DecodedCars2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2026 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 21 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 16 similar 2026 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 4.0L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 28 highway), 11% worse than the 2026 small SUV average of 25.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2026
- No plug-in hybrid version any more
Compared with 2025; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2025 GLE-Class →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLE350 Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 23 | -11% | $3,550 | 382 |
| GLE350 4matic Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -15% | $3,750 | 410 |
| GLE450 4matic Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | +5% | $3,900 | 424 |
| GLE450 4matic (coupe) Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | +5% | $3,900 | 424 |
| AMG GLE53 4matic Plus Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 23 / 20 | 0% | $4,100 | 439 |
| AMG GLE53 4matic Plus Coupe Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 22 / 20 | 0% | $4,100 | 454 |
| GLE580 4matic Hybrid | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 18 | -10% | $4,550 | 506 |
| AMG GLE63 S 4matic Plus Hybrid | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | -15% | $4,850 | 528 |
| AMG GLE63 S 4matic Plus Coupe Hybrid | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | -15% | $4,850 | 523 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2026 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.
Similar 2026 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Tesla Model Y | 357 mi | Not rated | 8 |
| 2026 Land Rover Range Rover | 23 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2026 BMW X3 | 29 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2026 Porsche Macan | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Acura MDX | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Jaguar F-Pace | 24 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Other GLE-Class years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 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 |
| 2021 GLE-Class | 23 | – | 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 →