The 2021 Mercedes GLE lasts around 200,000 miles, with some average battery drain and safety sensor issues reported. At $42,650 to $96,750, it’s expensive, but worth the money if you’re in the market for a luxurious midsize SUV.
Is the 2021 Mercedes GLE a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a good year for the Mercedes GLE since it offers a great mix of performance and luxury. Owner reviews praise the safety features, smooth suspension, along with the strong stereo system.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 9/10 – Interior materials are luxurious for a midsize SUV, the seats offer great support on long trips, cargo space is also great for its size.
- Reliability 7/10 – There are no major problems found on the 2021 GLE, but it’s more expensive to repair than other SUVs if anything does go wrong. Models from 2017–2022 are all similar in terms of reliability.
- Performance 9/10 – The base engine is reasonably strong for an SUV, while the AMG models are among the fastest SUVs on the market for 2021.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2021 GLE is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with automatic emergency braking and a rearview camera. Optional upgrades include lane keep assist along with adaptive cruise control.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is fine at up to 22 MPG, giving 495 miles of range from the 22.5 gallon tank. Gas costs are $20 cheaper than average at $233 per month.
- Value 7/10 – The 2021 Mercedes GLE is more expensive than some competitors, and depreciation rates are a bit faster than average, giving it a lower value score.
What Do Critics Say About the Mercedes GLE?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Mercedes GLE has a quiet interior with impressive fit and finish, and it earns high owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Mercedes GLE at 4.4/5, enjoying the wide range of available trims for all price ranges, but finds the ride quality floaty with the Airmatic suspension.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the GLE a 3.7/5, praising the potent AMG engine choices, but owners don’t like the limited legroom in the optional third row.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Mercedes GLE Have?
Common problems reported on the 2021 Mercedes Benz GLE include excessive battery drain, safety sensor issues, along with a frozen stereo system. Overall, these problems are similar to other luxury SUVs on the market, but repair costs are usually more expensive due to the high parts and labor costs on Mercedes vehicles.
Excessive battery drain is the most widespread complaint from 2021 GLE owners, showing up within the first 3,000 miles. There are a lot of electrical accessories in the GLE, which sometimes draw power even while the engine is off. Diagnosing the source of the electrical draw costs around $100, while fixing it can cost $50 to $400.
Safety sensor issues have also been reported by some Mercedes GLE owners within the first 1,500 miles. The front braking sensor sometimes fails, and has to be replaced. When the vehicle is under warranty, it’s usually covered for free, but out of warranty the sensor costs around $950.
A frozen stereo system is another problem mentioned by some 2021 Mercedes GLE owners at around 1,000 miles. There are software updates available for the stereo that improve the reliability. Most dealers will install these updates for free, while others charge around $100 for labor.
There are 18 recalls on the 2021 Mercedes GLE, which is worse than many other SUVs from the same year. The most serious recalls cover the fuel pump, which may shut down while driving. Mercedes will replace the fuel pump on affected models for free. Other recalls cover the battery ground, rear door window trim, along with the steering system. Mercedes will fix those issues for free as well.
How Long Will the 2021 Mercedes GLE Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Mercedes GLE can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than the long-lasting Lexus GX. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than average, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $1,174 per year.
As a used 2021 GLE reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the stabilizer bar links for $225, a variable valve timing solenoid for $350, along with the control arm bushings, which cost around $650.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is excellent, and includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen stereo system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available upgrades include a more powerful premium stereo system.
Standard safety technology is also great, and it has:
- Rearview camera
- Hands-free park assist
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Driver-drowsiness monitoring
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Head-up display
- Adaptive cruise control
- Adaptive pivoting headlights
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Lane-keep assist
- Automatic high-beam headlights
Is the 2021 Mercedes GLE a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Mercedes GLE is a good value since it offers a lot of luxurious features and some strong engine choices. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $42,650 to $96,750, making it more than a Lincoln Aviator or Land Rover Defender. When new, the price range was $54,750 to $116,000. Depreciation is a bit worse than other midsize SUVs, losing about 12% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Mercedes GLE?
