2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450

The Mercedes-Benz GLE is available with a total of 5 engine options that can be treated as standalone trims, but they do deserve their own piece of the attention pie owing to their varied capabilities and driving manners. The GLE 450 seems like the most sensible option, offering a decent mix between performance and fuel economy, while the abundance of packages ensures the SUV is feature-loaded but only for those who can afford it.

Which trim should you buy?

We have decided to treat the GLE 450 as a standalone trim for the versatility of the EQ boosted engine and its capabilities. Assuming the GLE 450 is the right pick for you, we would recommend some packages that are must-haves for a truly luxurious SUV experience. In order to get the features listed above, the Premium Package, Warmth and Comfort, Exterior Lighting, and the AIRMATIC suspension package ensure the GLE 450 is a true do-it-all SUV with the style to match. In order to keep the GLE 450 as off-road-ready as possible, we suggest you don't consider the AMG Line packages as the Sport kit messes with approach and departure angles. 

We mentioned that the GLE 450 offers decent fuel economy for its capabilities, but the latter half of that sentence deserves more attention. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 is capable of high speeds, carving corners, and hauling a crowd and weight alike. Its vast range of capabilities ends up in subpar fuel consumption, as seen in its combined MPG figure of 20. 

The naturally aspirated engine in the MDX allows for the best fuel economy figures within the city and out on the highway, and the combined 23 mpg is also best in class. The massive 24.6-gallon fuel tank in the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 gives it the longest range on a full tank of gas.

When we say the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 is the quintessential luxury SUV that truly lives up to that categorization, we mean it. The cabin is typically Mercedes, imparting a sense of luxury upon the eyes. Upgrade to better materials and the same luxury becomes tactile too, although the additional cost packages that truly make up the GLE 450’s value cost a ton above the sticker price you see on the adverts. 

Mercedes-Benz offers competitive amounts of space in the 2021 GLE across both seating rows. While they don’t have any segment-leading interior dimensions for the front row, the second seating row provides best-in-class headroom and legroom. The third row is optional, but it isn’t the widest nor most accommodating seating layout, although even the Audi Q7 and Acura MDX provide minimal legroom and shoulder room at the back. It also eats into their cargo capacity significantly. Standout interior features in the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450:

• Rapid heating function for front seats
• Heated armrest and door panels
• Leather upholstery 
• Optional Air Balance cabin-air purification system

How intuitive is the infotainment in the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450?

The GLE 450 is equipped with the best the manufacturer has to offer coming into 2021. The S-Class-like screens each measuring 12.3” diagonally are placed side by side for the excellent view from all seating positions and feature the very intuitive MBUX software, which also includes MBUX voice recognition.

It is connected to the climate control and seat functions as well, while the screens themselves are touch operated and offer a physical touchpad next to the driver. Highlights of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 infotainment include:

• Dual 12.3” touchscreens
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 
• Burmester Premium audio system
• 4G LTE WiFi hotspot capability

The GLE has always been slightly imposing on the outside but has never been much of a head-turner, often borrowing design cues from the other cars in their lineup. This year, the new grille and chrome alloys make for a radical look for the SUV, making it look more luxurious than some of the competition on the outside. Short overhangs ensure decent departure and approach angles for light off-roading as well.

The GLE 450 does have off-road credentials, but it is no G-Class when it comes to conquering uneven terrain. The 7.2” of ground clearance limits the 2021 GLE 450 to light trails and off the rocky, beat paths that only the more robust SUVs can take on. It is the widest and tallest car in the segment, and that is reflected in its headroom and shoulder room in both seating rows. Standout exterior features include:

• Optional AIRMATIC suspension
• LED Intelligent lights with active cornering 
• Optional AMG Line Exterior package
• Surround-view system

Surprisingly enough, a vehicle as expensive as the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 has been rated by the NHTSA and the IIHS. The 2021 GLE receives excellent safety ratings and scores from both organizations. The NHTSA has awarded the GLE 5-stars for its overall safety rating, and the only rating that falls under 5-stars is that of the rollover risk, which SUVs come with inherently. It receives 4 stars for the same. The IIHS has named the 2021 GLE 450 a Top Safety Pick + for the model year 2021, and it receives ‘Good’ ratings in every testing parameter. Notable safety features include:

• Active Distance Assist
• Active Emergency Stop Assist
• Active Steering Assist
• Evasive Steering Assist
• Active Blind Spot Assist
• Active Lane Keeping Assist
• Active Lane Change Assist
• Active Stop-and-Go Assist
• Speed Limit Assist 
• Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function
• Active Speed Limit Assist

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 vs 2020 Acura MDX

While both these SUVs show great levels of luxury in their attitudes towards both driving and ownership, the MDX is the more sensible package of the two, offering decent practicality at lower running costs than the more flamboyant GLE. The Acura uses a naturally aspirated engine that doesn’t match the inline-6 of the GLE 450 but does offer usability and fuel efficiency nonetheless.

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 vs 2021 Audi Q7

The Audi Q7 achieved fan-favorite status years ago when its roaring TDI engines threw caution and economy to the wind in favor of immense driveability. Audi has seemingly gone back on its approach from back then, offering frugal 2.0L four cylinders in their full-size SUV. Unfortunately, the Q7 doesn’t justify the words luxury SUV with that engine, especially when under a full load.

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 vs 2021 BMW X5

The Mercedes-Benz SUV offers a cool, collected, but pompous luxury about it, through its design, interiors, and even driving manners. The BMW X5 attempts to offer the same luxury but fails to do so through the sporty nature of the X5. The chassis is far too agile for what you would expect, and you’d end up treating the luxury SUV much more like a sports car. 

The answer to this question lies in the purpose you would have for this car. It has the ability to ferry you and your family around in comfort, take you to the office every day, and pull out the boat for a trip down to the coast all the same. Pricing can get a little sensitive, so the GLE 450 and its buying experience are most thoroughly enjoyed with a bit of extra cash in your pocket.