Mercedes GLE

Mercedes GLE: generations compared: what actually changed

All four generations are SUV 5-doors. Overlap between 1 generation (to 2019-01-31) and 2 generation (from 2018-09-01) is real: a 2018–2019 buyer is choosing between two overlapping catalogues, not a clean handover.

All four generations are SUV 5-doors. Overlap between 1 generation (to 2019-01-31) and 2 generation (from 2018-09-01) is real: a 2018–2019 buyer is choosing between two overlapping catalogues, not a clean handover.

Arithmetic that is in the data:

• Ground clearance: 1 generation 201 mm on nine of ten versions (GLE500 4.7 AT 4Matic at 456 hp is 202 mm). 2 generation is 180 mm on all nine measured versions. That is 21 mm lower (22 mm versus the 456 hp GLE500). 2 generation, restyling measures 180 mm only on GLE350 2.0 AT 4Matic and GLE350 2.0 AT; clearance on the other six restyling versions is not measured.
• Fuel tank: 1 generation 93 l on all ten versions. 2 generation 85 l on eight versions; GLE350de 2.0 AT 4Matic is 65 l. 2 generation, restyling is 65 l on six versions and 85 l only on GLE580 4.0 AT 4Matic and GLE450d 3.0 AT 4Matic.
• Gearbox: 1 generation mixes 7-speed and 9-speed Automatic. 2 generation and 2 generation, restyling are 9-speed Automatic on every version.
• Drive: RWD exists in every populated generation — GLE250d 2.1 AT, GLE350 2.0 AT (both later generations). Everything else is AWD.
• The same badge GLE450 3.0 AT 4Matic exists in three populated generations. Power is 367 hp / 270 kW in 1 generation and 2 generation, then 381 hp / 280 kW after restyling (+14 hp). 0–100 km/h is 5.7 s, then 5.7 s, then 5.6 s. Mixed consumption is 9.4, then 9.1, then 9.5 l/100 km. Kerb weight is 2220 kg, 2220 kg, then 2348 kg (+128 kg on restyling). Torque is 520 Nm, then 500 Nm, then 500 Nm. Layout moves from V-shaped 6 to Inline 6. Boost is Turbo, gearbox Automatic, drive AWD in all three.

2 generation, restyling 2 has `modifikaciy` 0. There is no engine table, no 0–100, no weight. It is a dated slot, not a buyable spec in this file.

Engines and specs

Exact version names. Cylinders, layout, boost, gearbox and drive are the English labels from the data.

2 generation (2018-09-01 – 2023-01-31)

Note the catalogue names: GLE350d 2.0 AT 4Matic and GLE400d 2.9 AT 4Matic share 2925 cc. GLE580 4.0 AT 4Matic is the only 8 / V-shaped in this generation.

Power per litre (hp ÷ displacement in litres): GLE350e 2.0 AT 4Matic 167.3 hp/l; GLE350de 2.0 AT 4Matic 164.1; GLE350 2.0 AT and GLE350 2.0 AT 4Matic 128.1; GLE300d 2.0 AT 4Matic 125.6; GLE580 4.0 AT 4Matic 122.8; GLE450 3.0 AT 4Matic 122.4; GLE400d 2.9 AT 4Matic 112.8; GLE350d 2.0 AT 4Matic 93.0. The diesel six with the GLE350d badge is the least specific; the two Plug-in fours are the most.

1 generation (2015-03-01 – 2019-01-31)

Two rows share the name GLE500 4.7 AT 4Matic. They are distinguished by power: 435 hp (7-speed) and 456 hp (9-speed).

GLE300 3.0 AT 4Matic is the only No boost version in the whole model file, and the only naturally aspirated 3498 cc. Specific output is 71.2 hp/l — the lowest in the catalogue. GLE250d 2.1 AT is 95.2 hp/l. GLE 500e 3.0 AT 4Matic is 147.5 hp/l.

2 generation, restyling (from 2023-02-01)

GLE580 4.0 AT 4Matic after restyling is listed as 2999 cc, 6, Inline — same displacement as GLE450 3.0 AT 4Matic in this generation. The name stays GLE580 4.0 AT 4Matic. Specific output is 172.4 hp/l versus 122.8 hp/l on the 3982 cc eight in 2 generation.