There are five main models of the 2021 Mercedes GLE offered, from the entry-level GLE 350 through to the high-performance GLE 63 S. The GLE comes standard with rear-wheel drive on the GLE 350, but all other models have all-wheel drive with the 4Matic system.
Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 and GLE 350 4Matic are the entry-level models with:
- Engine: 255 horsepower.
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic.
- Drive: Rear-wheel drive (GLE 350), All-wheel drive (GLE 350 4Matic).
- 3-inch digital gauge cluster.
- 3-inch touch screen infotainment.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Navigation system.
- Five USB ports.
- Steering wheel mounted controls
- Bluetooth connectivity.
- Wireless device charging.
- HD Radio.
- Satellite radio.
- Proximity keyless entry.
- Push-button start.
- Dual-zone automatic climate control.
- MB-Tex synthetic leather upholstery.
- Heated and power-adjustable front seats.
- Hands-free power lift gate.
- LED headlights.
- Optional premium package
- Adaptive suspension.
- Rearview camera.
- Front and rear parking sensors.
- Hands-free park assist.
- Blind-spot monitoring.
- Forward collision warning.
- Automatic emergency braking.
- Pedestrian detection.
- Driver-drowsiness monitoring.
Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4Matic offers upgrades including:
- Engine: 362 horsepower turbocharged inline-six.
- Mild-hybrid system: 48-volt.
- Drive: All-wheel drive.
- Features largely similar to GLE 350.
Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 4Matic is a step up with:
- Engine: 429 horsepower turbocharged inline-six.
- Sport exhaust system.
- Air suspension.
- Heated seats
- 13-speaker Burmester stereo.
- Heated steering wheel
- Red interior stitching.
Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 4Matic has more features such as:
- Engine: 483 horsepower twin-turbo V8.
- Genuine leather upholstery.
- Surround-view parking camera system.
Mercedes-Benz GLE 63 S 4Matic is the flagship model with:
- Engine: 603 horsepower twin-turbo V8.
- Limited-slip rear differential.
- High-performance brakes.
- Adaptive headlights.
- Automatic high-beam headlights.
- Ventilated front seats.
- Heated and cooled front cup holders.
- Rear sunshades.
What Engines Come In the Mercedes GLE?
- The 2021 Mercedes GLE lineup offers several engine choices. The GLE 350 features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and offering a combined fuel economy of 22 MPG. This model, equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission, accelerates from 0 to 60 MPH in 7.1 seconds.
- For more power, the GLE 450 is equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, enhanced with a mild-hybrid system, delivering 362 horsepower and achieving a combined fuel economy of 20 MPG. This variant, also paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, can reach 0 to 60 MPH in 5.5 seconds.
- At the higher end, the GLE 580 houses a powerful 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, offering a substantial 483 horsepower and a combined fuel economy of 17 MPG. It boasts a 0 to 60 MPH time of just 4.9 seconds, using the same nine-speed automatic transmission. These engine options provide a range of choices for power and efficiency, making the 2021 GLE a versatile and dynamic SUV.
- The Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, augmented by an EQ Boost mild-hybrid system, producing 429 horsepower. This model achieves a combined fuel economy of 18 MPG and uses a nine-speed automatic transmission. It can sprint from 0 to 60 MPH in just 5.2 seconds.
- For even more power, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S is equipped with a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, delivering a whopping 603 horsepower. It has a combined fuel economy of around 16 MPG and also features a nine-speed automatic transmission. This top-tier model boasts an impressive 0 to 60 MPH time of 3.7 seconds.
What Colors Does the Mercedes GLE Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Mercedes GLE?
