2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350

Model Highlights

The Mercedes-Benz GLE is offered with no fewer than five different engine variations under the hood, starting with a 2.0L inline 4-cylinder engine aided by a turbocharger making 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Despite being the smallest and least powerful engine in the lineup, Mercedes claims a 0-60 time of just 7.1 seconds, making it mildly quick, especially for an SUV. The GLE 450 is powered by a 3.0L turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine making 362 horsepower while the AMG GL 43 uses a different 6-cylinder engine, this one a V-configuration and aided by twin turbochargers for 385 horsepower. The AMG GLE 63 gets a twin-turbo V8 with 550 horsepower and the top of the line GLE 63S uses a tuned version of the same engine for 577 horsepower. Acceleration for the V8-engined GLE 63 models is in the low 4 second range, aided by a 9-speed transmission that sends power to all four wheels, which comes standard across the entire GLE range. Standard features on the GLE include heated power-adjustable front seats, a powered hands-free liftgate, a smart key with keyless access and keyless go, a remote starter, dual-zone automatic climate control, steering wheel mounted touch controls for the infotainment system, power folding side mirrors, a garage door opener, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, adaptive dampers with several driving modes, voice control, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with five USB ports. Driver assists that come standard include blind spot assist, active brake assist, a rearview camera, and active parking assist. The standard wheels are 19-inches while the interior comes standard with Mercedes' MB-tex leatherette and grey linden wood trim. Of course, things can get pretty interesting and unique with the option list. There are about eight different wheel designs available, ranging up to 21-inches, seven different trim options for the interior and twelve different upholstery options for the seats. For the exterior of the vehicle, Mercedes-Benz offers touches like a panoramic roof, illuminated running boards, an illuminated 3-pointed star in the grill, and a rear roof spoiler. Inside, buyers can opt for a third row seating arrangement, allowing the GLE to fit up to seven people, while a Premium Package offers a 590-watt Burmester stereo, along with LED ambient lighting, wireless charging for devices, SiriusXM satellite radio and an additional power outlet. Standalone options include massaging seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, power sunshades for the second row, heated and cooled cup holders, 4-zone climate control, soft close doors, and a memory system for the front seats.