Performance and economy

Figures that are null in the source are written not measured.

2 generation 0–100 km/h, fastest to slowest: GLE580 4.0 AT 4Matic 4.9 s; GLE450 3.0 AT 4Matic and GLE400d 2.9 AT 4Matic both 5.7 s; GLE350d 2.0 AT 4Matic 6.6 s; GLE350de 2.0 AT 4Matic 6.8 s; GLE350e 2.0 AT 4Matic 6.9 s; GLE350 2.0 AT 7 s; GLE350 2.0 AT 4Matic 7.1 s; GLE300d 2.0 AT 4Matic 7.2 s. Spread: 2.3 s. Top speed: 250 km/h on GLE580 4.0 AT 4Matic and GLE450 3.0 AT 4Matic; 245 on GLE400d 2.9 AT 4Matic; 230 on GLE350d 2.0 AT 4Matic; 225 on GLE300d 2.0 AT 4Matic; 210 on GLE350de 2.0 AT 4Matic, GLE350 2.0 AT, GLE350 2.0 AT 4Matic, GLE350e 2.0 AT 4Matic.

Mixed consumption in 2 generation: GLE350de 2.0 AT 4Matic 0.7 l/100 km; GLE350e 2.0 AT 4Matic 0.9; GLE300d 2.0 AT 4Matic 6.4; GLE350d 2.0 AT 4Matic 7.4; GLE400d 2.9 AT 4Matic 7.5; GLE450 3.0 AT 4Matic 9.1; GLE350 2.0 AT 10.2; GLE350 2.0 AT 4Matic 10.7; GLE580 4.0 AT 4Matic 10.9. City/highway: not measured on GLE580 4.0 AT 4Matic, GLE350de 2.0 AT 4Matic, GLE350e 2.0 AT 4Matic. GLE300d 2.0 AT 4Matic 7.3 / 5.9; GLE350d 2.0 AT 4Matic 9.9 / 6; GLE400d 2.9 AT 4Matic 9.9 / 6.6; GLE450 3.0 AT 4Matic 11.9 / 7.5; GLE350 2.0 AT 11.8 / 8.7; GLE350 2.0 AT 4Matic 12.4 / 9.

1 generation: 0–100 not measured on GLE300 3.0 AT 4Matic. Fastest measured: GLE500 4.7 AT 4Matic (456 hp) 5.1 s; GLE500 4.7 AT 4Matic (435 hp), GLE 500e 3.0 AT 4Matic and GLE 550e 3.0 AT 4Matic 5.3 s; GLE450 3.0 AT 4Matic 5.7 s; GLE400 3.0 AT 4Matic 6.1 s; GLE350d 3.0 AT 4Matic 7.1 s; both GLE250d 2.1 AT and GLE250d 2.1 AT 4Matic 8.6 s. Mixed: GLE250d 2.1 AT 5.6 (city 6.1, highway 5.3); GLE250d 2.1 AT 4Matic 5.9 (6.6 / 5.5); GLE350d 3.0 AT 4Matic 6.6 (7.3 / 6.2); GLE 500e 3.0 AT 4Matic and GLE 550e 3.0 AT 4Matic 3.7 (city/highway not measured); GLE400 3.0 AT 4Matic 9.2; GLE450 3.0 AT 4Matic 9.4; GLE500 4.7 AT 4Matic (456 hp) 10.6; GLE500 4.7 AT 4Matic (435 hp) 11.5. GLE300 3.0 AT 4Matic mixed/city/highway/0–100/top speed: all not measured.

2 generation, restyling: city and highway not measured on six of eight versions. Mixed: GLE350de 2.0 AT 4Matic 0.9; GLE450e 2.0 AT 4Matic 1.1; GLE300d 2.0 AT 4Matic 6.8; GLE450d 3.0 AT 4Matic 8.7; GLE450 3.0 AT 4Matic 9.5; GLE580 4.0 AT 4Matic 10.1; GLE350 2.0 AT 4Matic and GLE350 2.0 AT both 10.7 (city 12.4, highway 9 on both). 0–100: GLE580 4.0 AT 4Matic 4.9 s (same as the previous GLE580); GLE450 3.0 AT 4Matic and GLE450d 3.0 AT 4Matic 5.6 s; GLE450e 2.0 AT 4Matic 6.1 s; GLE300d 2.0 AT 4Matic and GLE350de 2.0 AT 4Matic 6.9 s; both GLE350 2.0 AT 4Matic and GLE350 2.0 AT 7.1 s. Top speed of restyling GLE580 4.0 AT 4Matic is 209 km/h versus 250 km/h on the 489 hp GLE580.

