The Mercedes-Benz GLE is one of the luxury SUVs that blends space, power and prestige. In 2025, the GLE continues to be a strong pick for Indian buyers who want more than what compact and mid-size premium SUVs offer. It offers roomy space, strong engines, modern tech and good safety kit. This review is detailed for Indian roads, budget, daily use and family needs. I try to keep sentences short and vocabulary simple.
Quick Spec Table — Mercedes-Benz GLE (India, 2025)
| Feature | Specification (Typical India Variant) |
|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 5 seats (some markets offer optional 7, but mostly 5 in India) |
| Engine Options | 2.0L Diesel (300d 4MATIC), 3.0L Petrol (450 4MATIC) |
| Power | ~269 PS (diesel) / ~375 PS (petrol) |
| Torque | ~550 Nm (diesel) / ~500 Nm (petrol) |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive (4MATIC) |
| Top Speed | ~230-250 km/h range depending on variant |
| Boot Space | Large (family usable) |
| Key Features | LED lighting, panoramic sunroof, MBUX, driver assist, 360 camera, AWD |
| Price Range (Ex-Showroom) | ~₹96-110+ lakh depending on trim and petrol/diesel differences |
What is the GLE and why it matters in India
The GLE sits above smaller SUVs like the GLC and below full-size ones like the GLS in Mercedes’ SUV lineup. It gives buyers a middle ground: space, comfort, optional power, and features. For many families or executives, the GLE offers rear seat comfort, ample boot, and a commanding driving position. It becomes relevant in India when SUVs need to handle highway runs, bad patches of road, hilly terrain and monsoon weather while giving premium feel.
Price, variants and ex-showroom cost in India
As of late 2025, the GLE is priced in the premium SUV band. The base variant (GLE 300d 4MATIC AMG Line) starts around ₹96.15 lakh ex-showroom, and you can pay over ₹1.07 crore for top trim (GLE 450 4MATIC petrol). Diesel variants remain popular among long-distance users. Petrol V6 or higher powered trims with 4MATIC drive cost more, not just in purchase but also for fuel and maintenance. Recent tax changes in Indian policy (like a reduction in GST or change in duty) have slightly shifted some pricing down or made features more accessible. ([turn0search1] [turn0search8] [turn0search5])
Engines and performance
The GLE offers multiple engine options in India. The commonly available ones include:
- GLE 300d 4MATIC AMG Line: Diesel, around 2.0-litres (1993 cc), producing roughly 269 PS and ~550 Nm torque. Good for highway runs and heavy loads. ([turn0search8])
- GLE 450 4MATIC: Petrol V6, ~3.0-litres, producing ~375 PS and ~500 Nm torque. Stronger performance, faster acceleration. ([turn0search5])
All GLE models use automatic transmission (9-speed gearboxes are common globally). Power delivery is smooth. The diesel gets good pull from low RPM, useful for overtaking on highways and climbing slopes. Petrol V6 gives more punch when you want spirited drive. 4MATIC all-wheel drive adds grip in wet and slippery roads.
Design, road presence and exterior features
The GLE looks imposing yet tasteful. With strong shoulder lines, large grille, smart LED headlamps, it projects presence on Indian roads. Alloy wheels are large, and higher trims get sportier styling (AMG Line) with chrome touches and more aggressive bumpers. Roof rails, large windows, and a tall profile give good visibility and easier entry/exit. The stance is commanding, which many buyers like. It looks more premium than many rivals, not just in size but in finish and details.
Interior, space and comfort
Inside the GLE, you feel the premium nature right away. There are soft-touch materials, leather upholstery in higher trims, good attention to fit and finish. The driver seat offers multiple adjustments (power, memory) and often heating/ventilation in top-spec trims. Rear seats are spacious; two adults travel comfortably at the back. The flat floor helps with central seat comfort. Boot space is large enough for luggage for family trips. Long drives are comfortable in part due to good insulation, lower noise, and relatively relaxed ride.
Also Read Mercedes-Benz GLC 2025 Review — Refined Mid-Size SUV for Indian Roads
Features, tech, infotainment
The GLE is well equipped with the latest Mercedes tech. Some key items include:
- Dual display setup: digital cockpit plus central multimedia screen.
- MBUX infotainment with navigation, connected-car features.
- Voice control with “Hey Mercedes” to control many functions.
- Panoramic sunroof in higher trims.
- Ambient lighting, premium audio in top versions.
- 360-degree cameras, parking sensors, advanced driver aids in high-spec variants.
These features make the GLE feel modern and keep it ahead in comfort and convenience. The larger displays, quality audio and good climate control help on long drives and in hot/humid weather.
Ride, handling and refinement
The ride in the GLE is tuned toward comfort. Suspension handles city bumps and rough patches well. On highways it remains stable with less body roll. Steering is light when parking or in traffic. It firms up at speed for better stability. The diesel 300d is smoother for long cruising. Petrol 450 with 4MATIC offers more dynamics and holds well in corners, though with a heavier price tag. Braking is reliable. Refinement is good—engine, wind and tyre noise are managed well, especially in higher trims with better insulation and tyres.
