The 2020 Mercedes GLE lasts around 200,000 miles, with some average check engine light and brake wear issues reported. At $42,550 to $65,999, it’s expensive, but worth the money if you’re looking for a very luxurious midsize SUV.
Is the 2020 Mercedes GLE a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2020 is a good year for the Mercedes GLE since it offers a lot of new features and a luxurious cabin. Owner reviews praise the advanced safety technology, smooth suspension on rough roads, and the upgraded stereo system.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 9/10 – Interior materials are very luxurious for an SUV, the seats offer excellent support on long drives, cargo space is also good for its size.
- Reliability 7/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2020 GLE, although it’s more expensive to maintain and repair than other SUVs. Models from 2017–2022 are all reasonably reliable choices.
- Performance 8/10 – Performance is okay from the base engines, while the GLE 580 offers good power. Next year, there are some high performance AMG versions offered.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2020 GLE is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with active brake assist and parallel park assist. Optional upgrades include active steering assist along with adaptive cruise control.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 22 MPG, offering 495 miles of range out of the 22.5 gallon tank. Gas costs are $22 higher than average, at $283 per month.
- Value 7/10 – The 2020 Mercedes GLE is more expensive than many other luxury SUVs on the market, with fast depreciation rates, which lowers the overall value score.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Mercedes GLE?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 Mercedes GLE offers impressive fit and finish and strong engines, with good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Mercedes GLE at 3.9/5, enjoying the advanced MBUX infotainment system, but doesn’t like the rough transmission gear changes.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the GLE a 3.7/5, praising the extremely luxurious interior, but owners don’t like how floaty the steering feels.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 Mercedes GLE Have?
Common problems reported on the 2020 Mercedes GLE include check engine lights, excessive brake wear, along with dead batteries. Overall, these problems are similar to some other midsize luxury SUVs on the market, but repair costs are more expensive than average.
Check engine lights are the most widespread complaint from 2020 GLE owners, showing up within the first 15,000 miles. When you see a check engine light on your dash, you will need to use an OBD-II scan tool to read the code that caused the light to turn on in the first place. From there, the problem can be as simple as a damaged gas cap or loose sensor, all the way up to serious mechanical issues, making them cost $20 to over $1,000 to fix.
Excessive brake wear has also been reported by some Mercedes GLE owners at around 10,000 miles. The front brake pads wear down quickly due to the weight of the SUV. Changing out the brake pads costs around $400, while new rotors are an additional $900 if they are damaged.
Dead batteries are another problem mentioned by 2020 Mercedes GLE owners within the first 2,500 miles. There are a lot of electrical accessories and computers in the GLE, and sometimes they do not shut down properly when the engine is off. Diagnosing the source of the problem costs about $150, while fixing it can cost $10 to $250.
There are 34 recalls on the 2020 Mercedes GLE, which is much worse than other midsize SUVs, although many of the issues are computer and software related, or only cover a small number of vehicles. The most serious recall is for the engine stalling due to water getting into the vehicle. Dealers will install a water plug for free on affected models.
How Long Will the 2020 Mercedes GLE Last?
A well-maintained 2020 Mercedes GLE can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than some other luxury SUVs in the same price range, like the Lexus GX. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than the competition, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $1,184 per year.
As a used 2020 Mercedes GLE reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the drive belt idler pulley for $300, fuel tank evaporative canister costing $600, along with the A/C condenser, which costs around $1,400.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is excellent, and includes the large 12.3-inch touchscreen with the MBUX software, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a powerful 25-speaker Burmester sound system.
Standard safety technology is great for an SUV, and features:
- Rearview camera
- Active brake assist
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Driver attention monitoring
- Forward collision warning
- Blind spot monitoring
- Parallel and perpendicular park assist
- Mercedes Pre-Safe, which tightens seatbelts and rolls up windows in the event of a collision
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Stop-and-go adaptive cruise control
- Traffic sign recognition
- Lane keep assist
- Automatic high-beam and adaptive headlights
- Pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Front cross traffic alert
- Active steering assist
- Head-up display
- Lane change assist
Is the 2020 Mercedes GLE a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 Mercedes GLE is a good value if you’re in the market for a luxury midsize SUV with an extremely nice interior. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $42,550 to $65,999, making it more than a Lincoln Nautilus or Volvo XC90. When new, the price range was $54,250 to $77,600. Depreciation is a bit worse than some other SUVs, losing about 12% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Mercedes GLE?
There are four main models of the 2020 Mercedes GLE offered from the entry-level GLE 350 through to the more powerful GLE 580 4Matic. Rear-wheel drive is standard on the GLE 350, while all-wheel drive is standard on all other models.
