DecodedCars2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 21 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 23 MPG combined — 22% better than the average 2021 standard SUV (18.8 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints0 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 30 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is a standard SUV offered with 4 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl and 4.0L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and 4-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 26 highway), 22% better than the 2021 standard SUV average of 18.8 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2021
- Engine added: 3.0L 6-cyl
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 GLE-Class →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLE450 4matic Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 21 / 26 / 23 | +22% | $3,550 | 393 |
| GLE350 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -8% | $3,750 | 403 |
| GLE350 4matic | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -8% | $3,750 | 409 |
| AMG GLE53 4matic Plus Coupe Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 23 / 20 | +6% | $4,100 | 440 |
| AMG GLE53 4matic Plus Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 22 / 19 | +1% | $4,350 | 458 |
| GLE580 4matic Hybrid | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | +1% | $4,350 | 465 |
| AMG GLE63 S 4matic Plus Coupe Hybrid | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 19 / 17 | -10% | $4,850 | 534 |
| AMG GLE63 S 4matic Plus Hybrid | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 19 / 16 | -15% | $5,150 | 540 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.
Similar 2021 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Land Rover Range Rover | 24 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2021 Porsche Cayenne | 21 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2021 BMW X5 | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 12 |
| 2021 Land Rover Defender | 19 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2021 Cadillac Escalade | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 12 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other GLE-Class years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 GLE-Class | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 GLE-Class | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 GLE-Class | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 GLE-Class | 24 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 GLE-Class | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 GLE-Class | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 GLE-Class | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2019 GLE-Class | 20 | 189.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2018 GLE-Class | 21 | 189.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2017 GLE-Class | 21 | 189.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2016 GLE-Class | 25 | 189.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 4 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →