Ten Things to Know About the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE continues to serve as the cornerstone of the Mercedes-Benz luxury SUV lineup. Positioned between the compact GLC and the larger GLS, the GLE offers a well-balanced mix of space, performance, refinement, and technology. It appeals to a broad audience, from families in need of a versatile midsize SUV to driving enthusiasts looking for high-performance options in the AMG lineup. Available in multiple versions including a plug-in hybrid and two Mercedes-AMG models, the GLE offers more choice than almost any other vehicle in its segment.

With the GLE’s 2024 refresh carrying over to the 2025 model year, the SUV benefits from updated design elements, interior enhancements, and an expanded lineup that includes electrified drivetrains. This article breaks down everything buyers should know before stepping into a Mercedes-Benz showroom.

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE Versions and Powertrains (Canadian Market)

The GLE is also available in a Coupé body style for the AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S variants.

1. There’s a GLE for Everyone

One of the key reasons behind the GLE’s popularity is the wide range of versions offered. The GLE 350 is ideal for buyers focused on comfort, prestige, and reasonable efficiency, while the GLE 450 adds six-cylinder smoothness and enhanced acceleration. The GLE 450e plug-in hybrid delivers strong power and an all-electric range suitable for many daily commutes. Those seeking more excitement can turn to the AMG GLE 53 or the incredibly powerful AMG GLE 63 S, each with significantly enhanced performance and handling.

With this broad lineup, Mercedes-Benz ensures the GLE appeals to a variety of needs—from traditional luxury buyers to those seeking electrification or outright performance.

2. The Plug-In Hybrid GLE 450e Offers Real-World EV Range

The 2025 GLE 450e 4MATIC pairs a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with a powerful electric motor and a 23.3 kWh battery pack. The result is 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, along with an all-electric range estimated at up to 60 km under Natural Resources Canada guidelines.
That range allows for emissions-free urban commuting and qualifies for provincial incentives where applicable. More importantly, it doesn't compromise interior space or towing capacity—this version still tows up to 3,500 pounds and includes 4MATIC all-wheel drive for year-round confidence.

3. MBUX System: Class-Leading Technology at Your Fingertips

All versions of the 2025 GLE come with the second-generation MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system. This includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, voice activation with natural language processing, and a new steering wheel with touch controls.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wireless and standard. The GLE also supports over-the-air software updates and optional features like a head-up display, augmented reality navigation, and biometric authentication via fingerprint scanner. The system not only looks high-tech but operates fluidly and intuitively, setting a benchmark for the segment.

4. Unmatched Comfort and Cabin Quality

Inside the GLE, luxury is not just about materials—it’s about execution. The seats offer excellent long-distance support and a wide range of adjustment, including heating, ventilation, and massage functions in higher trims. Materials are upscale, with available open-pore wood, brushed aluminum, and Nappa leather.

A third row is available as an option on GLE 450 models, expanding seating to seven. Cargo space ranges from 630 litres behind the second row to over 2,000 litres with seats folded flat, making the GLE a legitimate alternative to larger three-row SUVs for many families.

5. High Safety Standards with Advanced Driver Assistance

Mercedes-Benz equips the 2025 GLE with a full suite of safety features. Standard systems include Active Brake Assist, Blind Spot Assist, and Attention Assist. Optional packages expand on this with Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, and Traffic Sign Assist.

These features allow for semi-automated driving in certain conditions, particularly on highways, where the system can adjust speed, maintain lane position, and assist in traffic jams. The GLE remains one of the safest vehicles in its class, with top crash test ratings and high visibility thanks to its tall stance and well-designed glass area.

6. Mercedes-AMG Models Redefine SUV Performance

The AMG GLE 53 and GLE 63 S deliver stunning performance that rivals dedicated sports cars. The GLE 53 uses a turbocharged inline-six with a mild hybrid system and delivers 429 horsepower. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in about 5 seconds.

The GLE 63 S, meanwhile, is in a class of its own with 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque from a 4.0-litre biturbo V8, launching to 100 km/h in under 4 seconds. AMG models come with specific suspension tuning, AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension, enhanced braking systems, and aggressive exterior styling, including quad exhaust tips and unique grilles.

7. Air Suspension and Off-Road Modes Enhance Versatility

The 2025 GLE is more than just a highway cruiser. Optional AIRMATIC air suspension improves comfort and handling, while also allowing the driver to raise the ride height for off-road driving. The available Off-Road Engineering package adds additional drive modes, hill descent control, and underbody protection.

This makes the GLE one of the more capable luxury SUVs when it comes to venturing off paved roads—especially when equipped with the GLE 450 or 450e, which combine power and ground clearance with balanced weight distribution.

8. Towing Capacity Meets Practical Expectations

The GLE is a capable tow vehicle, with most versions rated to pull up to 7,700 pounds (3,500 kg) when properly equipped. That includes both the GLE 450 and AMG models. The GLE 350, with its smaller engine, offers a slightly lower maximum towing capacity of 5,950 pounds (2,700 kg). The plug-in hybrid GLE 450e is also rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds, making it one of the few plug-in SUVs that doesn’t significantly compromise capability.

Trailer Stability Assist is standard, and a trailer hitch with wiring harness is available across the lineup.

9. Refinement That Sets It Apart from Rivals

Compared to rivals like the BMW X5, Audi Q7, and Volvo XC90, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE places greater emphasis on smoothness, quietness, and overall composure. The cabin is notably hushed, even at highway speeds, and the suspension isolates road imperfections extremely well.

The result is a serene driving experience that doesn’t sacrifice handling. Even the standard steel suspension performs admirably, but the available air suspension and adaptive dampers elevate the experience to a higher level of sophistication rarely matched in this category.

10. High Resale Value and Strong Brand Equity

The GLE benefits from strong residual values in part due to the brand’s prestige, but also because of its consistent quality and long-standing reputation for luxury and safety. Even older models retain value well, and the newer plug-in hybrid and AMG variants are expected to remain desirable in the used market.

This makes the GLE not just a luxury purchase, but a smart one from a financial perspective as well. The brand equity of Mercedes-Benz, especially when backed by strong technology and broad trim variety, helps the GLE stand out in an increasingly competitive segment.

Conclusion 

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE is a standout in the midsize luxury SUV space because it combines wide-ranging capability with unmistakable refinement. Whether you prioritize performance, electrification, practicality, or long-distance comfort, the GLE offers a version tailored to those needs. With a plug-in hybrid offering real EV range, high-performance AMG variants, and a wealth of safety and technology features, the GLE proves that luxury doesn’t have to come with compromises.