Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 2021
$4,000 Difference $26,995
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 is a luxury midsize SUV recognized for its opulent interior, cutting-edge technology, and composed ride quality. It serves as the entry-level model in the GLE-Class lineup, balancing premium amenities with a refined turbocharged powertrain.
Performance and Specifications
The 2021 GLE 350 is primarily powered by a fuel-efficient turbocharged four-cylinder engine. While it emphasizes comfort over raw speed, it provides sufficient power for daily commuting and highway merging.
- Engine: 2.0L Inline-4 Turbocharged
- Horsepower: 255 hp @ 5,800 rpm
- Torque: 273 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm
- Transmission: 9G-TRONIC 9-Speed Automatic
- Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive (Standard) or 4MATIC® All-Wheel Drive
- 0–60 mph: 7.0 – 7.1 seconds
- Fuel Economy: 19 City / 26 Highway (RWD)
- Towing Capacity: Up to 7,700 lbs (when properly equipped)
Interior Luxury and Technology
The cabin of the 2021 GLE 350 is widely considered a class leader for its material quality and digital integration.
- MBUX Infotainment: The dashboard features dual 12.3-inch widescreen displays housed under a single glass pane. One acts as the digital instrument cluster, while the other serves as the touchscreen for the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system.
- Navigation & Connectivity: It includes standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and “Hey Mercedes” voice control. Augmented Video for Navigation, which overlays directional arrows on a live camera feed, is a popular available option.
- Seating & Cargo: The vehicle standardly seats five, though an optional third-row seat is available for small children. The cargo area offers a generous 33.3 cubic feet of space behind the second row, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with seats folded.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The 2021 model earned prestigious safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. Key features include:
- Active Brake Assist: Standard emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
- Blind Spot Assist: Standard monitoring for vehicles in adjacent lanes.
- Pre-Safe System: Standard technology that tightens belts and closes windows if a collision is detected.
- Driver Assistance Package (Optional): Includes adaptive cruise control (Distronic), lane-keeping assist, and evasive steering assist.
Expert Verdict
Pros:
- Exquisite interior design with top-tier materials.
- The MBUX system remains one of the most intuitive interfaces on the market.
- Exceptional ride comfort and cabin insulation.
Cons:
- The base four-cylinder engine can feel strained under heavy loads or steep inclines.
- Most “must-have” luxury features (e.g., Burmester sound, panoramic roof) are expensive add-ons.
- Third-row seating is very cramped compared to rivals like the BMW X5 or Audi Q7.