GLE 350 & GLE 350 4Matic:
- 19-inch wheels
- LED headlights
- Sunroof
- Hands-free liftgate
- Power-folding mirrors
- Automatic wipers
- Keyless ignition and entry
- Adaptive suspension dampers
- Automated parking system
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Virtual instrument panel
- Simulated leather upholstery (MB-Tex)
- Heated front seats
- 40/20/40-split folding rear seats
- 3-inch touchscreen
- MBUX infotainment system
Technology Features (All Trims):
- Navigation system
- Bluetooth
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Five USB-C ports
- HD radio
Safety Features (All Trims):
- Emergency communications
- Forward collision warning and mitigation
- Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert
- Passenger-exit alert system
- Drowsy driver monitoring system
Optional Features (All Trims):
- Third row of seats with powered second-row seats and two additional USB ports
- Premium package: household power outlet, interior ambient lighting, 13-speaker Burmester surround-sound system, satellite radio, wireless charging pad
- Driver Assist package: adaptive cruise control, emergency stop assist, lane keeping/active lane change assist, frontal cross-traffic alert, traffic sign reader, low-level automated driving system
- MBUX Technology package: augmented reality driving directions, head-up display, additional controls
- Energizing package Plus: air fragrancer, ventilated front seats, multicontour seats with massage
Additional Options (All Trims):
- AMG styling packages
- Adaptive headlights with automatic high beams
- Soft-close doors
- Panoramic sunroof
- Trailer hitch
- Air suspension
- Leather upholstery
- Sport front seats
- Heated rear seats
GLE 580 4Matic Specifics:
- 20-inch wheels (standard)
- Leather upholstery (standard)
- Comes with Premium package
- AMG exterior styling package (standard)
- 13-speaker Burmester audio system (standard)
- Air suspension (standard)
E-Active Body Control (Available for GLE 450 4Matic & GLE 580 4Matic):
- Suspension system that counteracts body roll in turns.
What Engines Come In the Mercedes GLE?
- GLE 350 Models: The GLE 350 is powered by a 2.0L Inline-4 turbocharged engine. This engine churns out 255 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft of torque. It’s mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, resulting in a combined fuel economy of around 22 MPG. When it comes to acceleration, this variant can go from 0-60 MPH in around 7.1 seconds.
- GLE 450 4MATIC: Under the hood of the GLE 450 4MATIC is a 3.0L Inline-6 turbocharged engine with EQ Boost, a mild hybrid system. This powertrain produces 362 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft of torque. Paired with the same nine-speed automatic transmission, its combined fuel economy stands at about 21 MPG. This engine propels the GLE from 0-60 MPH in a swift 5.5 seconds.
- GLE 580 4MATIC: The GLE 580 4MATIC boasts a robust 4.0L V8 biturbo engine with EQ Boost. This powerhouse generates an impressive 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Using the nine-speed automatic transmission, it provides a combined fuel economy of around 18 MPG. With such immense power, the GLE 580 4MATIC can accelerate from 0-60 MPH in just under 4.9 seconds.
What Colors Does the Mercedes GLE Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Mercedes GLE?
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE stands out in the luxury SUV segment. This vehicle is meticulously designed to make sure that both the driver and passengers experience top-notch comfort at every turn. The seats are wrapped in high-quality materials and come with multiple adjustment options, including lumbar support, providing a tailored seating experience for individuals of all sizes. The cabin itself is spacious, giving ample legroom and headroom, making even long journeys feel relaxing.
The GLE’s suspension system is adept at absorbing road imperfections, providing a smooth ride irrespective of the terrain. Moreover, the cabin is exceptionally quiet, with the vehicle’s insulation effectively filtering out external noises, be it from the road or the environment. The addition of features like dual-zone automatic climate control, heated seats, and an intuitive infotainment system further elevate the comfort levels. All these attributes combined make the 2020 Mercedes GLE a sanctuary of comfort on wheels.
How Much Storage Space Does the Mercedes GLE Have?
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE offers impressive storage space, catering to both families and adventure enthusiasts. The cargo space for the GLE varies depending on the seating arrangement. With the rear seats in place, the GLE provides around 33.3 cubic feet of space. This is ample room to accommodate daily essentials such as groceries, a couple of large suitcases, or a stroller.
When the rear seats are folded down, this space expands significantly to around 74.9 cubic feet, offering plenty of room for larger items such as mountain bikes, camping gear, or even furniture items like a small couch or a table. In addition to the primary cargo space, the GLE also boasts several small interior storage spaces, like door pockets, a reasonably sized glovebox, and a center console storage area, making sure that smaller items like smartphones, wallets, and snacks have their own designated spots. The GLE’s versatility in storage options truly underscores its position as a luxury SUV designed for both comfort and practicality.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The second generation of the Mercedes GLE was introduced for the 2020 model year.
2016: First model year for the Mercedes Benz GLE, which is replacing the older M-Class with new styling, stronger engines, and more standard features.
2017: Minor changes to the standard equipment lineup, diesel engine removed, and new AMG GLE 43 introduced.
2018: Improved performance from a stronger engine in the AMG GLE 43.
2019: GLE 350 has been renamed to GLE 400 with a stronger turbocharged V6, all-wheel drive is also standard on all models.
2020: Fully redesigned for the second generation with new styling, engines, and technology features.
2021: All-new AMG GLE 53 and GLE 63 S introduced with improved performance and more responsive handling.
How Does the Mercedes GLE Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 Mercedes GLE is a nice luxury SUV offering a very upscale interior paired with excellent technology, although it’s more expensive to own long-term than most of the competitors.
The BMW X5 is another popular midsize luxury SUV, which is about $1,500 less. Steering is sportier and more responsive in the BMW X5, while the Mercedes GLE has a more luxurious cabin. We recommend the BMW X5 since it’s cheaper to own, but both are great luxury midsize SUVs worth test driving to see which you prefer.
The Range Rover Sport is a popular competitor, which costs about $3,500 more. The suspension and off-road performance are better in the Range Rover Sport, while the technology features are superior in the Mercedes GLE. We recommend the Mercedes GLE since they have fewer mechanical problems reported as they age.