2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE had a somewhat underwhelming exterior design. Despite its aggressive nose and sloping hood, the vehicle's styling seemed to lose its edge past the A-pillar, making it almost indistinguishable from its predecessors. The flat taillights and contoured rear did little to overcome its minivan-like tendencies. While Mercedes excelled in styling its sedans, coupes, wagons, and sports cars, the GLE's proportions fell short compared to competitors like BMW, Audi, and Jaguar. Even in AMG trim, the GLE struggled to match the visual appeal of rivals such as the BMW X5 M and Porsche Cayenne Turbo.

However, the 2021 GLE's interior was a different story. The redesigned cabin was a masterpiece of quality, layout, colors, and textures. The red and black interior of the tested GLE Coupe was both loud and luxurious, surpassing even Porsche and Audi in opulence. The twin arching grab handles, LED lighting, and a mix of wood, metal, leather, and suede created a delightful tactile experience. Despite some flimsy gear selectors and turn signal stalks, the GLE's interior exuded a sense of pampering, though it required significant options to feel truly luxurious.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe, on the other hand, presented a more cohesive and less controversial design. The Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork gave it an athletic sneaker-like appearance. The interior was equally sumptuous, featuring high-end materials like Nappa premium leather, a Dinamica simulated suede headliner, and brushed aluminum trim. The dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment design added a high-tech touch, while ambient lighting enhanced the driving experience at night. Despite its complexity, the interior design masked its intricacies well, though it required some acclimation for new users.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled as a multi-purpose vehicle, offering a range of suspension configurations and engine setups. The base GLE 350 featured a reliable coil-sprung setup, while the GLE 450 introduced self-leveling air springs with adaptive dampers. The AMG Ride Control+ and E-Active Body Control systems provided advanced handling capabilities, including the ability to lean into turns like a motorcyclist. The GLE 53 Coupe featured an electric supercharger for instant throttle response, though it lacked the visceral impact of the twin-turbo V8 engines in the GLE 580 and AMG GLE 63 S.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. The EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system added extra power and improved fuel efficiency, though the test vehicle averaged 18.5 mpg. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe also featured a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission, AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system, and AMG Dynamic Select driving modes. The AMG Active Ride Control suspension and performance brakes enhanced its handling capabilities, though the brake pedal was difficult to modulate in traffic.

In urban settings, the GLE Coupe's speed-sensitive variable-ratio power steering made maneuvering easy, while the AMG Active Ride Control suspension smoothed out speed humps. However, the 22-inch wheels and sporty tuning were less forgiving on rougher roads. On winding roads, the GLE Coupe's performance bits shone, offering impressive grip, fade-free brakes, and controlled body motions. Despite its size and weight, the GLE Coupe felt nimble and composed, though the loud exhaust note in Sport+ mode could be intrusive.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious two-row configuration with an optional third row for seven-passenger seating. The second-row seats featured power adjustments for recline, fore-aft, and headrest positions, with easy access to the third row. The GLE Coupe, however, was limited to five passengers, with a cramped middle seat. Cargo capacity was 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 75 cubic feet with all rows folded. The Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo space to 23 and 61 cubic feet, respectively, and the large rear tires made rear access challenging.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe technically seated five, though it was more comfortable for four adults. The front seats offered numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, providing comfort on long drives. Forward visibility was good, but rear visibility was limited, necessitating the use of available cameras. The back seat provided ample legroom, and the cargo hold offered 27.5 cubic feet of space, expanding to 63.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Despite the reduced space compared to the regular GLE, the Coupe's interior was luxurious, with available upgrades like a four-zone climate control system and an in-cabin fragrance system.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12-inch touchscreen with Interior Assistant, capable of reading hand gestures. The system included a touchpad, right thumbpad, and simplified interface, making it easier to use. The AMG models had a Track Pace app for virtual pit crew functions and GPS lap timing. The Seat Kinetics system made small adjustments for comfort, while the head-up display and instrument panel offered customizable layouts. The ambient lighting had 64 colors, and the navigation system used augmented reality for directions. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a natural voice assistant.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe came with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and touchscreen. Standard features included navigation, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging. The Burmester surround-sound audio system was also standard. MBUX was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition technology activated by saying "Hey Mercedes." Optional features included gesture recognition, augmented video for navigation, a head-up display, and an upgraded Burmester 3D audio system.

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

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe came with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Pre-Safe Sound system emitted a "pink noise" before a collision to protect hearing. The Emergency Call Service was free for the vehicle's lifetime. The optional Driver Assistance Package added 15 safety systems, including Traffic Jam Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. The lane-keeping assistance technology was highly effective, and the adaptive cruise control's route-based speed adaptation could be turned off. Crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, but the standard GLE received top ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.