2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-class Expert Review
The GLE-Class is at the heart of Mercedes’ SUV lineup, and the GLE-Class Coupe is its counterpart that emphasizes design and performance. This stylish variant has been offered since 2016, and the current GLE-Class Coupe went on sale for 2021. Although it’s long been an AMG-only SUV, a non-AMG version arrives for 2025. Rivals include the BMW X6, Polestar 4, and Audi Q8.
Looking for the non-Coupe model? Read all about the standard GLE-Class here.
What’s New
- All models get biometric fingerprint scanner as standard equipment
- Non-AMG GLE450 entry level model joins the lineup
- AMG variants get AMG crest embossed into front headrests
- New Manufaktur Signature exterior paint colors: Mystic Blue Metallic, Cote d’Azur Light Blue Metallic, Ireland Mid Green Metallic, Silicon Grey
- New Manufaktur Signature Nappa leather upholstery colors: Truffle Brown, Yacht Blue, Carmine Red
What We Think
Rather than sensibility and practicality, the GLE-Class Coupe is all about the vibe. It’s less spacious and more expensive than the standard GLE-Class, but it’s also more stylish—a potentially worthwhile trade-off for some luxury drivers.
The GLE-Class Coupe is best known for its AMG variants, which pack plenty of power and performance-suggesting panache. Some of its rivals may still be more outright sporty, but how the AMG GLE-Class Coupes deliver fun in balance with traditional Mercedes luxury and tech gives them appeal. And now there’s a non-AMG model for those who like this SUV’s design more than its performance.
Fastback SUVs like the GLE-Class Coupe never make quite as much sense as their conventional counterparts. For some drivers, that’s hardly a deterrent—quite the opposite. This SUV’s alluring looks and punchy performance are hard to resist, and the GLE-Class Coupe delivers on those indulgences.
Performance and MPGs
For 2025, the entry-level GLE450 Coupe joins the lineup, using a detuned version of the engine in the GLE53 Coupe. All 2025 GLE Coupe models use a nine-speed automatic transmission and AWD.
GLE450 Coupe
- Engine: 3.0-liter turbocharged I-6 mild hybrid
- Horsepower/Torque: 375 hp/369 lb-ft
- Efficiency (city/highway): 19/25 mpg
- Acceleration (0–60 mph): 4.9 seconds
GLE53 AMG Coupe
- Engine: 3.0-liter turbocharged I-6 mild hybrid
- Horsepower/Torque: 429 hp/413 lb-ft
- Efficiency (city/highway): 18/22 mpg
- Acceleration (0–60 mph): 4.6 seconds (est.)
GLE63 AMG Coupe
- Engine: 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 mild hybrid
- Horsepower/Torque: 603 hp/627 lb-ft
- Efficiency (city/highway): 14/19 mpg
- Acceleration (0–60 mph): 3.5 seconds
Safety Ratings and Features
Although the GLE Coupe hasn’t been crash safety tested, the standard GLE SUV has been. It earned 2024 Top Safety Pick+ status from IIHS, the highest possible accolade.
Standard driver assist and active safety features on the GLE Coupe include front automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high-beams, and driver attention monitoring. Choosing the optional Driver Assistance package adds adaptative cruise control, lane keep assist, emergency evasive steering assist, intersection collision mitigation, semi-automated lane changing, and more.
GLE-Class Coupe vs. GLE-Class: How Much Smaller?
Compared to the standard GLE-Class SUV, the GLE-Class Coupe is slightly shorter in height and wheelbase. Interior space is accordingly reduced. In the GLE-Class Coupe, cargo capacity measures 31.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 64.1 cubic feet when the second row is folded down. Meanwhile, the standard GLE-Class SUV provides 33.3 and 74.9 cubic feet in those measurements, respectively.
Technology
All 2025 GLE Coupe models include dual 12.3-inch digital displays, one as the gauge cluster and the other as the infotainment touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, along with built-in navigation, 64-color interior ambient lighting, a digital voice assistant, and a 13-speaker Burmester premium audio system. Both rows of seats have USB-C ports, and there’s a wireless charging pad in the front row.
GLE53 AMG vs. GLE63S AMG: What’s the Difference?
Long story short: quick and quicker. The GLE53 AMG Coupe has a hybridized turbocharged I-6 making well over 400 hp, which should deliver a 0–60-mph time of under 5.0 seconds. Although it’s powerful and poised, the GLE53 doesn’t have the same level of aggression as some other AMG models, which some drivers might appreciate. That edginess is found in the GLE63S AMG Coupe, which packs a twin-turbo V-8 punching out over 600 hp and hustles to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. It rides firm on its sport suspension and big wheels but still has the luxuries expected from a Mercedes-Benz.
New 2025 GLE450 Coupe
The GLE-Class Coupe has long been an AMG-only model, but that changes for 2025 with the introduction of the GLE450 Coupe. It starts at about $78,000, a considerable reduction from the roughly $93,000 GLE53 AMG Coupe and $135,000 GLE63S AMG Coupe. No, the GLE450 doesn’t have its counterparts’ power and performance, but it has the same alluring design and most of the same standard equipment.
Read our 2025 GLE450 Coupe First Test review here.
Other Sporty Fastback SUVs:
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2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-class
Performance
6.7/10
Efficiency/Range
8.2/10
Tech/Innovation
6.5/10
Value
8.0/10
Overall
We score every vehicle on mpg, value, technology, design innovation, how it drives, and much more.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-class Trims and Pricing
Trim | Price |
|---|---|
| GLE 350 GLE 350 SUV | $63,000 |
GLE350 Exclusive | $64,300 |
| GLE 350 GLE 350 4MATIC SUV | $65,500 |
GLE350 Pinnacle | $68,650 |
| GLE 450 GLE 450 4MATIC SUV | $72,500 |
GLE450 Exclusive | $73,800 |
| GLE 450 GLE 450 4MATIC Coupe | $77,550 |
GLE450 Pinnacle | $78,150 |
| GLE 580 GLE 580 4MATIC SUV | $90,350 |
GLE580 Pinnacle | $94,700 |