CO2 where measured: 2 generation Plug-in 19 g/km (GLE350de 2.0 AT 4Matic) and 23 g/km (GLE350e 2.0 AT 4Matic); diesel 169–199; GLE450 214; GLE580 247. GLE350 2.0 AT and GLE350 2.0 AT 4Matic CO2 not measured, eco class not measured. 1 generation GLE250d 2.1 AT 146 g/km is the lowest non-plug-in figure in the file. Restyling Plug-in 23 and 25 g/km; GLE580 CO2 not measured.

Euro 6 is the eco label wherever it is filled.

Dimensions and weight

Ground clearance is covered above. Wheel sizes are measured on a minority of versions.

Kerb weight, lightest to heaviest among measured cars:

• Lightest in the file: GLE250d 2.1 AT at 2075 kg (1 generation). Restyling GLE350 2.0 AT 2092 kg. 2 generation GLE350 2.0 AT 2090 kg.
• 2 generation AWD gasoline four: GLE350 2.0 AT 4Matic 2140 kg — 50 kg over its RWD twin. Restyling GLE350 2.0 AT 4Matic 2285 kg — 145 kg over the previous AWD GLE350 and 193 kg over restyling RWD GLE350 2.0 AT (2092 kg).
• Heaviest: restyling GLE350de 2.0 AT 4Matic 2695 kg; 2 generation GLE350de 2.0 AT 4Matic 2655 kg. That Plug-in diesel is 490 kg heavier than GLE300d 2.0 AT 4Matic (2165 kg) in the same generation, for +75 hp and +200 Nm, with mixed 0.7 versus 6.4 l/100 km and a 65 l tank versus 85 l.

Gross weight not measured on: 2 generation GLE350 2.0 AT, GLE350 2.0 AT 4Matic; restyling GLE300d 2.0 AT 4Matic, GLE580 4.0 AT 4Matic, GLE450 3.0 AT 4Matic, GLE350 2.0 AT 4Matic. Highest measured gross: restyling GLE350de 2.0 AT 4Matic 3280 kg.

Wheels: 2 generation GLE580 4.0 AT 4Matic 255/50 R19 and 275/50 R20; GLE300d / GLE350d / GLE400d 275/50 R19 and 255/50 R20; GLE450 275/50 R19 and 255/50 R19; GLE350de 235/60 R18 and 255/50 R19. GLE350 2.0 AT, GLE350 2.0 AT 4Matic, GLE350e 2.0 AT 4Matic wheels not measured. 1 generation wheels not measured on all ten. Restyling wheels measured only on the two GLE350 2.0: 255/50 R19 and 275/50 R20.

Front suspension is Independent, spring and rear Independent, spring on every version that lists it. Front brakes Ventilated disc throughout. Rear brakes are Disc or Disc ventilated as labelled in the tables’ source rows — GLE580 4.0 AT 4Matic in 2 generation is Disc ventilated at the rear; the restyling GLE580 4.0 AT 4Matic is Disc.

Kerb kg per hp (lower = less mass per unit of listed power):

• 2 generation GLE580 4.0 AT 4Matic 4.64 kg/hp; GLE450 3.0 AT 4Matic 6.05; GLE400d 2.9 AT 4Matic 6.77; GLE350e 2.0 AT 4Matic 6.76; GLE350 2.0 AT 8.20; GLE350d 2.0 AT 4Matic 8.22; GLE350de 2.0 AT 4Matic 8.30; GLE350 2.0 AT 4Matic 8.39; GLE300d 2.0 AT 4Matic 8.84.
• 1 generation GLE500 4.7 AT 4Matic (456 hp) 4.92; GLE500 4.7 AT 4Matic (435 hp) 5.14; GLE 500e 3.0 AT 4Matic 5.58; GLE450 3.0 AT 4Matic 6.05 (same kg/hp as the later 367 hp GLE450); GLE250d 2.1 AT 10.17 — the highest kg/hp in the file.
• Restyling GLE450 3.0 AT 4Matic 6.16 kg/hp (2348/381); GLE450d 3.0 AT 4Matic 6.55; GLE450e 2.0 AT 4Matic 6.81; GLE350de 2.0 AT 4Matic 8.09; GLE350 2.0 AT 8.20; GLE350 2.0 AT 4Matic 8.96. Restyling GLE580 4.0 AT 4Matic and GLE300d 2.0 AT 4Matic kerb not measured, so kg/hp is not measured.

