Mercedes GLE 2025 Review India — Spacious Luxury SUV That Feels Confident on Every Road

Summary
The Mercedes GLE 2025 is a full-size luxury SUV.
It mixes roomy space, modern safety tech, and strong engines.
The GLE suits Indian families and executives.
It is comfortable in the city. It is stable on highways and ghats.
This long review covers design, cabin, engines, ride, safety, ownership and value for India.

Introduction

The Mercedes GLE sits above the GLC and below the GLS in Mercedes’ SUV line-up.
It is a popular choice for buyers who want space but not the bulk of a full-size SUV.
The GLE is roomy inside. It is rich in features. It comes with petrol and diesel options in many markets.
This review uses the latest model facts and India market notes to stay accurate.

Quick spec table — Mercedes GLE 2025 (India / global notes)

Design and road presence

Exterior styling — grown up and modern

The GLE has the clean, premium face Mercedes is known for. The grille is wide. The headlamps are slim. The body has smooth, strong lines. It does not shout. It looks classy. It looks modern. It wears its size well.

Street stance — big but manageable
On the road the GLE looks substantial. It has a tall stance and a high bonnet. Yet it is not hard to park in a city if you know your way around a big car. The tall driving position gives good view in traffic. The presence on the road feels safe.

Trim and lighting details — practical luxury
Higher trims get matrix LED headlamps and sporty AMG styling. Alloy wheel sizes vary by variant. The overall design balances style with family usability.

Practical exterior touches — made for daily life
Large doors and a wide tailgate help with loading. Roof rails and tow hooks add utility. Ground clearance is decent for urban speed breakers, though care is still needed on very rough roads.

Interior quality and space

First impressions — luxury in every touch
Open the door and the GLE feels premium. Soft materials are used widely. Leather and wood or metal trim are on higher models. The cabin is quiet and well insulated. The layout is ergonomic and driver-centric.

Seating and comfort — front row
The front seats are big and supportive. They have electric adjustment with memory. Heating and ventilation are available on higher trims. Visibility is good for city driving and long trips.

Second row comfort — roomy and flexible
The rear seats offer generous legroom and headroom. Three adults sit comfortably for city runs. The middle seat is usable on long journeys if needed. Rear passengers get vents and charging ports.

Third row and seven-seat use — only if you need it
Some GLE variants offer an optional third row. It is best for children or short trips. The third row folds flat when not in use. When used, cargo space reduces as expected.

Practical storage — family friendly design
There are many small bins, cup holders, and a large glove box. The centre console stores phones and cables. Boot space is large and the rear seats fold flat to expand load area.

Also Read Mercedes GLC 2025 Review India — Luxury, Comfort and Power in a Premium SUV

Infotainment and user interface

MBUX and digital displays — smart and fast
The GLE carries Mercedes’ MBUX system. The screen is crisp. The voice assistant responds to natural phrases. The layout is clear. Maps and menus are easy to use. Connectivity is strong and modern. MB of Stevens Creek

Driver aids and screens — clear feedback
Digital instrument cluster options show navigation, speed, and driving info. The head-up display warns of hazards on equipped trims. Controls are intuitive and work without fuss.

Sound and comfort tech — travel in style
Premium audio is available on higher models. Multi-zone climate control keeps everyone comfortable. Ambient lighting adds a touch of luxury.

Engines, performance and fuel use

Engine range overview — choose what you need
The GLE offers an inline-4 petrol for base models and a 3.0-litre inline-6 mild-hybrid in higher trims such as the GLE 450 in global markets. Diesel options continue in some regions as well. Power ranges from around 255 PS up to 375 PS for higher models. AMG and PHEV variants push power much higher. Edmunds+1

Petrol and mild-hybrid — smooth and quick
The mild-hybrid inline-6 delivers smooth power and strong midrange torque. It is calm in traffic and responsive on the highway. The hybrid assist helps with low speed driveability and brief torque fill-ins.

Diesel variants — torque for long hauls
Diesel GLE models bring strong low-end torque. They are efficient on long runs. They feel effortless on steep inclines and when towing.

