2019 Mercedes Benz GLE Class Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The 2019 Mercedes GLE Class comes in two different body styles and a slew of different trim levels. You can get a GLE Class in mid-size coupe or crossover-SUV configurations. Both are built on the same platform. The two models both have four doors. The crossover offers a rear hatch to access the enlarged cargo area. The GLE Class provides all of the luxury and convenience features that you would expect from a Mercedes-Benz. This vehicle also gives you a choice of several engines. All of them offer exceptional power and performance.

What's New for 2019?

The 2019 model of the GLE is still part of the first generation of this vehicle from Mercedes-Benz. As such, there aren't a lot of major changes for this year's model. Wood trim has been added on as a standard feature for a couple of trim packages. Specifically, these are the AMG 63 and AMG 63 S models. Previous years saw Mercedes offering a plugin-hybrid version of the GLE Class. That model has been discontinued for 2019. Other than those minor changes, the GLE lineup and features remain the same as they were for 2018.  

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2019 Mercedes Benz GLE Class – The Pros

1. Great Performance from Powerful Engines

The base model of the GLE Class comes equipped with a 2.0-liter, inline 4-cylinder, turbo engine. This engine produces a respectable 255 horsepower and 273 pounds-feet of torque. When you move up one trim level, you get a serious upgrade in power. A 3.0-liter, I-6, turbocharged engine generates 362 horsepower and 369 pounds-feet of torque. Acceleration is brisk, getting you from 0 to 60 miles-per-hour in just 5.5 seconds.

If those numbers aren't fast enough for you, Mercedes also offers the GLE Class in several AMG trim levels. These are surprisingly quick. An enhanced, fine-tuned V-6 increases the horsepower to 385 with 384 pounds-feet of torque. At the top of the high-performance tier is the Mercedes V-8 engine. This biturbo power-plant unleashes an astounding 550 to 577 horsepower depending on which model you choose. The fastest will get you up to 60 miles-per-hour in just 4.1 seconds. The top speed can reach up to 175 miles-per-hour. Those are some of the best numbers available for this class of vehicle.

2. Excellent Steering and Handling

The steering and handling on a GLE Class is more akin to a sports car than a sedan or crossover SUV. It's tight and responsive. There are several different driving modes for the higher trim levels. These different modes can change the driving dynamics, firm up the suspension system and alter how the throttle reacts to your foot on the gas pedal. All of these things make the 2019 Mercedes GLE Class a joy to drive.

3. Multiple Body Styles and Trim Levels

The 2019 Mercedes GLE Class can be configured to suit the needs of just about anyone looking for a luxury SUV or sedan. It all starts with the fact that this vehicle can actually be an SUV or a coupe. The coupe version is basically the same vehicle with some altered lines and a trunk instead of the SUV cargo space. There are too many trim levels to even cover in full detail here. These not only offer new convenience and luxury features, but give you several different powertrain options. If you want something economical and more fuel efficient, that's available. If you want something that has the utility of an SUV with the performance of a sports car, you can get that as well.

4. All-Wheel Drive

Most trim levels and configurations of the GLE Class have all-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive is engaged all of the time. There is no option to turn it on and off. This makes the vehicle a great performer on slick pavement. Even snow and ice can be tackled more easily thanks to the AWD and various different driving modes. The GLE Class can also handle some off-road adventures if you need it to. The massive horsepower, torque and AWD means you can take this luxury vehicle just about anywhere.

5. An Elegant Interior

The seats up front are power adjustable. They offer plenty of support and nice contours. You can get cloth or leather upholstery. Both are of the highest-quality materials. Ergonomics and comfort were clearly top priorities for the engineers who designed the GLE Class. The fit and finish are second-to-none on the inside of this vehicle. The dashboard and instrument clusters are modern, attractive and easy to see. The interior is comfortable and simply stunning.