Which version to choose

Prices are not measured in this catalogue. “What the extra money buys” is therefore what the extra hp, Nm, seconds, litres and kilograms buy between named versions.

If mixed consumption is the gate: the lowest non-plug-in mixed figure in the file is GLE250d 2.1 AT at 5.6 l/100 km, then GLE250d 2.1 AT 4Matic at 5.9. Both are 1 generation, 204 hp, 8.6 s to 100 km/h, 93 l tank, 201 mm clearance. AWD costs 0.3 l/100 km mixed and 75 kg (2150 vs 2075). In 2 generation the equivalent role is GLE300d 2.0 AT 4Matic at 6.4 mixed, 245 hp, 7.2 s — 1.4 s quicker than the 204 hp diesels, 41 hp more, tank 85 l not 93 l, clearance 180 mm not 201 mm. Restyling GLE300d 2.0 AT 4Matic is 269 hp (+24 vs the previous GLE300d), 6.9 s (0.3 s quicker), mixed 6.8 (+0.4 l/100 km), tank 65 l not 85 l. You gain 24 hp and lose 20 l of tank.

If you want diesel torque without a plug: 2 generation GLE400d 2.9 AT 4Matic is 330 hp, 700 Nm, 5.7 s, 7.5 mixed — same 0–100 as GLE450 3.0 AT 4Matic (367 hp, 500 Nm, 9.1 mixed) with 200 Nm more and 1.6 l/100 km less mixed. Versus GLE350d 2.0 AT 4Matic (272 hp, 600 Nm, 6.6 s, 7.4 mixed) the GLE400d is +58 hp, +100 Nm, −0.9 s, mixed only +0.1. Same 2235 kg kerb, same 3070 kg gross. The 350d-to-400d step is almost free on fuel and large on time. Restyling replaces both with GLE450d 3.0 AT 4Matic: 367 hp, 750 Nm (highest diesel torque in the file), 5.6 s, 8.7 mixed, 2405 kg kerb (+170 kg vs the 2235 kg pair). Torque +50 Nm versus GLE400d, mixed +1.2 l/100 km.

If you want a Plug-in: four cars in 2 generation / restyling, plus two in 1 generation.

• 2 generation GLE350de 2.0 AT 4Matic: 320 hp, 700 Nm, 0.7 mixed, 19 g/km, 2655 kg, 65 l, 6.8 s, 210 km/h. Versus GLE300d 2.0 AT 4Matic you pay 490 kg and 20 l of tank for 0.4 s and 5.7 l/100 km off mixed, with torque equal to GLE580 4.0 AT 4Matic (700 Nm).
• 2 generation GLE350e 2.0 AT 4Matic: 333 hp, only 350 Nm (the lowest torque in 2 generation), 0.9 mixed, 23 g/km, 2250 kg, 85 l tank, 6.9 s. Versus GLE350de it is 13 hp more, 350 Nm less, 405 kg lighter, same 210 km/h, mixed +0.2. Fuel grade 98 versus Diesel on the de.
• Restyling GLE350de 2.0 AT 4Matic: 333 hp, 750 Nm, 0.9 mixed, 2695 kg. Versus the previous de: +13 hp, +50 Nm, +0.2 mixed, +40 kg, tank still 65 l.
• Restyling GLE450e 2.0 AT 4Matic: 381 hp, 600 Nm, 6.1 s (quickest Plug-in in restyling), 1.1 mixed, 2595 kg. Same 381 hp as restyling GLE450 3.0 AT 4Matic, but 0–100 6.1 vs 5.6 s, top speed 210 vs 250, mixed 1.1 vs 9.5, kerb 2595 vs 2348 (+247 kg).
• 1 generation GLE 500e 3.0 AT 4Matic and GLE 550e 3.0 AT 4Matic: 442 vs 436 hp, both 650 Nm, both 5.3 s, both 3.7 mixed, both 2465 kg. Difference that is measured: top speed 245 vs 210 km/h, and 6 hp. Mixed 3.7 is higher than later Plug-ins (0.7–1.1) and lower than every non-plug gasoline.

