2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV

Performance

Every GLE SUV model has a special engine as the heart of the vehicle. The base GLE 350 and 350 4MATIC®® have a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 that offers up 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft torque that is available from only 1,800 rpm. This means that even the base GLE 350 models will get off the line quickly and smoothly.

The GLE 450 4MATIC®® brings back a classic engine style for Mercedes-Benz in the form of a 3.0-liter inline-6 that is turbocharged and delivers 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Like the standard models, peak torque is achieved at just 1,600 rpm.

Those who are looking for a plug-in hybrid SUV can look no further than the GLE 450e 4MATIC®® SUV. The 450e uses the turbocharged 4-cylinder from the 350 models and adds a 134-horsepower synchronous motor for a combined output of 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. The 450e 4MATIC®® has an all-electric range of 49 miles and can be plugged into any Level 1, 2, or 3 charger like an EV. With a Level 3 DC fast charger, the GLE 450e can charge from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes.

The final non-AMG®® GLE SUV model is the GLE 580 4MATIC®®  that features a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that spins up a massive 510 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque. With all 538 lb-ft available from 2,000 rpm, there aren’t many SUVs that can thrill you the way the GLE 580 can while still maintaining a luxurious ride.

Each of the non-AMG®® GLE models utilizes the smooth and quick-shifting 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic, which not only helps deliver excellent performance but also keeps the vehicle in the perfect gear to maximize fuel efficiency or towing response.

Mercedes-Benz offers two distinct AMG®® models, the 53 and 63, with AMG®® Performance 4MATIC®+® all-wheel drive. The AMG®® 53 features an AMG®®-enhanced 3.0-liter inline-6 engine that produces 429 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. The top-of-the-line AMG®® 63 uses a handcrafted AMG®® 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that puts 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque to the ground. Both vehicles have an AMG®® SPEEDSHIFT®® TCT 9-speed automatic transmission that helps to wrangle all that power.

According to Car and Driver, the Mercedes-AMG®® GLE 53 SUV powers to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds and through the quarter mile in only 13 seconds at 107 mph. Car and Driver also tested the GLE 63 AMG®® and goes even faster with its extra power. With a 3.4-second 0-60 mph and 11.9-second ¼-mile time at 117 mph, the GLE 63 boasts the performance of a supercar while maintaining the versatility to be used daily and accommodating five people in great comfort.

Exterior

The 2026 GLE SUV features standard LED High-Performance headlights with the characteristic “light flare” Mercedes-Benz lights are known for. The available MULTIBEAM LED headlights with four light points offer even more visibility advantages. The rear taillights feature a subtle LED style that is both pleasing and unmistakably a Mercedes-Benz GLE from any distance.

Both GLE 350 and the GLE 450e models feature 19-inch 10-spoke wheels, while the gas-only 450 and 580 models offer a bump to 20-inch AMG®® twin 5-spoke wheels as standard.

The AMG®® 53 shares the same AMG®® 20-inch twin 5-spoke wheels as the 450 and 580, but the AMG®® GLE 63 has 21-inch AMG®® twin 5-spoke wheels.

All models can be optioned in 10 or more exterior colors, with different wheel sizes ranging from 19 to 22 inches.

Interior

A place where the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV really shines is in interior quality and size. Quality, technology, and comfort are fused with the finest of upholsteries and finishes throughout. Comfort controls featured include massaging front seats, rapid-heating and ventilated front and back seats, heated armrests, heating and cooling cup holders, and memory power front seats.

The GLE comes standard as a 5-passenger SUV and can be optioned with the third-row Seat Package that makes it a 7-passenger. When optioned, the second row features power recline along with fore and aft adjustments. Behind the second row of seats, you will find 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space, which expands to 74.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Buyers can specify their GLE SUV with either MB-Tex or Nappa leather in 10 or more different colors, depending on the model you choose, along with multiple trim types that include a mix of wood, brushed aluminum, and carbon fiber.

Technology

The theme of clean elegance carries through to the interior, where high-definition digital screens seemingly float above a smooth compound-curve wing-like lower dash that flows elegantly into the uncluttered control-free center console. Rounded square vents continue the flight theme, drawing inspiration from aircraft nacelles. The driver’s 12.3-inch high-resolution LCD screen provides clear, configurable information. The 12.3-inch central touchscreen flows seamlessly from the center console, angled toward the driver, yet still visible to all. The front and rear passengers each get two USB ports, with the ports in the second-row armrest giving 100W of power. And when equipped with a third row, there are two additional seats for third-row passengers.

The latest third-generation MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) operating system powers the high-definition screens, presenting an attractive appearance even as information and controls are displayed in a clear and structured manner. The must-see-it-to-believe-it MBUX Augmented Reality Head-up display is an available feature. The “Hey, Mercedes” voice assistant utilizes state-of-the-art algorithms that continually learn the user’s wishes and preferences, to the point where it almost seems to anticipate their commands.

The standard Biometric authentication allows drivers to customize up to 800 different vehicle settings and save them in up to seven user profiles. With just your fingerprint, your GLE will immediately recognize who’s in the driver’s seat and adjust the appropriate settings.

All GLE SUV models feature standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ plus in-car WiFi, USB-C charging ports, Biometric authentication, a wireless charger with NFC pairing, Bluetooth®®*** hands-free calling and audio streaming, and more.

One of the most significant additions available on the GLE SUV is the outstanding Burmester®* 3D Sound System* that features 15 speakers and puts out 710 watts, creating one of the most immersive and intense sound qualities a person can experience.

Safety

No matter which GLE SUV model you choose, all of them will come with some of the best and most advanced safety technology money can buy. Each model comes standard with Pre-Safe®, Pre-Safe® Sound, Active Brake Assist, Mercedes-Benz Emergency Call Service, Attention Assist®, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Blindspot Assist with Exit Warning Assist, PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist, rearview camera, Crosswind Assist, Adaptive Braking Technology, Downhill Speed Regulation, seven airbags, and more.

The Driver Assistance Package further adds features like DISTRONIC® adaptive cruise control, Surround View System, Active Steering Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Brake Assist with Turning and Cross-Traffic Function, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Congestion Emergency Braking, Active Speed Limit Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Pre-Safe® Plus, Rear side impact airbags, Automatic Lane Change, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, and more.