Used Mercedes-Benz GLE cars for sale

The Mercedes-Benz ML hit UK roads in 1998. The Mk2, released in 2005, was a significant improvement, but it was when the Mk3, named GLE, arrived in 2015 that this luxury SUV really attracted attention. With upgraded engine options and an opulent interior, it delivers premium comfort both on and off road as well as powerful and refined performance. Some used GLEs will feature an off-road pack, which was available as an additional option, enabling the car to confidently and comfortably take you off the beaten track.

Mercedes-Benz GLE updates and facelifts

When the Mk4 arrived in 2020 it was a step up again, boasting more equipment and a seven-seat option for those with larger families or extra luggage requirements. Handling remains responsive on this latest version and the plug-in hybrid variant is better than ever, offering a 65-mile all-electric range, further than rivals such as the BMW X5 and Audi Q7. The improvements earned the GLE Auto Trader’s Best Seven-Seater Award in 2021, cementing its reputation as one of the best luxury SUVs in its class.

The GLE is available with petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid options, and fourth-generation petrol and diesel models offer a choice of five or seven seats. There are also three trim levels available: AMG Line, AMG Line Premium and AMG Line Premium Plus.

Practicality and style of the car

Those with a smaller family will find the five-seat Mk3 GLE has plenty of space. Both front and rear passengers get more than enough head and legroom, with even the Audi Q7 and Range Rover struggling to match it for cabin space. Five will fit in comfortably even on longer journeys, and all seats are reinforced with a wide base. Five-seat Mk4 editions are equally large, offering head, shoulder and legroom in abundance, while the seven-seat option adds a third row that is ideal for children or early teens. ISOFIX anchor points are installed on the second-row outer seats in all models.

Choose the Mk3 and you’ll benefit from a 690-litre boot, which extends to 2,010 litres with the rear seats folded. This maximum capacity beats is more than both the BMW X5 and Volvo XC90. Hybrid models have a little less due to the battery placement, with 480 litres on offer. Opt for the Mk4 seven-seat GLE and you’ll still get ample boot space, with 630 litres available with the third-row seats folded away. Fold the second row down and this increases to an expansive 2,055 litres. The 40/20/40 split of the second row offers flexibility, while all seats fold flush to the floor, delivering a flat and level cargo bay.

The GLE is an excellent choice for towing, and its impressive capacity ensures it can handle a trailer, horsebox or caravan with ease. Its maximum braked capacity is 2,700kg, but a 300d variant with the optional towing pack can haul up to 3,500kg.

Running costs

As a premium SUV, the GLE occupies the top insurance groups (44 to 50) for both the Mk3 and Mk4 models. Choose a Mk3 for slightly lower premiums (groups 41 to 50). All GLE models from 2017 onwards incur a £570 annual road tax fee for the first five years that the tax is renewed. After this, the rate drops to the standard for the variant’s fuel type.

How a used Mercedes-Benz GLE drives

Both the Mk3 (2015–2020) and Mk4 (2020 onwards) GLE models are available with a choice of petrol, diesel and hybrid engines. Kicking off the Mk3’s range is a 2.1-litre diesel 250d, which produces 201bhp and returns a combined fuel economy of 47.9mpg. Next is the 350d, a 3.0-litre V6 delivering 255bhp and 620Nm of torque, resulting in a 0-62mph time of 7.1 seconds, which is nippy for an SUV of this size. Both are mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission for smooth shifts and comfortable cruising.

Plug-in hybrid variants pair a turbocharged 329bhp V6 petrol engine with a 114bhp electric motor to produce 443bhp. This takes you from 0-62mph in just 5.3 seconds while returning an 18-mile all-electric range and efficiency of up to 76.4mpg. The most powerful option, meanwhile, is the AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo petrol engine. This delivers 577bhp and achieves 0-62mph in just 4.2 seconds.

When the fourth generation GLE arrived, it brought a refined selection of engines that offered more power without sacrificing efficiency. The lineup starts with the 300d, a 2.0-litre diesel with 242bhp, which can propel you from 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds while returning up to 39.2mpg. Next up are the 350d and 400d units, which produce 268bhp and 362bhp respectively, taking you from 0-62mph in under seven seconds.

The pure petrol option is a 3.0-litre 376bhp engine with mild hybrid technology, which achieves 0-62mph in as little as 5.6 seconds while returning a combined fuel economy of up to 41.5mpg. By far the most frugal unit, however, is the 400e plug-in hybrid, which has a 249bhp petrol engine paired with a 134bhp electric motor. Offering a class-leading 65 miles of all-electric range, CO2 emissions of 23g/km, and a combined efficiency of 282.5mpg, it’s the most cost-effective and eco-friendly variant.

All Mk4 editions have four-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic gearbox as standard, as well as AIRMATIC suspension, which improves comfort and helps to reduce fuel consumption.

Engines and official MPG

Please refer to the table below for a comprehensive list of engines and their official MPG figures.

2015 - 2019

2019 - onwards

Features you can expect in a Mercedes-Benz GLE

Interior

Not only is the GLE’s cabin spacious and cleanly designed, it’s also replete with high-quality fabrics such as Nappa leather, aluminium accents, and refined finishes. The Mk4’s dash is much slicker than its predecessors, but all offer logical layouts. Drivers benefit from a commanding view of the road thanks to the elevated ride height, a wide windscreen and large side windows. Plus, with generous storage space for devices, water bottles and more, it’s easy to keep the cabin clutter-free.

Technology

The focal point of the dash is a colour infotainment screen – an 8.0-inch one on the Mk3 edition and a 12.3-inch one on the MK4 version. This is controlled with a dial or touchpad (depending on the model year you select) and offers access to DAB radio. Mk4 models also get sat nav, Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto as standard.

In keeping with its premium status, the GLE offers a comprehensive suite of comfort and convenience features such as climate control, electrically operated rear seats (on seven-seat models), keyless entry and a powered tailgate.

Safety

The Mercedes-Benz GLE is nothing if not safe. Scoring a full five stars in its 2019 Euro NCAP test, and with ratings of 91% and 90% for adult and child occupant protection, it’s fully equipped to ensure you and your family travel securely. The Mk4 includes seven airbags as standard, alongside a host of features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance and traffic sign recognition. These work to reduce the likelihood of accidents at both high and low speeds.

Trims available on the Mercedes-Benz GLE

Mk3 Mercedes-Benz GLE cars come in Sport, AMG Line and Designo Line trims, all of which get a host of standard features, from an infotainment system with eight-inch display and a reversing camera, to a powered tailgate and heated leather front seats. Mk4 editions are as follows:

Mercedes-Benz GLE AMG Line

The entry-level AMG Line trim boasts 20-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, a powered tailgate and keyless entry. Inside, you get leather upholstery, heated front seats with electric adjustment, ambient lighting, climate control and a wireless charging pad, as well as a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Mercedes-Benz GLE AMG Line Premium

Step up to AMG Line Premium and you’ll get 21-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic glass sunroof and an Energy Pack, which is designed to keep you fresh and alert during long drives. Other features include four-zone climate control, a Burmester surround sound system and a head-up display, which projects key driving data onto the windscreen, enabling you to keep your eyes on the road.

Mercedes-Benz GLE AMG Line Premium Plus

This top-of-the-range trim brings 22-inch alloy wheels, soft-close doors and branded lighting that projects onto the ground when you open the GLE’s doors. The seats are more contoured for greater support, and the Warmth Comfort Pack heats the seats, armrests and door pads. You also get the MBUX Interior Assistant, which enables you to use gesture control to operate the infotainment system or say ‘Hey Mercedes’ and give your command verbally.

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