Used Mercedes-Benz GLE for sale: everything you need to know

If you’ve previously owned a Mercedes M-Class, ML or GLE, then the latest GLE makes a logical progression. It’s even better appointed and more fun to drive. Adding to the appeal is a plethora of luxury equipment and, like many large SUV rivals, seven-seat practicality is in the mix too.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE’s cabin is an impressive thing in itself, featuring two glass-fronted 12.3-inch screens that are mounted side-by-side in front of the driver. It's very cool to look at and functional too. Infotainment functionality is also well-catered for on all GLEs, so you get DAB radio, sat-nav, Bluetooth and a raft of connected services. A wireless phone charging plate comes as standard too. 

Disappointingly, the basic AMG Line car doesn't get Apple Carplay or Android Auto a standard, and if you want it, you have to step up to AMG Line Executive trim, which gives you literally nothing else except some bigger wheels. 

Stepping up a trim further adds augmented reality for your sat-nav. This overlays instruction graphics over a camera image of the road ahead of you, pointing out precisely where you should be going. It looks really cool, and it’s also really handy. Stepping up to the very top trim also adds a Burmester surround sound system.

Competition is healthy in this area of the used car market though, so also consider the BMW X5, Audi Q8, the Porsche Cayenne, the Range Rover Sport. Those after the flexibility of extra seating should also investigate the  Audi Q7, Land Rover Discovery and Volvo XC90. Even bigger rivals come in the shape of the BMW X7 and Merc’s own GLS.

Should you buy a Mercedes-Benz GLE?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE is a classy and very desirable car with great looks and an impressive specification, even on the lower trim cars. If you're after a used car that comes with an innovative infotainment system, which is very good on the eyes along with a healthy range of engines, plus a really efficient PHEV version, it's well worth investigating. Better still, if you've got family, friends or clients to move there a spacious interior for five or even seven people and luggage too.

A Mercedes-Benz GLE not for you? We've got 1000s of used cars for sale to suit all budgets and needs.

What’s the best used Mercedes-Benz GLE model to buy?

For our money, most buyers will be best off with the entry-level Mercedes-Benz GLE 300d diesel. It’s the cheapest version to buy, it’s strong and refined on the road, and aside from the plug-in hybrid version, it delivers the best fuel economy. For long-distance drivers, it’s definitely the pick. 

However, if you only have a short commute, or you’re a company car driver, you’ll want to consider the 350 de PHEV. That’s because it can do up to 66 miles on electric power alone, meaning short commutes will cost peanuts, and it also gives vastly reduced Benefit-in-kind tax bills for fleet customers. Bear in mind, though, that you can’t have the PHEV with seven seats.

Trim-wise, there’s not much you’d want that entry-level AMG Line trim doesn’t give you, so we’d stick with that.

Used Mercedes-Benz GLE fuel economy and performance

The Mercedes-Benz GLE comes with a range of engines along with a very efficient PHEV version. Diesel makes sense if you're clocking up the miles, with the GLE 300 d, which has a 2.0-litre unit with 245PS and an official WLTP figure of up to 46mpg. The 350 de combines it with an electric motor in a super-efficient plug-in hybrid package, delivering 320PS. Its worth noting that this is different to the GLE 350d, which uses a 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel featuring 272PS, while the GLE 400 d uses the same unit, but hikes power to 330PS. 

As for petrol, things start off with the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 featuring a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine, which benefits from a smidgen of electric assistance and turns it into a mild hybrid as a result. The GLE AMG 53 is a similar setup but power is boosted up to 435PS. All versions use a nine-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive as standard. 

Expect around the 40mpg mark from the 350 d and 400 d, the 450 petrol is at around 33mpg and the AMG 53 only just manages to better 30mpg. Most impressive, though, looks to be the 350 de plug-in hybrid with its WLTP laboratory test result of almost 260mpg.

What used Mercedes-Benz GLE trim levels are available?

The most recent Mercedes-Benz GLE comes in a trio of trim levels including the entry-level AMG Line, the AMG Line Premium and top spec AMG Line Premium Plus.

• The entry-level Mercedes-Benz GLE AMG Line car comes very well kitted out with capable infotainment and safety gear plus two-zone climate control, heated front seats, power-folding door mirrors, automatic lights and wipers. Four powered windows, keyless go, cruise control, leather upholstery, a leather-effect dashboard along with ambient lighting featuring no fewer than 64 colours rounds it out. 
• Want more? You could upgrade to Mercedes-Benz GLE AMG Line Executive, but the only obvious benefit is Apple Carplay/Android Auto plus bigger alloys. 
• The Mercedes-Benz GLE AMG Line Premium trim adds augmented reality navigation and a memory package for the electric seats.
• The Mercedes-Benz GLE AMG Line Premium Plus adds a panoramic roof.
• The Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 versions have bespoke trims based on the AMG Line Premium and AMG Line Premium Plus. They’re pretty much the same with a few little tweaks, and all 53s get more sophisticated air suspension.
• If you're after a used seven-seat option you also get four-zone climate control, extra USB-C sockets plus powered seats in the second row.

Used Mercedes-Benz GLE dimensions and boot size

The Mercedes-Benz GLE’s dimensions are:

• Length: 4924mm
• Width: 2157mm
• Height: 1797mm
• Ground clearance: 200mm

The Mercedes-Benz GLE’s boot size is:

• 630-litres 
• 490-litres in the plug-in hybrid

Used Mercedes-Benz GLE road tax

Between years two and six of the car's life, Mercedes-Benz GLE owners will be required to pay tax at a rate of £475 per year. After that, annual bills will drop to the £150 flat rate. However, used car buyers invariably dodge the hefty first-year tax payments that buyers of new examples are required to pay. Just as well as it amounts to £1305 on most versions and £1850 on the AMG 53s.

Company car drivers will definitely want to go for the PHEV version. While the rest all command Benefit-in-kind tax payments based on 37% of the car’s value, meaning very steep bills, it’s just 6% on the 350de. That’ll mean healthy savings.

How much is it to insure a Mercedes-Benz GLE?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE groupings range between 44 at the bottom and 49 at the top. It's worth remembering group 50 is the priciest group so premiums are probably not going to be cheap. However, it's an issue that will affect any of the GLE's premium rivals, so it's not alone in this respect.

Read our full Mercedes-Benz GLE review