Fuel economy and running cost
Fuel efficiency is not the strongest point of GLE due to its size, weight and power. Here’s what you can expect in Indian conditions:
- Diesel 300d: Better highway mileage, maybe ~12-14 km/l or more when driven gently. City use will bring lower figures due to traffic, stop-start.
- Petrol 450: Strong power, but fuel usage is higher. Fuel cost per km will be noticeably more than diesel.
- Maintenance, tyres, insurance, servicing costs are premium. Spare parts cost are higher. Service intervals are reasonable but filled at premium outlet rates. Using authorised service centres helps retain resale value.
Buyers must account for fuel, insurance and maintenance when considering ownership cost over a few years.
Safety and driver assistance
Safety is a strong point for the GLE. Standard and optional features include:
- Multiple airbags.
- ABS with EBD, ESC (Electronic Stability Control).
- 4MATIC variants get better traction in low grip conditions.
- Driver aids: parking sensors, 360-degree camera, blind spot detection, lane keeping, emergency braking. Some variants include mild-hybrid systems that help in smoother restarts and better fuel economy.
However, some reviewers note that ADAS features are good but may be over-sensitive in Indian stop-and-go traffic. Features sometimes trigger at mild cases. Reviewers suggest testing the variant in your city traffic. ([turn0search3] [turn0search6])
Practical concerns for Indian roads
Ground clearance is an important metric for India. The GLE, being larger, has less clearance than rugged SUVs. It handles speed breakers, potholes and broken patches well when driven carefully. Wheel size and tyre profile matter; larger wheels with low profile tyres hurt ride more on poor roads. Rear visibility is decent though blind spots exist; useful where parking or reversing in tight spaces. For hilly terrain or monsoon-prone zones, 4MATIC helps but drivers should be aware of wet road behaviour.
Variants and trims
The main variants in India include:
- GLE 300d 4MATIC AMG Line (Base Diesel) – lower power, more efficient, price lowest among GLEs.
- GLE 450 4MATIC (Petrol, V6) – higher power, more features, costlier maintenance, premium look and feel.
AMG Line trims have sportier styling touches. Higher trims add more features: panoramic roof, premium upholstery, upgraded sound, extra driver assist features. Features and variant availability may vary by city.
Pros and cons summary
Pros:
- Spacious and premium cabin.
- Strong performance, especially in higher trims.
- Good tech and feature set.
- Solid safety features.
- Prestige and brand value.
Cons:
- High purchase price and high running cost.
- Fuel consumption is higher for petrol V6.
- Size and weight make it less nimble in tight city roads.
- Ground clearance might challenge badly broken rural roads.
- ADAS sometimes overreacts in traffic; not always perfectly tuned for Indian driving patterns.
FAQs — Questions Indian Buyers Often Ask
1. Which variant should I choose: petrol or diesel?
If you do mostly highway runs, carry heavy loads or drive in hilly terrain, the diesel 300d 4MATIC is more efficient and delivers strong torque. If you want more response, smoother delivery and don’t mind fuel costs, the petrol 450 offers more power.
2. Is the GLE good for city driving?
Yes, but with caveats. It is large and takes space. Steering is lighter in city. Parking sensors and camera help. But traffic, tight roads and poor patches will test the ride and visibility. If you drive mostly urban, choose lower power, smaller wheels and features that help maneuverability.
3. How is mileage?
Expect ~12-14 km/l on highway with diesel. In city, real-world city figures are lower, likely 8-11 km/l depending on traffic and air conditioning. Petrol V6 will drop more fuel. Ownership cost over years will depend heavily on how you drive.
4. What safety features are standard?
Standard includes multiple airbags, ABS, ESC, parking sensors, rear-view camera. Higher trims include driver-assist features like lane keeping, blind spot detection, adaptive brakes, 360-degree camera.
5. How does the GLE compare with rivals like BMW X5 or Audi Q7?
GLE offers a good balance of space, comfort and prestige. Audi Q7 offers three-row seating (more space for more people) and some features. BMW X5 leans sportier in handling. GLE is more about all-round comfort and brand value. If performance and third-row seating are priorities, rivals might offer those options.
Conclusion — Is the Mercedes-Benz GLE right for you?
If you want a large, premium SUV that offers comfort, power and advanced features, the GLE is one of the best in its class. For Indian family use, business use or highway travel, it delivers strong value where size, safety and badge matter.
However, you must be ready for higher costs — fuel, maintenance, tyres and insurance. Also check the variant carefully for your city traffic and roads. Petrol V6 is more expensive to run. Diesel is more efficient, but there are costs for AdBlue or emissions equipment.
All considered, for buyers who want luxury, good space and refined performance, and are ready to manage ownership costs, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 2025 is a compelling option. It offers more of what prestige SUVs should give — comfort, features and presence — while not going overboard in size or cost like some full-size SUVs.
Author- Ayush
