The Mercedes-Benz brand immediately conjures thoughts of exquisite style, performance, luxury and status. Such descriptions are well deserved but, they also bring the constant pressure to continue delivering excellence.
Thankfully, the mid-cycle refreshed 2026 GLE 350 4MATIC SUV answers challenge as another worthy people/cargo hauler. It’s another award-winning hit from Mercedes-Benz to woo a picky, well-heeled customer base in a formidable upscale market.
The reasons are plenty why the GLE model is Mercedes-Benz top-selling vehicle by combining comfort, tech and luxury appointments at a comparatively reasonable price.
SKIN
The exterior possesses a familiar yet elegant SUV silhouette. Our tester’s Obsidian Black Metallic paint drew admiring glances. The angles and curves are smooth while displaying redesigned LED head and taillights. The wheelbase stretches by 3.1 inches and 5.2 inches from bumper to bumper, thus allowing you to order a 3rd row.
The AMG Line Exterior Package ($3,150) and Night Package ($400) add a more aggressive grille, larger front air scoops and black roof rails. 20” AMG 5-Spoke rims with black accents, dual chrome exhausts and cool roof spoiler ($650) complete the attractive exterior. However, future-thinking designers might consider adjustable roof rails that sit flush when not in use, further enhancing the GLE’s clean roofline and overall appearance.
PERFORMANCE
The GLE 350 4MATIC is all-wheel drive (rear wheel is also offered). The engine is a spry turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 with 255-hp/295 lb-ft. torque traveling 0-60 in 6.9 seconds combined with a mild hybrid assist. This provides plenty of power for most customers, but larger engines are available if you desire more thrust. I’d recommend testing both before deciding.
The GLE’s steering is communicative, and Sport Mode brings added friskiness when called upon. A superb 9G-TRONIC nine speed transmission shifts flawlessly and adjusts quickly when changing driving modes with the Dynamic SELECT toggle on the console. The 4MATIC all-wheel option performed superbly in recent Dallas storms.
Gas mileage (21/28) and range (450 miles) are comparable in this class.
CABIN
Oh, the interior. For as advanced as the GLE’s performance capabilities, it’s the alluring cocoon that’ll make you and the inhabitants swoon. There’s so much luxury, so many whiz-bang goodies to enjoy depending on optionable trim packages. High-end materials are abundant throughout the superb layout including the brown walnut trim.
The Exclusive Trim ($1,600) brings ventilated front seats, NAV, and the heralded Burmester Surround System. Move up to the Pinnacle Trim ($5,600) to enjoy the previous benefits plus Multi contour massaging and quick heating front seats, Head Up Display, heated and cooled cup holders, Air Purification, Voice Assistant and the LED Intelligent Light System with curve capabilities.
Those massaging seats (nine settings!) will reward you after a long day at the office or on the golf course. I dialed it up regularly.
I’m a big fan of the gearshift on the right steering wheel stalk that frees up valuable room on the console. A handy trackpad with wrist rest is easy to navigate while driving. Cool handles on the console were welcome to grab when barreling into curves. Paddle shifters change gears without a hitch and add some adrenalin in Sport modes. The thick sport steering wheel has excellent tactile feel. Lighted kick plates and several ambient lighting choices are a welcome touch.
64-color ambient lighting adds to mirror your moods. A large panoramic roof ($1,000) brightens the interior. The Winter Package ($400) adds a heated steering wheel (get it!) and heated windshield washer.
Six cup holders are useful, yet only Type-C USB ports (five) are available, so bring adapters. The 2nd row provides surprisingly generous legroom too and can also be reclined a bit. The 3rd row is cramped for adults thus its useful for extra cargo room. Cargo volume behind the 2nd is 33.3 cu ft. Max cargo space behind front seats with second row folded down in 74.9 cu ft.
Multi-view cameras and a 360-degree Surround View help safely maneuver the GLE into tight confines. It’s a must-have these days as vehicles grow larger but the parking spaces don’t.
TECH TOYS
The stellar MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) combines two beautiful 12.3-inch screens for the Digital Instrument Cluster and Touchscreen Multimedia Displays.
It’s huge, clear and gorgeous. Two memory settings are welcome when sharing drivers. Thankfully, the important controls for climate and audio receive hard buttons for easier access.
Drivers use a track pad on the console to maneuver through the extensive menus. Some selections will require a quick learning curve, but you’ll adapt quickly. Those massage settings can combine with ambient lighting to provide a total relaxation experience.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and work well as does the wireless charger. The “Hey Mercedes” application is akin to Apple’s “Hey Siri” to voice various commands handsfree. Bluetooth transmission is impeccable for phone or music. The Burmester Sound System is concert hall quality.
Of course, the GLE 350 delivers the latest reassuring safety features. It will gently remind you to stay in your lane, constantly scans early-stage sensing traffic patterns to help prevent front collisions brace you for a rear-ender, and PRE-SAFE brake with Pedestrian Recognition. The radar-enabled Active Distance Assist keeps you safely behind cars ahead at a pre-selected distance and Evasive Steering Assist provides additional safety to avoid an obstacle at speed by tightening up the steering response.
The 2026 GLE 350 4MATIC SUV is a superb blend of able performance, luxury and modern technology. It achieves most customer needs of creature comforts, driving capabilities, safety features and design aesthetics. You should add this to your potential selections before pulling the buying trigger.
Test-drive the 2026 GLE-350 4MATIC SUV at Park Place Motorcars in Dallas, Arlington and Fort Worth.