If you’ve been wondering, “Is there a Mercedes-Benz dealer near me?” because you want to check out the GLE, you’ve certainly chosen a great model from this iconic manufacturer. This mid-size SUV offers the sophisticated and timeless styling you might expect from a Mercedes-Benz, with a comfortable cabin with seating for five or seven. Of course, you’ll notice right away that you have several options, and it’s not clear at first how they differ from one another based on their names. We can assure you that Mercedes-Benz was very intentional in its creation of the GLE lineup, and within it, there’s a model for every driving style.
So, what are the model options? There is the GLE 350 4Matic, 450 4Matic, 450e 4Matic, and 580 4Matic (there’s also the AMG series, but we’ll stick to the basics for today because the AMG appeals to a very different buyer’s market). We’ll drop the use of “4Matic” for the rest of the piece for easier reading, but for reference, it’s just the name of Mercedes-Benz’s lightweight AWD system. So, what do all the numbers mean and how will your experience differ in any of these models? Today, we’re going to focus on performance (a common point of interest for Mercedes-Benz shoppers) to help you understand the personalities and power of each 2025 GLE.
First, Let’s Talk About Engines
Each of the GLE models has a different engine under its hood. The 350 has a 2.0L inline-4 turbo engine with mild hybrid drive, the 450 has a 3.0L inline-6 turbo engine with mild hybrid drive, and the 450e is a plug-in hybrid containing the same I-4 of the 350 plus a battery that you’ll charge with the 9.6 kW onboard charger.
Finally, the 580 has a 4.0L V8 engine with mild hybrid drive. Mild hybrid drive means that the vehicle’s battery can provide gentle electric assistance to boost fuel economy, but it cannot drive on battery power alone like a PHEV can. All engines are paired to a 9G-Tronic 9-speed transmission. The nine speeds allow for super smooth gear changes, a quieter and smoother ride, and improved fuel economy. No matter which vehicle you choose, you’ll benefit from the 9G-Tronic.
Now, Let’s Look at Fuel Economy
So, how do these different engines hold up in the fuel efficiency department? The 350 is going to have the best fuel economy for the traditional gas engine models, seeing figures of 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. Moving to the 450, you see a very small dip, with still 19 MPG in the city and down to 25 MPG on the highway. The 450e is, of course, going to be more about electric range, and it has a range of 49 miles; traditional fuel economy figures are not available for the 450e. Finally, the 580 focuses on power and not fuel efficiency, so you’re going to see a dip there down to 15 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway.
What About Horsepower and Acceleration?
So, how do these models respond to demands for acceleration? Well, let’s first look at horsepower and torque since they impact acceleration. The 350 produces 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The 450 offers 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The 450e gives you 381 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. The superstar is going to be the 580, with 510 hp and 538 lb-ft of torque.
So, what does this look like in the real world when you put the pedal to the metal? The 350 needs seven seconds to get from 0 to 60 MPH, the 450 needs 5.3 seconds, and the 450e lags a little behind its gas engine counterpart, at 5.8 seconds. The 580 will get you from 0 to 60 in 4.3 seconds.
What About Towing?
The great news is that all of these models can tow 7,700 lbs. That’s somewhat surprising given their varying engines but Mercedes-Benz seemed to pull it off. So, if you need to tow some sizable cargo, the model you choose won’t impact your ability to do so.
What About Tires?
The 350, 450, and 580 each have standard all-season tires. These are going to do well in moderate weather of all kinds, so they’re ready to handle mostly dry ground with some mild showers. The 450e, on the other hand, gets the added perk of extended mobility all-season tires. Also called “run-flat tires,” extended mobility tires allow you to continue driving (at very low speeds—typically 50 mph or less) with low tire pressure. So, as long as the tire isn’t damaged or destroyed but is just low on air, you can get to an air pump without having to call for a tow.
Which One is Right for You?
As you can see, you have some interesting options when shopping for a 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE. The 350 might be your best daily driver. It has the best fuel economy of the traditional gas engine models. Plus, it has the lowest price tag of the selection, so it’s a great choice for drivers who are working with a budget but still want to enjoy the performance and luxury that only Mercedes-Benz can offer.
The 450 offers a nice blend of some of the powers that get you closer to the 580, with the practicality of the 350. Fuel economy nearly mirrors that of the 350, but if you have the need for a little more speed, it gets from 0 to 60 mph faster than the 350. Now, if you want the ability to drive in all-electric mode, naturally, the 450e is going to be your go-to choice. If it’s serious power and performance you’re after, the 580, with its roaring V8 engine and ability to get from 0 to 60 in 4.3 seconds, is your model.
On a Note Somewhat Unrelated to Performance…
While this isn’t directly related to performance, it’s worth mentioning the seating capacities of these vehicles. While the 350, 450, and 580 can all be ordered with five or seven seats, the 450e is only available with five seats. The reality is that extra weight puts a ding in fuel economy figures, and electric vehicles need all the help they can get to keep that efficiency up. So it makes sense that Mercedes-Benz limits passenger capacity for the 450e so that you can experience its full potential. However, if you need seating for seven, this might be a drawback.
Which GLE Model Fits Your Needs?
Hopefully, this guide has helped you gain a better understanding of the full 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE lineup. The numbers that follow names from this brand tend to confuse shoppers at first, but once you familiarize yourself with them, you get the general idea that higher numbers mean higher power.
Overall, the GLE features the classic styling of a Mercedes-Benz and is loaded with advanced infotainment and technology, as well as impressive comfort and convenience features inside. Think sprawling touchscreens, studio-quality sound systems, and premium seating materials, so no matter which model you choose, you’ll enjoy the ride.
