feels powerful and effortless.

The Ride

The ride quality is amazing. My car had the optional “AIRMATIC” air suspension. It feels like the car is floating. It soaks up every bump and pothole. If you want comfort, this is the car to buy.

Also Read My Real World Review of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC: The Perfect Middle Child

The Other Engines

GLE 350: This has a 4-cylinder engine. It is okay, but it feels a little weak for such a heavy car. It sounds a bit strained when you go uphill.
GLE 580: This has a V8. It is super fast, but it drinks a lot of gas.
GLE 450e (Plug-in Hybrid): This is a great option. It can drive on electricity for about 40-50 miles. If you charge it at home, you save a lot of gas.

Practicality: Room for (Almost) Everyone

Second Row

The back seat is huge. There is so much legroom. The seats can slide forward and back electronically. My kids had plenty of space.

Third Row

You can get a third row in the GLE, but it is tiny. It is only for small children. If you try to put an adult back there, they will be very unhappy. If you need a real 7-seater, buy the Mercedes GLS instead.

Trunk

The trunk is big. It has about 33 cubic feet of space. You can fit a lot of luggage or groceries. If you fold the seats down, it is massive.

Reliability and Issues

I have to be honest here. The GLE is a complicated car. It has a lot of electronics.

Some owners complain about the 48-volt battery system failing.
The screen can sometimes glitch or freeze.
The air suspension can be expensive to fix if it breaks after the warranty ends.

If you buy this car, I highly recomend keeping it under warranty. Repairs at the Mercedes dealer are very expensive.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The GLE is not cheap.

GLE 350: The base model. It starts around $63,000. It is nice, but the engine is just “adequate.”
GLE 450: This is the one to buy. It starts around $71,000. The smooth 6-cylinder engine is worth the extra money.
GLE 450e: The Plug-in Hybrid. It is priced similarly to the 450. Good if you want to save gas.
GLE 580: The V8 beast. Starts over $87,000.

Recommendation: Buy the GLE 450 4MATIC with the Exclusive Trim. It gives you the best engine and the best features like the ventilated seats and the nice sound system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is the third row worth it?

A: Only if you have very small kids. It costs about $2,100 extra. It is very tight and leaves you with almost no trunk space when it is up.

Q: Does it have a spare tire?

A: No. It uses a “Tirefit” kit or Run-Flat tires. If you want a spare, you have to buy one separately and it takes up trunk space.

Q: Is the GLE 350 underpowered?

A: A little bit. It is fine for city driving, but if you carry a full car of people and luggage on the highway, you will wish you had the GLE 450 engine.

Q: Is it good for towing?

A: Yes! It can tow up to 7,700 lbs if you get the towing package. That is very good for a luxury SUV.

Final Verdict

Is the 2026 Mercedes GLE worth the money?

Yes.

It is expensive, but it feels expensive. It is comfortable, quiet, and makes you feel like a boss. It is a better luxury car than the BMW X5, even if the BMW is a little more fun to drive.

If you can afford it, skip the base GLE 350 and get the GLE 450. That smooth engine makes the car feel perfect. Just be prepared for the high maintenance costs later on.

Pros: