2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE presented a smoother and less sculpted design compared to its predecessors. The softened lines and removal of most edges and scalloping contributed to a reduced drag coefficient of .29, making it a class leader according to Mercedes. The front end saw the most significant transformation, giving the vehicle a handsome, albeit unoffensive, appearance. Inside, the GLE offered extra headroom and legroom due to a 3.1-inch extended wheelbase, and for the first time, an optional third row was available. However, the special $720 Emerald Green Metallic paint showed a surprising amount of orange-peel effect, which was disappointing for a premium vehicle.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE, while not universally praised for its exterior design, saw significant improvements in its interior. The redesigned GLE Coupe was more streamlined and cohesive, with a red and black interior that was both loud and luxurious. The twin arching grab handles on the center console, outlined with LED lighting, highlighted the vehicle's purpose. The interior materials, including wood, metal, leather, and suede, were delightful to touch and operate, although the gear selector and turn signal stalks felt flimsy. Overall, the 2021 GLE exuded a sense of pampering, comparable to high-end competitors.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. While it provided ample power at speed, it felt sluggish from a stop due to turbo lag and the vehicle's nearly 5,000-pound weight. The start-stop system was notably inelegant, detracting from the overall driving experience. Despite these issues, the engine was smooth and powerful, and the 9-speed automatic transmission performed well, though not as smoothly as the 8-speed in the BMW X5. The GLE 350 4Matic's fuel economy was competitive, with 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled as a multi-purpose vehicle with advanced air suspension and engine setups. The base GLE 350 used a coil-sprung setup, while higher trims featured AIRMATIC and AMG Ride Control+ with adaptive dampers and anti-roll bars. The E-Active Body Control system allowed the GLE to lean into turns like a motorcyclist. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe had an electric supercharger for instant throttle response, while the GLE 580 and AMG GLE 63 S offered even more power. The GLE 450's turbo 3.0-liter inline-six produced 362 hp and 369 lb-ft, while the AMG GLE 53 reached 429 hp and 384 lb-ft. The GLE 580's twin-turbo V8 delivered 483 hp and 516 lb-ft, and the GLE 63 S topped out at 603 hp and 627 lb-ft. All GLE models could tow up to 7,700 pounds, and the driving experience was exceptional, with perfect steering and amazing ride quality.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE benefited from an extra 3 inches in its wheelbase, providing ample space in the second row. Depending on the options, it offered between 33.3 and 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, and 79.4 cubic feet with the seats lowered. The interior featured dual 12.3-inch screens, setting a new standard for dash design and customizability. The seats were comfortable, though the lumbar support was tricky to adjust. The steering wheel felt great but often blocked parts of the screen. The upgraded Burmester stereo provided excellent sound, though there was some vibration through the brake pedal.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered roomy two-row seating, with an optional third row for seven-passenger capacity. The second-row seats had power controls for recline, fore-aft, and headrest adjustments. Cargo capacity was 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 75 cubic feet with all rows folded. The Coupe variant had less cargo space and a more constricted rear passenger area due to the sloping roofline and large rear tires. The new MBUX infotainment system improved usability with a single touchpad and simplified interface. Seat controls, rocker switches, and steering wheel shortcuts were easy to use, though the thumbpads on the steering wheel were fussier.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the new MBUX infotainment system, which was both deep and daunting but ultimately rewarding. The dual 12.3-inch screens and HUD provided a significant upgrade from previous models, offering options like augmented reality for directions and traffic signals. The natural voice control system was impressive, though it didn't work as well as in the A-Class. The driver-assistance tech was better than BMW's but still had issues at high speeds, often fighting the driver and getting confused by shadows or unexpected lines.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE's main 12-inch display was a touchscreen equipped with Interior Assistant, capable of reading hand gestures. The system was easier to use with a touchpad and right thumbpad, and the AMG models featured a Track Pace app for virtual pit crew and GPS lap timing. The Seat Kinetics system made small adjustments during drives, and the head-up display and instrument panel were highly customizable. The ambient lighting had 64 colors, and the navigation system projected front camera feed with overlay arrows and street names. The natural voice assistant responded to "Mercedes" and learned new commands over time. The semi-automated functionality could change lanes and slow down for curves by itself.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE had no current testing data from NHTSA or IIHS, but it featured an impressive suite of autonomous safety systems. Attention Assist monitored eye contact and head position to anticipate drowsiness, and Seat Kinetics made slight adjustments to prevent cramping. However, the adaptive cruise, auto braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist systems were less effective at high speeds, often causing the car to bounce around the lane and get fooled by shadows or unexpected lines.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned the Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS for top ratings in six crash tests, headlights, and standard forward emergency braking. NHTSA had not rated the GLE. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and a driver attention monitor. Optional features included adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, evasive steering assist, front cross-traffic braking, and semi-automated control. Pre-Safe Sound played "pink noise" to reduce hearing damage in a crash, and Pre-Safe Impulse Side inflated side bolsters to better position occupants during a side impact.