Used Mercedes GLE 2019-present review

Don't panic if you're a used car buyer looking at a pre-owned Mercedes GLE and you see it rocking about in an erratic manner. It isn't a malfunction, rather a neat party trick; air-suspension equipped models can rock in order to work themselves free in deep sand or snow. It's a neat attribute of the GLE, as is the fact that you can buy this hefty luxury SUV now for a surprisingly agreeable amount less than its price when new.

Diesel power makes up the majority of GLE engine options, starting with the 242bhp 2.0-litre 300d, and followed by two 3.0-litre engines of 272bhp 350d and 325bhp 400d power outputs. Later models added the 300de plug-in hybrid version. The only non-AMG, high-performance petrol model is the 362bhp 450. If money is no issue, there are two hotter GLEs; the 429bhp GLE 53 and 603bhp GLE 63s.

There are four different trim levels, starting with the AMG Line. This has 20in alloy wheels, LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane-keeping assistance, and blind spot monitoring. AMG Line Executive adds bigger 21in wheels and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity for the standard 12.3in screen.

You'll need to spring for AMG Line Premium if you want memory settings for the electric seats and a 360deg camera system. Finally, AMG Line Premium Plus has adaptive cruise control, a panoramic glass roof, upgraded Burmester stereo, plus an interior fragrance system called Airbalance. More on that later.

All engines (including the entry-level diesel) provide highly respectable performance and any din made during acceleration retreats into the background hum of road noise once at a cruise, although you will notice a little more wind noise at motorway speeds than in an Audi Q7. However, the GLE's standard nine-speed auto is less hesitant to respond than the Audi's, giving you greater confidence when joining a busy roundabout or overtaking.

There’s also the 350de plug-in hybrid. It has a less powerful (194bhp) version of the 300d’s 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine plus an electric motor. The hybrid is officially a little quicker than the 300d and feels quite muscular when pulling away. Its claimed electric-only range is up to 66 miles.

Where the GLE can't beat the Q7 is in terms of the driving experience it offers. The steering is perfectly light for easy low-speed manoeuvres, but is pretty numb and doesn't feel as precise as a BMW X5's. The suspension - particularly on air suspension (Airmatic in Mercedes parlance) – is set up to be comfortable rather than sporty and this translates into the GLE leaning over more in corners than Q7 would.

Inside you'll find the GLE is a bit of a tech-fest, with two large digital screens spread across the glitzy looking dashboard. The infotainment system can be controlled in a number of different ways, and while we still think that iDrive from BMW is easier to use, the voice recognition software in the GLE is far better than similar systems we've tried in rival cars.

Even the broadest of rugby players would have plenty of room in the front of a GLE, and the rear is far more accommodating than most other luxury SUVs – including the Land Rover Discovery. Unlike the X5, the GLE is available with seven seats, but the rearmost are best used for short trips only; space for knees is restricted to ensure a useable boot with all seven seats in use.

With them down, cargo capacity is respectable rather than remarkable; we found that both a Q7 and Discovery can carry more luggage.

If you're interested in finding a used GLE, or any of the other luxury SUVs mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.

You can find the earliest examples (usually in 300d form) for around £40,000, while a more versatile seven-seater version commands a slight premium and can be found from £43,000.

If you want a six-cylinder GLE, expect to spend at least £45,000. Petrol models are far less common and so you will need to fork out around £50,000 to drive one away.

The plug-in hybrid is even newer and more expensive. You'll need £55,000 to buy one.

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MPG

On paper, the 350de diesel plug-in hybrid is the most economical at 403.6mpg, but this figure will require religious charging and sparing use of the engine to achieve in the real world. The promise of 66 miles of electric range is good, though, and it'll take a little over three hours to recharge from 10-100% using a 7kWh home charger.

The rest of the diesel range provides reasonably good fuel efficiency given the huge proportions of the GLE. The smallest engine in the 300d is the most economical at 40.4mpg, followed by the 350d with 37.2mpg, and the 400d at 33.6mpg.

The 300de plug-in hybrid model can go up to 66 miles on electric-only power. You’ll have to run almost exclusively on electricity though to get near the official 403.6mpg economy figure.

The most sensible petrol option is the 450 that manages 28mpg, but the two performance AMG models are by far the worst at 26.2mpg for the GLE 53 and only 22.8mpg for the GLE 63s.

Road Tax (VED)

All GLEs get hit with an additional yearly luxury car tax bill because every version cost over £40,000 when new, and this applies from the second year of registration until the vehicle is six years old, at which point it reverts back to the flat-rate fee. The plug-in hybrid, however, gets a slight discount because it is classed as an alternative fuel vehicle. Current costs are £165 a year for petrol and diesel and £155 a year for the hybrid, plus £3255 a year for the luxury car tax. To find out more about the current road tax costs, click here.

Servicing

Servicing costs will be high, but Mercedes offers a number of servicing plans to help spread the cost via direct debit. It'll still be pricier than comparative servicing costs from Audi or BMW.

Engine

The entry-level 300d is plenty fast enough for most needs and brings with it the promise of decent fuel economy.

Specification

As with the engine choice, we'd go for the entry-level trim level; you won't find AMG Line lacking in equipment, and we don't reckon it's worth paying more for a higher trim. Seek out a seven-seater version if you want an added dose of versatility.

Our favourite Mercedes GLE: GLE 300d AMG Line

Our preferred used luxury SUV is the Audi Q7 because it manages to offer all the comforts of the GLE, but with better long-distance cruising refinement and superior handling dynamics.

A Land Rover Discovery might be an unwieldy beast in comparison on the road, but it'll make mince-meat of the Mercedes off the beaten path. What's more, the 3rd row is far better for adults, although the boot is tiny with the rearmost seats in place.

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