Gearbox and drive modes — refined control
The 9-speed automatic is smooth. Shift logic is refined for both city and highway. Drive modes let you choose Comfort, Sport or Eco. Off-road modes tune the systems for low traction surfaces.

Real-world fuel use — plan for premium fuel bills
Expect fuel numbers to be modest given the GLE’s size and weight. Diesel will return the best range on highways. Petrol mild-hybrid setups improve efficiency but still ask for premium fuel and careful driving to get best economy.

Handling, ride and chassis tech

Comfort vs control — Mercedes’ aim
The GLE leans toward comfort, but it remains composed. The suspension absorbs potholes well. Body roll is managed for a tall SUV. Passengers feel relaxed on long drives.

Advanced chassis options — tech that helps
Top variants can offer systems like E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL and rear-axle steering. These systems improve comfort and agility. They also reduce the effective turning radius in tight parking. They help in twisty roads and on highways.

Steering and driver feel — easy and predictable
The steering is light in town. It firms up on highways. The car is simple to place on the road. It is not a sporty SUV, but it is surefooted and confidence inspiring.

Braking and stability — steady stops
Brakes are strong and progressive. Stability control and traction systems work quietly behind the scenes to keep the GLE steady in sudden maneuvers.

Safety and driver assistance

Passive safety — strong protection
The GLE has a robust safety cell and multiple airbags. Seat belts and ISOFIX anchors are standard. The structure protects well in typical impact tests.

Active safety — ADAS suite for long runs
Adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring and autonomous emergency braking are on many trims. These systems reduce driver fatigue on long highways. They add important safety for busy city driving as well. Car and Driver

Parking and low-speed aids — practical help
360-degree camera, parking sensors and park assist make tight parking easier. Rear cross-traffic alerts and sensors warn in busy lots.

Driver confidence — family friendly tech
The combination of passive and active safety features makes the GLE a reassuring choice for families and long-distance drivers.

Practical ownership and running costs

Price and variants in India — premium bracket
In India the GLE is positioned in the luxury segment. Expect ex-showroom prices to sit in a premium band. Exact pricing depends on variant, fuel type and options chosen. Guides suggest a broad India price range in the high ₹90 lakh to over ₹1 crore band for popular trims. Always check local dealer rates for current offers. CarDekho+1

Service and warranty — Mercedes support
Mercedes offers service plans and extended warranties. Service quality is strong in metro areas. Prepaid packages reduce surprises and help budgeting.

Running costs — fuel and maintenance
Running costs are higher than mainstream SUVs. Premium fuel, tyres and periodic major services add to ownership expense. Diesel models and efficient trims reduce fuel bills if you cover many highway miles.

Resale and long-term value — brand helps
Mercedes vehicles retain value well in the premium used market if well maintained. Full service history and clean condition matter most.

Who should buy the GLE?

Families wanting space and comfort
If you need a roomy cabin for kids and luggage, the GLE is a solid pick. It works as a daily driver and a long-run cruiser.

Executives who want prestige and calm ride
The GLE gives a luxury image without the bulk of a full-size SUV. It is refined and understated.

Buyers who value tech and safety
If ADAS, MBUX and advanced chassis options are important, the GLE delivers a rich kit list.

When to consider rivals instead
If you need pure sporty handling, a BMW X5 or Porsche Cayenne may suit better. If you want a cheaper high-value option, some rivals undercut the GLE on price.

Conclusion — final verdict for India buyers

The Mercedes GLE 2025 is a mature, well-rounded luxury SUV. It combines space, technology and a calm ride. Engines are refined and the cabin is comfortable. Safety and convenience tech are strong. Ownership costs are premium, as expected in this class. For buyers who want a luxurious family SUV with modern features and German build quality, the GLE is a deserving choice. Confirm local pricing and exact variant specs with your dealer before you buy. Car and Driver+1

Summary (quick)

The GLE offers roomy interiors, advanced safety, MBUX tech, and refined engines. It sits in the premium price band. It is ideal for families and executives who want comfort, space and modern convenience.

FAQs — Mercedes GLE India