2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE Road Test and Review

Mercedes-Benz didn’t invent the luxury suv, but the introduction of the automaker's M-Class was instrumental in ushering in the modern era of the genre. Launched in 1998, the same year as the Lexus RX, the M-Class beat many of its rivals to the market, including the BMW X5, Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne, Acura MDX, and Volvo XC90.

A couple of years back, Mercedes changed the name of the third-generation M-Class to the GLE-Class, and the German luxury automaker continues to expand the range. The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE is available in two body styles and five trim levels. It’s also offered with four powerful engines as well as a fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid system that allows the SUV to be driven about 10 miles on electric power alone. The stylish and family-friendly 2018 GLE remains a standout in the five-passenger mid-size luxury suv class, offering an upscale interior, an engaging driving experience, and up to 577 hp.

Built in Alabama, the 2018 Mercedes GLE lineup starts with the GLE 350, which is powered by a smooth 3.5-liter V6 making 302 horsepower. With rear-wheel drive, prices start at around $53,000, including a destination fee, and the brand’s 4Matic all-wheel drive system is offered for an additional $2,500. That’s quite a bit less expensive than the 2018 BMW X5, which costs just over $58,000 with rear-wheel drive and $60,000 with all-wheel drive. But the 300-hp X5 is quite a bit quicker than the GLE. BMW says it can hit 60 mph in just 6.1 seconds, compared to the Benz's 7.5 seconds.

Unlike BMW, Mercedes doesn't have a diesel option in this class. However, both German brands offer plug-in hybrids, and the GLE 550e, which starts around $67,500, competes with the $64,195 X5 xDrive40e iPerformance. The Mercedes combines a 362-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with an electric motor and battery pack for a total of 436 hp, which is much more than you get in the BMW.

There are three all-wheel drive AMG versions of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. AMG is Mercedes’ in-house tuner or hot-rod shop, and its engineers add horsepower, sport-tuned suspensions, and larger brakes to the brand’s mainstream models. The most affordable AMG model is the GLE 43, which is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 pumping out 385 hp. That’s 23 hp more than last year. Mercedes says it’s capable of sprinting to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. Prices start around $68,500.

Next up is the AMG GLE 63, which gets a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8. This is one of the best-sounding engines on the planet and with 550-hp Mercedes says it can accelerate this beast to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. This model costs about $104,000 and competes with the BMW X5 M and Porsche Cayenne Turbo. And then there’s the 577 hp AMG GLE 63 S. It’s one of the most powerful suvs in the segment and one of the most expensive, costing over $110,000.

Our test vehicle, a 2018 Mercedes GLE 350 4Matic, represents the most popular variant of the SUV. When American families choose a GLE, this is one they choose most often. With a light smattering of options, which included the $500 illuminated three-pointed star on the SUV’s substantial grill, its sticker price landed just over $62,500, putting it at the heart of the luxury mid-size SUV segment.

For those that put style over practicality, however, Mercedes also offers the GLE Coupe, which competes with the BMW X6. It’s offered in two trim levels, the AMG GLE 43 and the AMG GLE 63 S, and features a radical fastback roofline that sacrifices cargo space for a racy coupe-like appearance. GLE Coupe models perform the same as the conventionally styled AMG GLE 43 and 63 S, but they cost about $2,000 more.

With 302 hp, the big V6 in the GLE 350 is powerful enough for most drivers. The engine is smooth and provides plenty of torque off the line. Throttle response is quick and there’s good passing power on the highway. The seven-speed automatic transmission, which is controlled by a stalk on the steering column, is responsive and changes gears quickly and cleanly. There are also standard paddle shifters should you want to select gears manually, and it's smart enough to match the engine's revs when you ask for a downshift.

This is one of the smoothest-riding SUVs in this class. The GLE feels solid and its adjustable suspension, despite its large wheels and tires, soaks up most roads beautifully. Still, it never feels floaty or disconnected from the tarmac. The GLE is planted and stable, especially at high speeds — thanks to a unique Crosswind Assist system, which quickly adjusts its stability control system and suspension when the SUV encounters lateral gusts.

Unlike many of its rivals, the 2018 Mercedes GLE is not available with a third-row seat. If you want a Mercedes SUV with seven-passenger seating, the brand makes you step to the larger and more expensive GLS-Class. Rear seat space is generous, and five fit in this Benz comfortably.

Storage inside the GLE’s well-built and comfortable interior is also plentiful and well thought out. There’s a large center console bin, big door pockets with slots for water bottles, and other small cubbies for wallets and phones. There are also two big front cupholders, although tall drinks can block the climate controls.

The 2018 Mercedes GLE offers 38.2 cubic feet of space behind its second row, which is split 40/20/40. That’s large for the class and more than you get in the BMW X5, although the Volvo XC90 offers a bit more. With its rear seat folded out of the way, the GLE has 80.3 cubic feet. Again, that’s more than many competitors. Unfortunately, to fold the GLE’s rear seatbacks flat, you much first flip its seat's bottom cushions forward, which can be a hassle.

Every GLE comes with a power liftgate, and the liftover height is low, which makes loading easier. However, we still prefer the unique clamshell tailgate design of the BMW X5 and the Range Rover. It’s more convenient for tailgate parties, offering a bench seat and a platform for the cheese plate.

Mercedes does offer a long list of high-tech safety systems on the 2018 GLE, but unfortunately many are extra cost options, which is surprising considering our test vehicle’s $55,000 base price. Automatic emergency braking is standard. The system will warn the driver if a vehicle or other obstacle is in your path and automatically begin braking if the system believes an accident is imminent and the driver does not take action.

Pre Safe is also standard. If the system senses an accident is about to take place, it will quickly tighten the front seat belts, adjust the passenger seat, and close the windows and sunroof in an attempt to better prepare the vehicle and occupants for the collision. Blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and many other passive and active driver aids are available, including Parking Pilot, which will basically parallel park the SUV for you.

The new Mercedes GLE is rated five stars by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and it scored a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Visibility is outstanding, and parents of small children will appreciate the GLE’s easy-to-reach LATCH connectors in the outboard seats and its easily accessed upper tether anchors on its seatbacks.

Fuel economy is about average for this class. The GLE 350 4Matic is rated 18 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway by the EPA. That’s about the same as a comparably equipped BMW X5, which is rated 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. We averaged 18 mpg in the Benz in mixed driving around Los Angeles. The most fuel-efficient GLE is the 550e plug-in hybrid, which is rated 43 MPGe and 21 mpg combined. That’s not bad, but the less powerful BMW xDrive40e hybrid model is rated 56 MPGe and has a combined city and highway rating of 24 mpg. The Lexus RX 450h hybrid is more fuel-efficient than either with ratings of 31 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, but it offers no all-electric range.

Although we can’t help but desire the big horsepower of the twin-turbo V8 models, the 302-hp V6 engine will satisfy most buyers most of the time. You’ll also appreciate the GLE’s athletic handling and nicely weighted steering. This SUV is easy to maneuver in the city, and its suspension stays flat in higher speed corners. Our GLE 350 wasn’t as much fun as AMG-tuned versions of the SUV, but it does perform very well and it’s engaging to drive.

As long as SUVs continue to gain popularity, automakers will continue cranking them out in all shapes and sizes. Mercedes now offers seven, and its comfortable, stylish, and family-friendly GLE remains a serious player in the extremely competitive midsize luxury SUV segment. It’s one of our favorites.