2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

The 2021 Mercedes GLE is a veritable showstopper, designed to captivate onlookers and provide luxurious comfort for its occupants. Ideal for both family excursions as well as business trips alike, the Mercedes GLE offers generous cargo space without sacrificing sophistication or craftsmanship. While this model may just be a perfect fit -- from it's high-end features to heavy duty performance – there are still some important considerations before making your decision.

What's New for 2021?

Experience thrilling performance with the new 2021 Mercedes GLE. The 53 and 63 S trim levels offer unbelievable power and torque, plus all of the luxuries that made it a fan favorite in 2020 - sleek exterior design, cutting-edge tech features, and exquisite appointments set this model apart from competitors. Get ready for an elevated driving experience like no other.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class – The Pros

1. Great Performance

The 2021 Mercedes GLE offers outstanding performance. The base model offers 255 horsepower from its turbocharged four-cylinder engine. There's also a hybrid powertrain with an inline 6-cylinder, a turbocharger and a 48-volt electrical system. This powertrain can get you from 0-60 miles-per-hour in just 6 seconds flat. There are also available V8 engines that can produce between 504 and 603 horsepower.

2. Room for Passengers

This is really one of the best reasons to choose any SUV over another type of vehicle. The 2021 Mercedes GLE offers three full rows of seats. There's room for five passengers and plenty of space left over for your cargo too. There's a total of 111 cubic-feet of passenger space inside of the GLE. Passengers in the first two rows should find plenty of room to stretch out in.

3. Lots of Cargo Space

Speaking of cargo space, the Mercedes GLE offers a great amount. When all the seats are in use, you will still have 33.3 cubic-feet of storage space behind the last row. When the second and third rows are let down, this can be expanded up to 74.9 cubic-feet of cargo space.

4. Plenty of High-Tech Features

The Mercedes GLE packs all the latest technological features designed to provide ultimate convenience, comfort and safety. Equipped with MBUX infotainment system featuring a huge 12.3-inch display screen plus advanced voice recognition capabilities that can understand numerous commands - drivers will be able to easily stay connected while on the go! This sleekly integrated user interface also allows for seamless integration with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as offering access to 4G LTE Wifi hotspots making journeys hassle free where ever you may roam.

5. Nice, Cozy Interior

The interior of the Mercedes GLE is one of the nicest in this class of vehicles. The interior features a lot of real wood, luxurious leather and high-quality metals. The fit and finish is second-to-none here. The seats are supportive and cozy. The seats, arm rests and center-console lid all have a heating feature.

6. A Classy Exterior Design

The 2021 Mercedes GLE is a beautiful vehicle. It features a classy and elegant exterior design. The GLE was designed by the artisans at Mercedes AMG. The body style has muscular lines that denote the performance-minded design of this SUV. There are some stylish, large mesh intakes and plenty of chrome trim too.

7. Steering, Handling and Ride Quality

The Mercedes GLE offers exceptional steering and handling to compliment the power and performance. The engine runs smoothly, which is impressive considering the overall horsepower of every powertrain that Mercedes offers here. It's quiet and comfortable inside of the GLE. The ride quality is much better than average for this class of vehicle too.

8. Respectable Off-Road Capabilities

It may be unusual to consider taking a luxury vehicle off road, but the Mercedes GLE can handle it if you need it to. Most trim levels can be had with all-wheel drive. The robust suspension system can handle modestly rough terrain too. If you want to take a comfortable ride to a remote camping site or fishing spot, the GLE is a fine choice of a vehicle.

9. The Ability to Tow a Heavy Load

Not only can the Mercedes GLE get you to out-of-the-way destinations, it can also bring along a trailer or boat. The GLE is really a fantastic vehicle for vacations and road trips. It's super comfortable for long rides. When properly equipped, the Mercedes GLE can tow up to 7,700 pounds.

10. Safety Features and Crash-Test Ratings

One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a new SUV is the safety of the vehicle. One always wants to make sure that they and their passengers will be safe and secure. Luckily, Mercedes has you covered when riding in the 2021 GLE. Some standard features include Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind-Spot Monitoring and Adaptive Cruise Control.

The 2021 Mercedes GLE has also done well in crash tests. This shows the solid engineering of the vehicle. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has named the 2021 GLE one of its top picks for safety.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class – The Cons

1. The Small Third Row

The cabin is spacious, and the second row of seats offers plenty of room too. Unfortunately, the third row can be pretty cramped. It may be best to relegate that last row for the kids only.

2. Desirable Features Will Cost You

A high price point is to be expected for a luxury vehicle. The Mercedes GLE offers the highest quality materials, impeccable craftsmanship and unparalleled engineering. It's certainly worth the high price. Unfortunately, at the higher trim levels, the cost may start to be prohibitive.

3. Bumps Can Be Felt Far Too Often

This SUV offers great handling and a nice overall ride quality. It runs smoothly, and the cabin is quiet and comfortable. The suspension system, however, could be better. You may feel more bumps in the road than one would expect from a Mercedes.

4. Fuel Efficiency Isn't the Greatest

Power versus fuel efficiency is usually a trade off. Seldom will you find a vehicle that offers both. The Mercedes GLE was built more for performance, especially the two new trim levels that debuted for 2021. This is also a large, heavy vehicle. Consequently, it doesn't have he best fuel-economy numbers.

How It Stacks up To the Competition:

2021 Mercedes GLE vs 2021 BMW X-5

The 2021 Mercedes GLE Class and 2021 BMW X-5 are both midsize luxury SUVs with room for five people. The Mercedes has more cargo space at 74.9 cubic feet. The BMW is close, but it only offers 72.3 cubic-feet of storage space. The Mercedes has a lower manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) by just under $5,000.

Both offer large, well-equipped cabins. The Mercedes has the nicer infotainment system. Both offer poised handling and a great overall ride quality. The Mercedes is just a bit more refined. When it comes to pure power, the Mercedes has that turbocharged V8 that can crank out 603 horses. The BMW is powerful but falls short with 523 horsepower from its M50i model.

While the BMW X-5 offers plenty of power, it just can't keep up with the athletic performance of the Mercedes GLE. The Mercedes has a better price point, more cargo room, a nicer interior and better handling. Mercedes easily wins here.

2021 Mercedes GLE vs 2021 Audi Q8

The Audi Q8 and Mercedes GLE both provide a luxurious, five-person seating configuration. When it comes to cargo capacity however, the Mercedes shines – boasting an impressive 60.7 cubic feet of space with all rear seats folded flat. Comparing power ratings reveals that the GLE is superior in performance and handling while still remaining more affordable than its competitor; making this German automaker's midsize SUV unequivocally the better bargain overall.

Final Thoughts

The 2021 Mercedes GLE is a luxurious and powerful luxury SUV, with plenty of interior amenities and respectable off-road capabilities. It also has its drawbacks such as a cramped third row, costly add-ons, a rougher ride than expected, and suboptimal fuel efficiency. The GLE is ideal for drivers looking for style, performance and comfort whether on or off the beaten track. If you want something versatile and exclusive, the Mercedes GLE might just be the perfect fit for you. Either way Mercedes makes it easy to find just what you are looking for in an SUV model - even if that means finding the balance between power, features and affordability.