2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 — One Year Ownership Review
What’s it like living with a turbocharged Inline-6 SUV.
Words & Photos by Damian Nicholas | 5 Minute Read
The idea of a luxury SUV seems almost impractical. Range Rover tried this in the 70s with the first-generation Range Rover, combining on-road comfort with Land Rover’s off-road ability. Production continued for almost two decades until 1994. That year, Land Rover rebadged the original Range Rover as the Range Rover Classic. The second-generation model, known internally as P38a, took over the main Range Rover name. Both the Classic and the new model were sold side by side until 1996. This marked the end of the first-generation Range Rover era.
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Despite a lengthy production run, the only notable competition came from Mercedes-Benz in 1997, with the release of the ML-Class that year. The ML models, known internally as W163, were Mercedes' first luxury SUVs. By the end of the 90s, the ML-Class had become the second premium SUV in the segment, long before BMW and Audi entered. Over the years, the ML models evolved. In 2016, Mercedes-Benz renamed the ML-Class to the GLE, adding two body types: the regular SUV and the Coupe model.
Nowadays, the most impressive aspect of the GLE is not its off-road capability, but rather the level of comfort and appeal you experience while driving. Mercedes now offers a total of six trim levels (like the 350, 450, 450e, 580), plus the high-performance AMG models (like the 53 and 63 S).
Among the six trims, this 2025 GLE 450 4Matic is probably the best value for money option. It offers the most balanced combination of comfort, performance, and value—positioned perfectly between the entry-level 350 4Matic and the high-powered GLE 53 AMG.
This particular model is painted in Polar White, a very common color option, especially in residential/family-oriented neighborhoods here in New York City. The paint color is complemented by the Night Package ($400), adding 20-inch AMG twin 5-spoke wheels and black accents.
Visually, the interior is beautiful, and although not a fan of MB Tex, a vinyl-based alternative to leather. In Bahia Brown, it matches the Natural Grain Brown Walnut Wood, visible across the center dash and throughout the cabin.
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Like most Mercedes of this current generation, the GLE 450 is loaded with tech. At the center dash, there are two 12.3-inch screens. One sits behind the steering wheel and has customizable driver displays. My two favorites are Understated, which elegantly shows only the essentials, and Sport, which displays G-force, vehicle speed, and torque.
The other 12.3-inch display, also on the dash, controls Mercedes’ second-generation MBUX infotainment system. This includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. The other 12.3-inch display, also on the dash, controls Mercedes’ second-generation MBUX infotainment system. This includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation.
The cabin is very cozy for both the driver and all passengers. This GLE features optional third-row seating ($2,100) and the optional ($1,000) panoramic moonroof. When open, the cabin feels light and airy. Visually, the interior is stunning during the day, and at night, it offers a different visual experience. The lighting system, which is only available as standard on specific models, offers 64-color options to choose from.
The best color option by far is Glacier Blue, for a more calming atmosphere. However, the ambient lighting is so dominant that it’s one of those features you’ll either really love or hate. I find it appealing, especially with more subtle colors. When the system is set to red or green, it can be overwhelming—almost reminiscent of a teenage boy’s bedroom.
A good driver can easily predict whether a vehicle can fit in a particular parking spot, but thanks to Mercedes’ Active Park Assist, you can let the system park for you. It is worth noting that the Active Park Assist feature is only active when driving at low speeds (about 10 - 15 mph).
Surprisingly, the rear booth of the GLE model is spacious, even with two additional USB-C charging ports included with the third-row package. I’ve managed to fit an average adult bicycle and a 65-inch flat screen TV in the trunk. Both second-row and third-row seats fold flat by using the designated switches located in the rear cargo area.
It’s also worth mentioning that when using the third row, cargo space is limited due to the hatchback design. Furthermore, the third-row seat option only seems practical for kids. My recommendation? Ignore the third-row option for more trunk space, plus you get to keep your spare tire (the third-row option removes your spare tire).
Commuting in traffic can be a daunting task, especially in most cities, but thanks to the GLE 450’s 375-horsepower inline-6 turbo engine with a mild-hybrid system— let’s just say it's enough power to either get you to your destination quickly or in trouble. During testing, the GLE 450 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. Compared to Mercedes’ calculation of the GLE 350 and the GLE 580 models, the GLE 450 is 1.3 seconds faster than the GLE 350’s four-cylinder engine and 1.3 seconds slower than the GLE 580’s 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine with mild-hybrid assist (EQ Boost).
The only downsides to owning a GLE include dealing with a massive amount of brake dust build-up (mainly on the front two tires), faint creaking sounds coming from inside the cabin(rear seats), and paying to access features via the Mercedes Me Connect app (things like Remote Start, Park Damage Detection, and Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance)
Plus, dealing with one of the most invasive collision prevention systems—literally performing full emergency braking, thanks to a cyclist triggering the sensors, during what I thought were perfectly normal conditions. I immediately pulled over and turned off the Active Braking System—which turns back on every time you restart the SUV.
But, I’ll go as far as saying that the GLE is one of the best luxury mid-size SUVs; the interior is comfortable, and the cabin is quiet. The inline-6 engine in this model is powerful enough for this platform, and the 9-speed transmission shifts effortlessly. However, rumor has it, once a Mercedes is out of warranty, be prepared to open an everlasting bar tab at your local Mercedes specialist.
To be transparent, you’ll receive a lot of attention, mainly from women, but not in the sense of attractiveness, more so admiration. I guess from the outside it's the same for me too—to the young man driving my dream car (Lava Orange Porsche 911 GT3) on Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn. It's not you, it's the car.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4Matic
Base Price: $82,995 USD (Based MSRP + Options)
Vehicle Layout: Front-engine, AWD, 5-Passenger, 4-door SUV
Engine Type: 3.0L Inline-6 Turbocharged Engine
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Max Horsepower @ RPM: 375 @ 5500
Max Torque @ RPM: 369 @ 1600
Fuel Capacity/ Gas Tank Size: 22.5
Curb Weight (pounds): 5060
Wheelbase (inches): 117.9
Length (inches): 193.9
Width (inches): 76.7
Height (inches): 70.8
0-60 MPH: 5.4 Seconds
Top Speed: 155 MPH
Jan 25, 2026
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