The style of the car

The Mercedes GLE SUV is a large five-door premium family car that blends the ruggedness of an off-roader with the practicality of an estate. There’s also a sleek five-door Coupe version. Luxurious and beautifully finished, the big GLE stands out from the crowd, particularly AMG-Line models with their larger alloy wheels and sporty bodykit.

How it drives

The GLE has been designed with comfort and ease-of-use in mind. The soft suspension means it easily handles bumps, while the low noise levels make it a relaxing choice over long distances. It’s a big car, but the light steering, excellent visibility and standard parking sensors mean it’s surprisingly easy to drive and park. All engines deliver strong performance, while standard four-wheel drive makes the GLE capable off-road and a great choice for towing.

The interior

The five-seat GLE has a spacious interior, with passengers in the back getting plenty of head and legroom. There’s also a big boot that will easily hold three or four large suitcases and a pram, even on the Coupe versions. Cars built from 2019 onwards have a seven-seat option. The dashboard is very clearly laid out and easy to use, as is the excellent infotainment system that features Bluetooth connectivity. High-quality materials are used throughout the luxurious interior and there’s plenty of standard kit, such as sat nav and heated seats. AMG-Line models add sporty touches, including more heavily bolstered seats and racy aluminium pedals.

Running costs and reliability

The GLE is a great value used choice. Cost-effective to run, it has fuel efficient petrol and diesel engines with road tax rates that are similar to rivals. The plug-in hybrid version is particularly efficient, especially if you make lots of short journeys. It’ll also cost around the same amount as rivals to maintain, especially with one of Mercedes’ pre-paid servicing plans. Mercedes has a great tradition of reliability so it shouldn’t let you down. Safety is excellent with a five-star Euro NCAP rating and the availability of a whole host of advanced driver aids.

How it compares with similar cars

The GLE is a large car, bigger than the compact Mercedes GLC but smaller than the Mercedes GLS seven-seater. A greater emphasis on comfort and luxury makes the GLE a more relaxing choice than its rivals, the Audi Q7 and BMW X5, plus it comes with better levels of standard equipment.