6. Plenty of Room for Passengers

2019 Mercedes GLE Class has a spacious, roomy interior. One of the primary benefits of choosing a crossover SUV is the extra seating. All of the SUV models of the GLE Class can transport up to five people. The coupe models only have slightly less interior space, but they can still transport five average-sized adults with no problems. Best of all, every engine choice is powerful enough to haul lots of people and cargo while never getting bogged down and sluggish.

7. Lots of Cargo Space in the SUV Models

The 2019 Mercedes GLE Class offers plenty of cargo space in the SUV models. The coupe model has about as much cargo space as your average mid-sized sedan. The crossover SUV, however, really shines in this area. With all of the seats in their default positions, you get around 38.2 cubic-feet of storage space. The seats can be folded down to expand the cargo area to an impressive 80.3 cubic-feet of space.

8. The Modern Infotainment System

The GLE Class comes equipped with a modern infotainment system that is intuitive and easy to use. You get a navigation system to help you to always find your destination. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is available. You can also connect devices via Bluetooth technology or by USB port. A premium sound system by Harman Kardon pumps out your favorite tunes with crystal-clear sound and plenty of volume. You get an eight-speaker, surround-sound system and a large touchscreen to display information.

9. A Lot of Standard Safety Features

2019 Mercedes GLE Class is a safe vehicle packed with a ton of modern safety features. A forward-collision detection system is standard for all models. You also get front, side and driver's-knee airbags. A system monitors driver alertness and warns you if you appear to be nodding off. A rear-view camera helps you to safely back up and to better see what's behind you as you drive. This can even be upgraded to a 360-degree view camera.

10. Impressive Crash Test Ratings

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety does extensive tests to see how vehicles hold up in a collision. They give the GLE Class a good rating for a number of these tests. This includes testing on front, side and rear collisions as well as tests to determine overall frame and roof strength.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2019 Mercedes Benz GLE Class – The Cons

1. The Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is something that is seldom very good with this class of vehicle. Whether you choose the coupe or crossover SUV, it will cost you at the gas pump. This isn't specific to the GLE Class. It's something you often have to live with when you choose an SUV or luxury sedan. Fuel-economy ratings vary depending on the model and trim level. At the best end of the spectrum, you can expect around 17 miles-per-gallon in the city and 23 miles-per-gallon on the highway. With the V-8 engine, you'll only get around 12 miles-per-gallon in the city and 18 miles-per-gallon during highway commutes.

2. Hybrid Plugin is Discontinued

We've already covered the poor fuel-economy ratings of the GLE Class. A hybrid plugin would be a nice alternative to the gas guzzlers. It's an economic choice that is also great for those who want to go green. Unfortunately, the hybrid plugin has been dropped from the GLE Class lineup for 2019.

3. A Bumpy Ride

The 2019 Mercedes GLE Class sometimes suffers from a bumpy ride quality. The ride is quiet and comfortable thanks to the excellent seats and posh interior. Unfortunately, you will often feel the bigger bumps in the road. It's most noticeable in the sportier AMG models of the GLE Class. Many drivers will see this as a fair trade-off for the enhanced power and performance of the bigger engines in those AMGs.

How the 2019 Mercedes GLE Class Compares to the Competition

The 2019 Mercedes GLE Class has a lot of competition in the luxury-vehicle market. Three of the top vehicles in this class are the Porsche Cayenne, the Audi Q7 and the BMW X5. The Porsche is comparable in price and fuel economy to the Mercedes, but the GLE Class offers more horsepower and better acceleration. The Mercedes beats out the Audi when it comes to horsepower and overall cargo space. It wins out over the BMW when it comes to horsepower too. The BMW has slightly more cargo space, but the Mercedes interior is more comfortable.

In Conclusion:

2019 Mercedes GLE Class is a fantastic luxury vehicle that is easy to recommend. It offers exceptional power and performance. The interior comfort and quality is among the best in this class of vehicle. You won't likely be disappointed with any model or trim level of this vehicle.