Mercedes GLE review

This ain’t Mercedes’ first rodeo. Indeed, the Mercedes GLE that you see here is just the latest in a long line of US-built luxury SUVs from the German brand.

The M Class first went on sale back in 1998, being rechristened GLE in 2015. That name change helped buyers more easily understand where it sits in Mercedes’ lineup, above stablemates like the GLA and GLC SUVs, and corresponding with the Mercedes E Class saloon and Estate.

So the latest GLE is actually the fourth generation Mercedes luxury SUV to roll off the production line in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It has a plush interior, seven seats and an impressive line up of petrol and diesel engines, plus a plug-in hybrid option for those who want to go green or to save a few quid in company car tax.

The luxury SUV class plays home to the stylish and practical talents of accomplished seven-seat rivals that include the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Land Rover Discovery and Volvo XC90. But does the GLE have what it takes to mount a serious challenge to the class leaders?

That's what we'll explore over the next few pages, and we'll also tell you which of the multitude of engine and trim options make the most sense. And don’t forget, if you want to buy a Mercedes GLE, or any other new car, head to the New Car Buying section of our website to see how much money you could save – it could be thousands.