If you want the gasoline six: GLE450 3.0 AT 4Matic is the repeating product. 1 generation 367 hp / 520 Nm / 9.4 mixed / 2220 kg / 201 mm / 93 l / V-shaped 6. 2 generation 367 hp / 500 Nm / 9.1 mixed / 2220 kg / 180 mm / 85 l / Inline 6. Restyling 381 hp / 500 Nm / 9.5 mixed / 2348 kg / clearance not measured / 65 l / Inline 6. Restyling buys 14 hp and 0.1 s and spends 128 kg and 20 l of tank and 0.4 l/100 km mixed versus 2 generation.

If you want the eight: 1 generation GLE500 4.7 AT 4Matic at 456 hp is 5.1 s, 10.6 mixed, 2245 kg, 9-speed; the 435 hp GLE500 4.7 AT 4Matic is 5.3 s, 11.5 mixed, 2235 kg, 7-speed. Same 4663 cc, same 700 Nm. The 456 hp row is 21 hp, 0.2 s, 0.9 l/100 km, 10 kg, two gears. 2 generation GLE580 4.0 AT 4Matic: 489 hp, 4.9 s, 10.9 mixed, 2270 kg, city/highway not measured. Versus 456 hp GLE500: +33 hp, −0.2 s, +0.3 mixed, +25 kg, tank 85 vs 93, clearance 180 vs 202. Restyling GLE580 4.0 AT 4Matic: 517 hp, 729 Nm, 4.9 s again, 10.1 mixed, 209 km/h, kerb not measured, 85 l, 6 Inline 2999 cc. Versus previous GLE580: +28 hp, +29 Nm, −0.8 mixed, −41 km/h top speed.

If you want the cheapest-feeling gasoline four: GLE350 2.0 AT (RWD) versus GLE350 2.0 AT 4Matic. 2 generation: same 255 hp, 370 Nm, 210 km/h; 7.0 vs 7.1 s; mixed 10.2 vs 10.7; city 11.8 vs 12.4; highway 8.7 vs 9; kerb 2090 vs 2140 kg. AWD is 0.1 s, 0.5 l/100 km, 50 kg. Restyling: both 7.1 s, both 10.7 mixed, both 12.4 / 9, tanks both 65 l; kerb 2092 vs 2285 — AWD is 193 kg here, not 50. Eco class on restyling GLE350 pair is Euro 6; on 2 generation GLE350 pair eco and CO2 are not measured.

GLE300 3.0 AT 4Matic is the outlier to avoid if you need measured performance: 249 hp, 340 Nm (lowest torque in 1 generation gasoline sixes), boost No, 7-speed, and 0–100, top speed, and all three consumption fields not measured. You can choose it only on displacement (3498 cc), weight (2235 kg), tank (93 l), CO2 (238 g/km) and clearance (201 mm).

Reliability and problems: not measured in this dataset. No failure rates, no service intervals, no recall counts. A version cannot be ranked as “more reliable” from these rows.

Short map: daily diesel and a measured 93 l tank → GLE250d 2.1 AT or GLE250d 2.1 AT 4Matic. Same idea in a later body → GLE300d 2.0 AT 4Matic, then restyling GLE300d 2.0 AT 4Matic if 24 hp matters more than 20 l of tank. Diesel that matches the gasoline six on 0–100 → GLE400d 2.9 AT 4Matic, then GLE450d 3.0 AT 4Matic if 750 Nm is the point. Plug-in with 700–750 Nm → the GLE350de 2.0 AT 4Matic rows; Plug-in with an 85 l tank → GLE350e 2.0 AT 4Matic. Repeating gasoline six → GLE450 3.0 AT 4Matic, generation chosen by clearance (201 vs 180) and tank (93 / 85 / 65). Eight-cylinder path → the two GLE500 4.7 AT 4Matic rows then GLE580 4.0 AT 4Matic; restyling GLE580 is a 2999 cc six with the same name. RWD gasoline four → GLE350 2.0 AT. 2 generation, restyling 2 cannot be specified: zero versions.