The 2021 Mercedes GLE stands out in its class for its exceptional comfort, offering a driving and riding experience that is both luxurious and relaxing. This SUV has been designed with a keen focus on passenger comfort, making both short commutes and long road trips a pleasure. The interior of the GLE is a testament to Mercedes’ commitment to luxury, featuring high-quality materials, elegant design, and meticulous craftsmanship. The seats, upholstered in premium materials such as leather or MB-Tex, provide excellent support and comfort, even during long drives. The front seats are not only power-adjustable but also come with heating and optional massage functions, providing a comfortable experience for the driver and front passenger.
The GLE’s comfort extends beyond its plush seating. The vehicle’s advanced suspension system plays a pivotal role in providing a smooth ride, effectively absorbing bumps and uneven road surfaces. This, combined with the SUV’s well-insulated cabin, makes sure that road noise and vibrations are minimized, creating a serene environment inside. The climate control system is equally impressive, offering precise temperature adjustments and guaranteeing that all passengers, regardless of their seating position, remain comfortable throughout the journey.
Additionally, the 2021 Mercedes GLE is equipped with a host of convenience features that further enhance the comfort level. These include a user-friendly infotainment system with voice control, ample legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats, and an optional panoramic sunroof that adds an airy feel to the cabin. All these features come together to make the 2021 Mercedes GLE not just a vehicle that’s comfortable to ride in, but a space where passengers can truly relax and enjoy the journey.
How Much Storage Space Does the Mercedes GLE Have?
The 2021 Mercedes GLE is renowned for its luxurious interior and robust storage capacity, making it a prime choice for those who prioritize both comfort and practicality in their vehicle. It boasts impressive cargo space, providing ample room for a variety of storage needs. When all seats are in use, the GLE offers about 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space. However, when the rear seats are folded down, this space expands significantly to 74.9 cubic feet. This expansive area is more than adequate for everyday needs and is especially beneficial for longer trips or transporting large items.
In terms of what this space can accommodate, with the seats up, the cargo area can easily handle a family’s weekly grocery haul, several large suitcases, or bulky items like a baby stroller. When the seats are folded, the space becomes generous enough to transport larger objects. For instance, it can comfortably fit several large pieces of luggage, sports equipment like golf bags or skis, or even furniture items like a small couch or a couple of flat-packed bookshelves.
Besides the primary cargo area, the 2021 Mercedes GLE also includes numerous small interior storage spaces designed for convenience and organization. These include a sizable glove compartment, door pockets in both the front and rear, a center console compartment, and cup holders. There are also additional storage spots beneath the cargo area floor, ideal for storing smaller items out of sight or keeping valuables secure. These thoughtfully designed storage solutions make the GLE not just a vehicle with substantial cargo space, but also one that excels in keeping the interior neat and organized.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The second generation of the Mercedes GLE was launched for the 2020 model year.
2016: First model year for the Mercedes Benz GLE, which is replacing the outgoing M-Class with more standard features and all new styling.
2017: Small changes to the standard equipment lineup, new AMG GLE 43 introduced, and the diesel engine discontinued.
2018: Stronger engine and improved performance found in the AMG GLE 43.
2019: The GLE 350 has been renamed to GLE 400 with a more powerful V6 engine, all-wheel drive is also standard on all models.
2020: Fully redesigned for the second generation with new engines, technology, styling, and more features.
2021: New AMG GLE 53 and GLE 63 S were both introduced with stronger engines and improved handling.
How Does the Mercedes GLE Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Mercedes GLE is a nice midsize luxury SUV which has a lot of upscale features, but shoppers should be prepared for the higher maintenance costs as it ages.
The BMW X5 is another midsize luxury SUV which costs about $1,500 less. Steering is more responsive in the BMW X5, while the Mercedes GLE offers a higher-quality interior. We recommend the BMW X5 since it’s more fun to drive, but both are worth testing to see which you prefer.
The Audi Q5 is a popular competitor, which is around $3,000 less. Standard technology is a bit better in the Audi Q5, while the Mercedes GLE has better seats. We recommend the Audi Q5 since it comes with more features, but it’s worth taking both out for a test drive to see which you like better.
